In Abu Dhabi, the medical fitness test for residence visas is run by SEHA — the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company — through its dedicated Disease Prevention & Screening Centres (DPSCs). The panel is the same as Dubai's DHA, but the booking process, opening hours, and fees differ in ways that matter on the day.
What SEHA tests for
SEHA runs the federally mandated communicable-disease panel:
- HIV (anti-HIV)
- Hepatitis B (HBsAg)
- Hepatitis C (HCV) — occupation-based
- Tuberculosis — chest X-ray plus sputum if needed
- Syphilis (VDRL/RPR) — occupation-based
- Leprosy — physical examination
- Pregnancy declaration — occupation-based
SEHA Disease Prevention & Screening Centres in 2026
| Emirate / area | Centre | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi city | Madinat Zayed DPSC | 07:00 – 21:00 (Mon–Sat) |
| Abu Dhabi city | Mussafah Industrial DPSC | 07:00 – 18:00 (Mon–Sat) |
| Abu Dhabi city | Khalifa City DPSC | 07:00 – 18:00 (Mon–Sat) |
| Al Ain | Al Tawia DPSC | 07:00 – 18:00 (Mon–Sat) |
| Al Ain | Al Ain Hospital DPSC | 07:00 – 14:00 (Mon–Sat) |
| Al Dhafra (Western Region) | Madinat Zayed Western DPSC | 07:00 – 14:00 (Mon–Thu) |
Service tiers and fees
| Tier | Result | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3 working days | 250 |
| VIP | 24 hours | 500 |
| Premium VIP (Madinat Zayed only) | 2 – 4 hours | 750 |
| Home medical (Abu Dhabi city only) | 24 – 48 hours | 1,400 |
SEHA fees are slightly cheaper than DHA at the standard tier, but the Premium VIP option is more limited — only Madinat Zayed offers same-day for general applicants.
Booking — the SEHA app or e-form
- Download the SEHA app (iOS / Android) and sign in via UAE Pass.
- Open "Visa Medical Examination" from the homepage.
- Select centre, date and time slot.
- Upload passport, visa entry stamp / status-change receipt, and a passport-size photo.
- Pay via app — Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit cards accepted.
- Receive the QR code; show it at reception on the day.
Walk-ins are accepted at Madinat Zayed and Mussafah but expect a 60–90 minute wait at peak hours.
Documents required
- Original passport (entry stamp visible)
- Status-change receipt or visa-issuance letter from MOHRE / ICP
- Passport photo (white background)
- Existing EID (renewal cases)
How SEHA differs from DHA in practice
| Factor | SEHA (Abu Dhabi) | DHA (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard fee | AED 250 | AED 320 |
| VIP fee | AED 500 | AED 520 |
| Standard turnaround | 3 days | 2 – 3 days |
| Booking app | SEHA app | DHA app / Sehhaty |
| Result destination | ICP federal system | GDRFA Amer + ICP |
| Premium 30-minute service | Limited (Madinat Zayed only) | Smart Salem (multiple sites) |
| Sunday opening | Closed | Smart Salem only |
What happens at the centre
- QR code scanned at reception, token issued.
- Photo and biometrics (if first issuance).
- Blood draw — single tube.
- Chest X-ray.
- Brief clinician review.
- Result uploaded to the federal ICP system overnight (standard) or within hours (VIP).
Reasons people fail in Abu Dhabi
Same federal criteria as Dubai. The most common are active TB on chest X-ray, HIV-positive results, and Hepatitis B for restricted occupations (food, salon, healthcare). SEHA's Madinat Zayed centre runs an on-site TB clinic, so suspicious X-rays are typically resolved within 7–10 days rather than the longer chains we see in some other emirates.
Tips for Abu Dhabi applicants
- Avoid the first hour after opening — queue is longest then.
- Mussafah is the fastest centre for blue-collar / labour-card medicals.
- Madinat Zayed is the only DPSC running Premium VIP — book 48 hours ahead.
- If you live in Al Ain, do not drive to Abu Dhabi — Al Tawia is faster.
- Khalifa City is ideal for residents on Yas Island and Saadiyat.
Frequently asked
Can I do my SEHA medical for a Dubai visa? No — the medical must be performed in the emirate of residence sponsorship. Cross-emirate medicals are rejected by ICP/GDRFA.
Does SEHA require fasting? No.
Can my children be tested at the same centre? Children under 18 are exempt from the disease panel but still need a clinical exam at SEHA's family-visa lane.
How long is the result valid? 90 days. If your visa is not stamped within that window, the test must be repeated.
Will my employer pay? Yes for employment visas. For investor / freelance / family visas, the applicant pays.
How we help
Visa Simplified handles the SEHA booking, file preparation, and result tracking through to your residence stamping. See medical & biometrics services, or read our DHA Dubai medical fitness guide if you'll be sponsored from Dubai.
Need help with this?
Our PRO consultants handle the full process end-to-end — documents, government submission, and delivery. Service fee is fully refundable pre-submission.