This guide covers every vaccination centre, the full booking process, eligibility rules, side effects, booster doses, and what to bring on the day. Whether you are a resident, expat, or visitor, everything you need is right here.
Quick Facts – Pfizer Vaccine in Dubai
| Topic | Details |
| Main KW answered | Where to get Pfizer vaccine in Dubai |
| Government centres | Zabeel, Al Mizhar, Nad Al Hamr, Barsha, Uptown Mirdif, Hatta Hospital |
| Private hospitals | American Hospital, Mediclinic, Aster Cedars, Emirates Hospital, Saudi German Hospital |
| Booking hotline | 800-342 (toll-free, 24/7 WhatsApp) |
| DHA app | Available on iOS and Android |
| Cost | Free at DHA centres for residents and nationals; fees apply at private clinics |
| Number of doses | 2 doses, 21 days apart |
| Booster eligibility | 6 months after second dose, aged 18+ |
| Children | Eligible from age 5 (Pfizer-BioNTech approved by MoHAP) |
| Walk-in eligibility | Seniors 60+, UAE nationals, people of determination, chronic illness, healthcare workers |
| Side effects duration | Usually resolved within 48 hours |
| Emergency contact | DHA: 800-342 |
| Mandatory? | No, but vaccinated individuals are exempt from quarantine requirements |
What Is the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine?
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is a COVID-19 vaccine developed jointly by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech. It is marketed under the brand name Comirnaty. The vaccine uses mRNA technology to teach your immune system to recognise and fight the coronavirus.
It was the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use validation from the World Health Organization. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also given it full approval. In the UAE, it is approved for use in individuals aged five years and above.
The vaccine works by delivering genetic instructions to your cells. Your immune system reads those instructions and builds a defence against the virus. No live virus is used in the process.
Where to Get Pfizer Vaccine in Dubai — DHA Government Centres
The Dubai Health Authority runs the main Pfizer vaccination programme across the emirate. These centres offer the vaccine free of charge to UAE nationals and registered residents. All centres operate daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The DHA-approved public vaccination centres in Dubai include:
- Zabeel Primary Health Care Centre
- Al Mizhar Primary Health Care Centre
- Nad Al Hamr Primary Health Care Centre
- Barsha Primary Health Care Centre
- Uptown Mirdif Medical Fitness Centre
- Hatta Hospital
Most of these centres require a confirmed appointment before you arrive. Walk-in access is available for specific priority groups. Those groups are listed in the eligibility section below.
If you are planning your trip to Dubai from abroad, it is worth confirming your vaccination status before you travel. Having your Pfizer doses completed in advance saves time and simplifies your arrival.
Private Hospitals Offering Pfizer in Dubai
Private hospitals in Dubai also carry the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. These are particularly useful for tourists, new arrivals, or anyone who prefers private healthcare. All private centres listed here are DHA-licensed and follow the same safety protocols as government facilities.
Key private hospitals where you can get the Pfizer jab include:
- American Hospital Dubai — 04 377 5500
- Mediclinic Parkview Hospital — 800 1999
- Mediclinic Welcare Hospital — 800 1999
- Aster Cedars Hospital, Jebel Ali — 04 440 0500
- Saudi German Hospital — 800 2211
- Emirates Hospital — 800 444444
- Kings College Hospital London Dubai — 04 247 7777
- Fakeeh University Hospital — 04 414 4444
- Prime Medical Center, Motor City — 04 707 0999
Tourists and visitors who do not have a UAE Medical Record Number should contact these hospitals directly. Fees vary by centre. Always confirm availability and required documents before attending.
How to Book Your Pfizer Vaccine Appointment in Dubai
Booking is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. There are three main ways to schedule your appointment.
Option 1 — DHA App Download the Dubai Health Authority app from the App Store or Google Play. Log in with your Emirates ID details. Select COVID-19 vaccination and choose your nearest centre. Pick a date and time that works for you.
Option 2 — Call 800-342 Call the DHA toll-free number on 800-342. An automated system will walk you through the options. Select COVID-19 vaccination when prompted. You will then speak to a DHA customer service representative who will complete your booking.
Option 3 — WhatsApp Booking Add 800-342 to your phone contacts. Send the word “Hi” to that number on WhatsApp. The AI-powered chatbot runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Select your language, choose option 3 for vaccination, and follow the steps to link your Medical Record Number and book your slot.
For Ministry Route You can also book through the MoHAP COVID-19 UAE app, available on both Google Play and the App Store. This route is used by residents registered under the Ministry of Health and Prevention rather than the DHA.
If you do not yet have a Medical Record Number, send an email to info@dha.gov.ae. Attach a copy of your Emirates ID and include your mobile number. The DHA team will respond with your appointment details.
Who Is Eligible for the Pfizer Vaccine in Dubai
Residents and Adults The Pfizer vaccine is available to all UAE residents aged 16 and above. Two doses are required, spaced 21 days apart. You must complete both doses of the same vaccine brand.
Children Children aged 5 to 15 are eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Dubai. The Ministry of Health and Prevention authorised emergency use for this age group based on clinical trial results. Children with an active COVID-19 infection at the time of appointment are not eligible.
Walk-In Access (No Appointment Needed) The following groups can attend without a prior appointment at participating DHA centres:
- UAE nationals and their household workers
- Senior citizens aged 60 and above
- People of determination (individuals with disabilities)
- People with chronic illnesses
- Healthcare and education personnel
Tourists and Visitors Tourists without UAE residency should contact private hospitals directly. Most private DHA-licensed hospitals accommodate short-term visitors. Always call ahead to confirm availability and bring your passport and travel documents.
Who Cannot Get Vaccinated Certain individuals are not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai. These include people currently infected with COVID-19, participants in vaccine clinical trials, those with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines, and individuals who have already received a COVID-19 vaccine outside the UAE. Pregnant and lactating women should consult their doctor before proceeding.
If you believe you are ineligible, you can apply for a COVID-19 vaccine exemption certificate through the DHA by calling 800-342.
Once your health is sorted, there is plenty to look forward to. Dubai has incredible family activities in Dubai that make any visit worthwhile.
What to Expect on the Day
Arrive at your vaccination centre at least 20 minutes before your appointment time. Bring your Emirates ID, your Medical Record Number, and any relevant medical reports if your eligibility is based on a chronic condition.
The medical team will take your vital statistics first. They will then ask a standard set of health questions. If your answers meet the required criteria, you will be asked to sign a consent form before receiving the injection.
After the jab, you must stay at the centre for 20 minutes. This observation period ensures you do not experience any immediate adverse reactions. The clinic will send you an SMS confirming the date and time of your second dose.
Do not switch vaccine brands between your first and second dose. Consistency matters for the vaccine to work properly.
Pfizer Vaccine Side Effects in Dubai
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can cause mild to moderate side effects. These are normal signs that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. Most side effects resolve within 48 hours.
Common side effects include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fever or chills
- Nausea
- Swollen lymph nodes
Drink plenty of water and rest if needed. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel unwell immediately after vaccination.
If your symptoms continue beyond 72 hours or become severe, seek medical help. You can contact the DHA on 800-342 or visit the nearest health centre. For emergencies, call 998 (Dubai Police ambulance) or 04 219 2000 (DHA emergency line).
Exploring all the incredible things to do in Dubai is much easier when you are fully vaccinated and feeling well.
Pfizer Booster Dose in Dubai
A booster dose is recommended for added protection against newer COVID-19 variants. In Dubai, you become eligible for the booster six months after receiving your second Pfizer dose. The booster programme is available to individuals aged 18 and above.
People with chronic diseases who are at higher risk of complications may be eligible for a booster after just three months. Confirm your eligibility through the DHA app or by calling 800-342.
Your booster should match your original vaccine brand. If you received two Pfizer-BioNTech doses, your booster should also be Pfizer-BioNTech. You book the booster through the same channels as the primary doses — the DHA app, the WhatsApp line, or the toll-free number.
All COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses, are free across Dubai and the wider UAE for registered residents and nationals.
Is the Pfizer Vaccine Free in Dubai?
Yes. The Pfizer vaccine is completely free at all DHA government centres for UAE nationals and registered residents. This applies to both primary doses and booster shots.
Private hospitals may charge a fee. Tourists and visitors who access the vaccine through private clinics should confirm the cost in advance. Fees vary by hospital and are not fixed by the government.
COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory in Dubai. However, fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from quarantine requirements after 28 days from their second dose. This makes getting vaccinated a practical advantage for residents and frequent travellers alike.
After getting vaccinated, make the most of your time in the city. A guided experience is one of the best ways to see everything — consider exploring Dubai by tour to cover the highlights without the hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I get Pfizer vaccine in Dubai as a tourist?
Tourists can get the Pfizer vaccine at DHA-licensed private hospitals such as American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic, or Aster Cedars. Government DHA centres are reserved for UAE residents and nationals. Always call ahead to confirm availability and bring your passport.
2. Is the Pfizer vaccine free in Dubai?
Yes, it is free at DHA government centres for UAE nationals and registered residents. Private hospitals charge a fee, which applies mainly to tourists and unregistered visitors. Confirm the cost directly with the clinic before your visit.
3. Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
Most residents need a prior appointment booked through the DHA app, WhatsApp, or 800-342. Walk-in access without an appointment is available for UAE nationals, seniors aged 60 and above, people of determination, those with chronic illnesses, and healthcare workers.
4. How many doses of Pfizer do I need in Dubai?
You need two doses, administered 21 days apart. A booster dose is recommended six months after your second dose for eligible individuals aged 18 and above. Do not switch brands between doses.
5. What documents do I need for Pfizer vaccination in Dubai?
Bring your Emirates ID and your Medical Record Number. If your eligibility is based on a chronic condition, bring a supporting medical report. Tourists should bring their passport and any relevant travel or health documents.
6. What are the side effects of the Pfizer vaccine?
Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, mild fever, and muscle pain. These usually pass within 48 hours. Seek medical help if symptoms last beyond 72 hours or are severe.
7. How do I book a Pfizer booster dose in Dubai?
Use the DHA app, call 800-342, or book via WhatsApp by messaging 800-342. You become eligible six months after your second dose if you are aged 18 or above. Booster doses are free at DHA centres for residents and nationals.
