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Emirates Airline has partnered with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to become one of the world’s first cities to implement digital verification of passengers’ medical records to see their test history and vaccination status. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive, and His Excellency Awadh Al Ketbi, Director General of Dubai Health Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding which allows Emirates and the DHA to link the IT systems of DHA-approved labs to Emirates’ reservations and check-in systems to verify passenger health information.
In a statement, Sheikh Ahmed said, “Dubai is a leading global air transport hub, as well as one of the world’s most progressive cities in the area of e-government services. It’s a natural step to combine our capabilities to implement digital verification of COVID-19 medical records, which will also enable contactless document verification at Dubai Airport. This will tremendously improve the traveller experience, as well as the reliability, efficiency and compliance with entry requirements imposed by destinations around the world.”
Emirates assures the system will be used in “a secure and legally compliant manner.” Are you planning on leaving the UAE anytime soon? You could be one of the first to experience the new programme. “The project will commence immediately, with the aim of bringing it to “live” implementation to benefit travellers in the coming months,” Emirates shares.
Rumours about the implementation of vaccine passports are also swirling on the internet, which would require those wishing to travel to show a digital passport detailing whether they have had a vaccination and/or have tested negative for COVID-19.
Bahrain has already launched their COVID passport for those that have received the vaccination; residents can show their immunity status via an app. Etihad Airways, in partnership with The International Air Transport Association has launched a similar app called the IATA Travel Pass, which displays the passenger’s COVID test results and informs them whether they are eligible to travel to the desired destination.
Not only does this mean fewer physical documents to carry around the airport (and subsequently misplace) but it allows for seamless data sharing and a smoother travel process… hopefully.
Photos: Unsplash and Instagram
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