One way the UAE has tackled the pandemic is through its Al Hosn app, which launched on April 26, 2020, and enabled smartphone users to receive their PCR test results. Later on, it was mainly used to allow visitors to enter the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
On June 7, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) approved the “Green Pass” protocol that required UAE residents to use the Al Hosn app to show their vaccination status and PCR test validity in order to enter Abu Dhabi and various spaces within the emirate, including malls, restaurants and more.
The Al Hosn color-coding system defined six categories: fully vaccinated, second-dose recipients, first-dose recipients waiting for their second dose, or late to their second-dose appointment, those exempt from receiving the vaccine, and the non-vaccinated. Due to technical issues, the system was temporarily suspended, but it returns to full effect on August 20.
One thing the Al Hosn system absolutely requires, however, is a smartphone. What about all those people – namely low-income workers – who don’t have one? The Abu Dhabi Media Office tells Livehealthy accommodations will be made.
“Anyone who does not own a smartphone can present their PCR test result using the text message received from the testing facility,” said a representative.
It took some searching, but Livehealthy managed to find someone without a smartphone in Dubai.
“I never owned a smartphone because I couldn’t afford it and I felt my regular phone was enough for my daily life,” says Prasad Khan, who washes cars in Business Bay in Dubai. “For my clients, I either see them in the car park to talk to them or I call or text them when payment is needed, so not having a smartphone was never an issue for me.”
Khan heard about the mandatory app through his friends. “I wondered what I would do if I had to go to Abu Dhabi,” he says. “I only had the opportunity to travel there once but I chose not to because it seemed too complicated at the time, so I decided to stay in Dubai instead.”
One of his friends, Raju Ritesh, who lives in Abu Dhabi, didn’t have a smartphone either. But he managed to buy one for Dh300, just to avoid facing any potential issues.
“The app was needed to enter the emirate and certain areas, so I saved up enough money to buy a smartphone,” he says. “I found it a bit difficult to use at first, but my friends helped in explaining to me how to use it and then it was fine. I almost don’t leave Abu Dhabi so I never really needed it, but it helped to know I would be able to move around if I needed to.”
On August 20, the Green Pass system will officially take effect, with Al Hosn-based proof of vaccination required to enter many of the emirate’s public spaces. This includes shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and all other retail outlets. According to the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, supermarkets and pharmacies are exempt.
“I am not sure if they will require people to have the app in the future, but for now, I am glad to hear we can use text messages,” Khan says. “It can be a bit difficult, but I will choose to stay in Dubai if they need it to cross the border. My friends in Abu Dhabi have a smartphone so they can always come to see me in Dubai, if they want to.”
