Whether it’s your first time visiting the UAE or not and whether you only want to explore Abu Dhabi or all the emirates, making a to-do list before you travel can help you stay organised and make the most out of your trip here.
Since travel restrictions have been reduced, you can now travel to the United Arab Emirates to visit its many world-famous tourist attractions, including the Burj Khalifa, Legoland Dubai, Dubai Creek, Jebel Jais, Jebel Hafeet, Al Aqah Beach, and the Hajar Mountains.
The UAE’s capital city, Abu Dhabi, is home to several of the must-visit places in the country. Examples are the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Beach, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and Liwa Oasis.
Whether it’s your first time visiting the UAE or not and whether you only want to explore Abu Dhabi or all the emirates, making a to-do list before you travel can help you stay organised and make the most out of your trip here.
Your to-do list should include organising your travel documents, creating your itinerary, packing, and downloading the Alhosn app.
What is the Alhosn app
Alhosn is the UAE’s official app for contact tracing and other important updates regarding COVID-19.
The app is used as a collective contract tracing tool, tracking people who were in close contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases, informing them of this incident, and asking them to take a PCR test.
This app also gives you quick access to all your COVID-19 test results, including previous reports and their dates.
Individuals who took a PCR test recently can get their results directly on the Alhosn app.
Moreover, the Alhosn app allows you to keep records of your COVID-19 vaccination details, including the type of vaccine and the dates you got them.
Additionally, you can share these reports and certificates easily when asked to do so.
Finally, Alhosn uses a health colour coding system to help identify and allow COVID-19-free individuals to go to public spaces in the UAE.
The colours designate the following:
- Green – indicates a person has been tested, is free from the coronavirus, and can be granted access to public places.
- Grey – indicates a person has no pending test results.
- Red – indicates a person has received a positive result on a recent COVID-19 test and must seek the advice of the local health authority.
The Alhosn app is the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and local health authorities. It is endorsed by the National Authority for Emergency and Crisis Management.
It was created and powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the same as the ones used by similar apps in other countries.
The app is free and downloadable from Apple, Google Play, Samsung Store, and Huawei AppGallery.
Why do travellers to Abu Dhabi have to download the Alhosn app
As mentioned, the Alhosn app has a health colour coding system that helps people identify the public spaces they can go to in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE.
As a tourist visiting Abu Dhabi, you need to focus on getting the Alhosn green pass so that you and your companions can be free to explore various places in the city.
At present, everyone, including tourists, can obtain a green pass on the Alhosn app, regardless of their vaccination status.
If you are fully vaccinated with a UAE-approved vaccine or have been issued a recovery certificate with a QR dated within 30 days of your travel, you are eligible to get a green pass without taking a PCR test before you arrive in Abu Dhabi.
If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated yet, you have to show a negative PCR test you took within 48 hours of your arrival in Abu Dhabi or a COVID-19 recovery certificate with a QR dated within 30 days of your travel to be issued a green pass.
If you have children under 16 travelling with you, they will automatically be given a green status.
Once you and your companions have a green pass, you can enter all public spaces in Abu Dhabi, including beaches, parks, malls, restaurants, and the other tourist attractions you want to visit here.
How can you get the Alhosn app
It is best to install the Alhosn app on your smartphone or mobile device before your flight to Abu Dhabi.
Follow these steps for installing this app on your mobile device:
- Open the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security or ICA website and complete the Register Arrivals and Vaccination Certificates Attestation form. You can also do this by downloading its app from the Apple Store, GooglePlay, Samsung Store, or Huawei AppGallery.
- Ensure you have photos or electronic copies of your vaccination certificate or documents. You need to attach these to your application for a vaccine pass.
- Double-check all the information you entered in the form. Once done, attach your vaccination documents and send them for review.
- Wait for a text message informing you of the result of your application. If it is approved, the SMS has a link you have to use to download the Alhosn app on your smartphone or any mobile device.
- When you arrive at the Abu Dhabi airport, you will receive a Unified Identification (UID) number. Enter this code and the contact number you used when you registered on the ICA on your Alhosn app. You can also get a UID from the ICA website.
- Wait for the one-time password (OTP) to be sent to your number. Use this to complete your Alhosn registration.
Once your Alhosn app is up and running, you can check it to see what status you received. You’ll likely get a green pass if you are fully vaccinated with the approved vaccines.
As of June 2022, your green pass will be valid for 14 days.
You can also use this app to access information about your vaccination whenever you need it.
When you’re ready to explore Abu Dhabi, you simply need to show your green pass when you are asked for it. You’ll then be allowed entry to the place you want to go.
But even if you have a green pass, make sure you follow all COVID-19-related guidelines implemented in certain areas. These may include wearing a face mask and practising social distancing inside indoor public places.
Keep in mind that even if you are on holiday in Abu Dhabi, you still need to protect yourself and your companions from the threat of the coronavirus to fully enjoy your stay in this incredible city.
TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific editorial team has an experience of over 35 years in B2B travel journalism as well as in tourism & hospitality marketing and communications.
