Dubai authorities introduced new regulations this week with the aim of curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Under the new protocols, Dubai residents are required to prove that they have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter specific public spaces, such as live concerts and sporting events.

In this regard, the authorities have urged the residents to use the Al Hosn app to present their vaccination certificate, as paper copies will not be accepted. Noting that only electronic copies of vaccine certificates will suffice, authorities have affirmed that the Al Hosn app is the best way for residents to present their vaccination certificates.

The Al Hosn app was launched as a medium of tracking and tracing any contact with COVID-19 cases. It is also used by motorists to be able to enter Abu Dhabi from Dubai. Notably, the authorities have expanded the app's remit to support the UAE's ongoing nationwide vaccination drive.

Here are all the details relating to downloading and using the Al Hosn app.

What is the Al Hosn app?

Developed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, it is the official COVID-19 contact tracing and health testing record for UAE's health authorities.

What does Al Hosn do?

The app allows contact tracing on a national scale in an easier manner such that authorities are able to rapidly contain the spread of the virus. When the app of turned on for tracking, it allows authorities to warn you to self-isolate if you have come in close proximity with someone who recently tested positive for the disease.

Furthermore, the app contains all the information related to your COVID-19 test results such that you can take necessary precautions if you test positive.

In line with the vaccination drive, the app also stores your COVID-19 vaccination certificate such that you can use it across the UAE when needed. If you travel to foreign countries after taking both vaccine doses, you can use the Al Hosn app as a vaccine travel certificate.

How to download the app?

You can download the Al Hosn app from multiple app stores on your smartphone including, the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery and Galaxy Store free of charge.

After registering your details on the app, you will receive a validation code (OTP) on your phone number to authenticate your ID. After authenticating your ID, you are required to turn on Bluetooth to receive push notifications on your smartphone in order to use the app for tracing.

During the initial installation, the Al Hosn app requires an internet connection. It is important to note that the app is whitelisted by telecom operators which prevents them from using your data against your quota.

How does the app work?

The app uses Bluetooth technology to track and send signals to nearby users who have installed the app on their smartphones. According to the Al Hosn website, the Bluetooth signals conduct a digital handshake and exchange anonymous data and timestamps between those devices that are close proximity to each other. The app temporarily stores the anonymous data in an encrypted form on the user’s phone and then deletes it after three weeks. The app does not collect any personally identifiable information throughout the entire process.

If a person tested positive for COVID-19, the health authority will collect the list of anonymous IDs and timestamps from the past 21 days for contact tracing. The data will be analyzed by the health authority in order to notify those who may be at risk.

Why do I need the Al Hosn app?

All expatriate residents travelling back to the UAE from foreign countries are required to download the Al Hosn app. Since February 1, the authorities have made it compulsory for those travelling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai to show the Al Hosn app with their negative COVID-19 test certificate.

Furthermore, as of the beginning of this week, people willing to go to a bar, club or large events like a concert or sports match in Dubai are required to prove that they have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Essentially, the Al Hosn app is the easiest way to do present the vaccination certificate.

Who can use the Al Hosn app?

Everyone in the UAE can use the app. At the same, authorities are also calling on people to download the app for ease of movement and travel.

I'm a tourist in the UAE. Should I download the app?

Yes. All vaccinated tourists are encouraged to use the Al Hosn app to prove they have taken vaccine doses in their home country. Tourists can register their "unified number" (UID) listed on their visa on the app. Tourists can also prove their vaccination status by showing an electronic certificate on their smartphones.

Tourists will also be required to show their vaccination certificates to be able to enter bars and nightclubs, and large public events in Dubai.

Why has my Al Hosn app turned red?

The app has a colour-coded system with the aim of showing details of your health status. If the app turns red, it means that your most recent PCR Test has returned positive for the disease. In such a case, you must seek medical advice from the local health authority. In addition, the colour amber indicates that are required to be tested or retested due to possible exposure to COVID-19.

Similarly, the green colour denoted that your test report has returned negative. Moreover, grey indicates there are no recent test results.

What does the E on my Al Hosn app mean?

If the app shows the letter E, it means you have taken your second COVID-19 vaccine dose at least 28 days ago as well as a negative PCR test within the last seven days. The app on your smartphone must show the letter E to be able to cross the border from Dubai into Abu Dhabi repeatedly for days after your last negative test result.

If you wish to keep the E status on the app, you are required to perform a COVID-19 PCR test every week.

I am vaccinated, but it is not showing up on my Al Hosn app. What should I do?

If you have taken both doses of a vaccine, but the details do not appear on your app, you must go back to the clinic where you took the vaccination.

Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, who leads the vaccination and testing campaign at Dubai's COVID-19 command and control centre, spoke about the issue during a radio interview. She encouraged those people facing problems or difficulties with their vaccination certificates to reach out to the health authorities or clinics where they received their vaccines. She added that the centre will immediately work on the issue and rectify any problems.

For further queries related to the Al Hosn app, people can contact the relevant authorities at 800 HOSN (4676).