Emirates Airline, in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority, has commenced full digital verification of medical records related to COVID-19 tests and vaccinations for travelers residing in the UAE. According to a statement released yesterday, Emirates customers who have undergone a PCR test in Dubai can now complete their travel procedures without the need to present paper health documents related to COVID-19. Furthermore, the records of those vaccinated at Dubai Health Authority centers will be verified digitally.
The statement emphasized that the new streamlined verification procedures will ensure the rapid and secure processing of departing customers at Dubai International Airport, followed by a match of the information with the entry requirements of the intended destination. Emirates will only handle COVID-19-related information pertaining to customers' entry requirements and will process medical permissions for other cases when necessary. Once travel procedures are completed, all medical record information related to customers will be immediately deleted from Emirates' systems.
This development follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Emirates Airline and the Dubai Health Authority about two months ago, marking the first such initiative between an airline and a government health authority. Emirates' statement confirmed that the integration of systems positions Dubai among the first cities worldwide to implement full digital verification of travelers' medical records concerning COVID-19 vaccinations and tests.
Digital Solutions
Adel Ahmed Al-Redha, Emirates' Chief Operating Officer, stated that the UAE is a leading country in adopting technology and digital applications, strongly supporting this trend, adding that this initiative aligns with the government's vision. He expressed happiness about taking this step in the aviation sector to cooperate with the Dubai Health Authority in linking systems to enhance customer experience through efficient and secure processing of relevant documents. He asserted that the partnership with the Dubai Health Authority in managing passenger travel is unique and a first step towards future initiatives that will showcase Dubai's pioneering approach to offering innovative digital solutions across various service sectors.
Paperless Care
Ahmed Al-Nuaimi, Executive Director of the Joint Corporate Support Services Sector at the Dubai Health Authority, affirmed that the authority is vigorously moving towards the adoption of paperless healthcare to enhance patient comfort and improve the services provided to them. He added, "Since the onset of the pandemic, we have been promoting and enhancing the use of digital healthcare. Our strategic vision for investing in digital healthcare has paved the way for such pioneering integration with Emirates today," noting that this partnership will simplify and facilitate travel while ensuring the verification of all necessary COVID-19 medical records.
Efficiency and Security
Kholood Ali Al-Shamsi, Director of Information Technology at the Dubai Health Authority, highlighted the significant benefits of the authority's strategic investment and focus on healthcare technology, extending beyond the health sector to the travel industry as well. She stated, "This partnership will enhance the concept of how technology can assist airlines in efficiently and securely receiving COVID-19 test results and vaccination records for travelers. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have tirelessly worked to connect all COVID-19 testing laboratories in Dubai to the Outbreak Management System within the Dubai Health Authority, demonstrating its effectiveness in developing such unique integration with Emirates."
Paper Documents
Emirates confirmed that the next phase of digital verification in the coming months will see a secure integration of health records into the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass as an additional option to further facilitate passenger travel. It clarified that travelers who have undergone PCR tests or vaccinations outside of Dubai will be required to present the necessary documents when completing their travel procedures. Additionally, some countries require travelers to carry paper documents upon traveling; therefore, they should verify the latest entry requirements for their destination on the website www.emirates.com/ae/english/help/covid-19/travel-requirements-by-destination.
