Emirates, DHA to offer digital verification for fliers

Emirates and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) have signed an MoU which aims to position Dubai as one of the first cities in the world to implement digital verification of traveller medical records related to COVID-19 testing and vaccination.

The MoU was signed by 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.

The project, which will commence immediately, will go live in the coming months.

They will link the IT systems of DHA-approved laboratories with Emirates' reservations and check-in systems to enable the sharing, storing and verification of passenger health information related to COVID-19 infection, testing and vaccination.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates' Chairman and Chief Executive, said in a statement: "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."

The announcement comes as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) - a global trade body representing more than 290 airlines - urges governments to adopt a global framework for COVID-19 testing and certification.