Emirates plans to use the International Air Transport Association's Travel Pass, a Covid health app being tested by airlines around the world, on all routes across its global network within the coming weeks.
The airline, which was among the first global airlines to run trials of the mobile app in April, currently uses it on flights to 10 cities in Europe and the US, it said in a statement on Monday.
"From our biometrics path at Dubai International to initiatives like the Iata Travel Pass and integration with the health authority databases, these projects deliver multiple benefits from better customer experiences to the reduced use of paper, and improved efficiency and reliability in travel document checks," said chief operating officer Adel Al Redha.
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Iata Travel Pass app to go live within 'weeks', Iata boss says
The Iata Travel Pass is set to go live globally within weeks, Iata's director general Willie Walsh said earlier this month.
A number of Middle East and global airlines will launch the digital travel pass for Covid-19 test results and vaccine certification, Mr Walsh said on June 10.
Emirates passengers can now use the the Iata Travel pass when flying between Dubai and London, Barcelona, Madrid, Istanbul, JFK airport in New York, Moscow, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris, according to the airline.
Passengers on these flights can use the app to gain access to the latest Covid-19 related travel information, including the location of PCR test labs, and manage their Covid-19 travel documents such as vaccination and the latest PCR test results.
Passengers on these flights will receive a text message and email with the activation code and instructions on downloading the Iata Travel Pass app.
The app is now available to both iOS and Android users, and can also be used by customers with non-biometric passports.
Al Hosn app integration
Emirates has also teamed up with the UAE's Covid-19 contact-tracing and health document app Al Hosn.
From July, Emirates will integrate the Al Hosn app with its check-in systems, expanding its existing integration with the Dubai Health Authority.
This will allow Emirates passengers travelling from the UAE to benefit from the quick digital retrieval and verification of Covid-19 medical records, regardless of where in the country they have received the vaccine or had PCR and antigen tests, Emirates said.
The airline addressed privacy concerns surrounding digital health certification and verification apps.
"Customers who opt to allow access their Covid-19 related health information via the Al Hosn app for travel purposes can rest assured that once check-in formalities are completed, information related to their Covid-19 medical records will be immediately discarded from the Emirates systems," the airline said.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, Saudia and Gulf Air are among the regional airlines conducting Iata Travel Pass trials on select routes.
The mobile app launch comes as Iata urges governments to allow the integration of digital Covid certificates into passenger applications such as its Travel Pass to relieve pressure on airports and immigration check-points as passenger traffic rebounds.
Emirates plans to ramp up capacity over the summer. By the end of July, it will have recovered close to 90 per cent of its pre-pandemic network and will operate 880 weekly services to 124 cities, up from 115 in June.
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)
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The currency conundrum
Russ Mould, investment director at online trading platform AJ Bell, says almost every major currency has challenges right now. “The US has a huge budget deficit, the euro faces political friction and poor growth, sterling is bogged down by Brexit, China’s renminbi is hit by debt fears while slowing Chinese growth is hurting commodity exporters like Australia and Canada.”
Most countries now actively want a weak currency to make their exports more competitive. “China seems happy to let the renminbi drift lower, the Swiss are still running quantitative easing at full tilt and central bankers everywhere are actively talking down their currencies or offering only limited support," says Mr Mould.
This is a race to the bottom, and everybody wants to be a winner.
Five healthy carbs and how to eat them
Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand
Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat
Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar
Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices
Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants
Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
