• Abu Dhabi residents are inoculated at the screening and vaccine centre on the Corniche. A nationwide testing and inoculation campaign is credited with driving down cases. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    Abu Dhabi residents are inoculated at the screening and vaccine centre on the Corniche. A nationwide testing and inoculation campaign is credited with driving down cases. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • Staff and nurses from the Abu Dhabi public hospital group Seha urged the public to protect themselves from Covid-19 by signing up to be vaccinated.
    Staff and nurses from the Abu Dhabi public hospital group Seha urged the public to protect themselves from Covid-19 by signing up to be vaccinated.
  • Motorists queue for PCR tests at Seha's testing and vaccination centre on Abu Dhabi's Corniche.
    Motorists queue for PCR tests at Seha's testing and vaccination centre on Abu Dhabi's Corniche.
  • Mass testing and a successful vaccination campaign has helped the UAE to tackle the pandemic.
    Mass testing and a successful vaccination campaign has helped the UAE to tackle the pandemic.
  • Drivers wait at a centre that provides both PCR nasal swab tests and coronavirus vaccine doses.
    Drivers wait at a centre that provides both PCR nasal swab tests and coronavirus vaccine doses.
  • Shenaz Abdul Salam, 13, gives a thumbs up as he waits to receive his first vaccine dose.
    Shenaz Abdul Salam, 13, gives a thumbs up as he waits to receive his first vaccine dose.
  • A staff nurse fills in a vaccination form for a driver at the Corniche centre.
    A staff nurse fills in a vaccination form for a driver at the Corniche centre.
  • Mariam Al Badi, an Emirati nurse working at Seha's drive-through vaccine centre, has urged everyone to get inoculated against Covid-19.
    Mariam Al Badi, an Emirati nurse working at Seha's drive-through vaccine centre, has urged everyone to get inoculated against Covid-19.
  • Ms Al Badi goes through the vaccination process with a driver.
    Ms Al Badi goes through the vaccination process with a driver.
  • Cars queue at the drive-through testing and vaccination centre on Abu Dhabi's Corniche.
    Cars queue at the drive-through testing and vaccination centre on Abu Dhabi's Corniche.
  • More than 80 per cent of the UAE population has been vaccinated and the government is urging those who have not to sign up.
    More than 80 per cent of the UAE population has been vaccinated and the government is urging those who have not to sign up.
  • An Abu Dhabi resident gives the thumbs up after signing up for vaccination.
    An Abu Dhabi resident gives the thumbs up after signing up for vaccination.
  • Authorities have made the vaccines free for everyone.
    Authorities have made the vaccines free for everyone.
  • A medical worker checks papers as Abu Dhabi residents sign up for the Covid-19 vaccine.
    A medical worker checks papers as Abu Dhabi residents sign up for the Covid-19 vaccine.
  • The drive-through Covid-19 testing and inoculation centre has proved popular with Abu Dhabi residents.
    The drive-through Covid-19 testing and inoculation centre has proved popular with Abu Dhabi residents.

Abu Dhabi's new Al Hosn rules prompt thousands to flock to Covid-19 screening centres


  • English
  • Arabic

Related: Free PCR tests in Abu Dhabi - Health workers see screening numbers double in a day

Tens of thousands of residents have been rushing to screening and vaccination centres in Abu Dhabi to activate their green passes.

Centres across the emirate were packed yesterday with those seeking PCR tests and others with pre-booked vaccination appointments.

Waiting times reached up to three hours at some centres, according to people in the queues, an increase that happened after the latest government regulations came into force on Tuesday.

We are happy to see this enthusiasm to take the vaccine

The green pass system is being used across public areas including parks, beaches, malls, hotels and large supermarkets. Gyms, swimming pools, entertainment centres, restaurants and cafes also require proof for entry.

To obtain a green pass on the Al Hosn app, people must be vaccinated and/or tested for Covid-19.

Both private and public screening centres have since been inundated with visitors.

The number of visitors requesting PCR tests and vaccinations has doubled at Bareen International Hospital in Mohamed bin Zayed City.

"From June 15 onwards we have seen a 100 per cent rise in demand for Covid-19 PCR tests. For Covid vaccines we have seen a double growth in the number of inquiries from the general public," said Dr Amaka Uzu, a consultant at Bareen International Hospital.

  • Health workers in this one tent can test 20,000 people in one day.
    Health workers in this one tent can test 20,000 people in one day.
  • There is a huge demand for vaccinations and PCRs after restrictions were introduced in Abu Dhabi for those who have not been recently tested for Covid-19.
    There is a huge demand for vaccinations and PCRs after restrictions were introduced in Abu Dhabi for those who have not been recently tested for Covid-19.
  • Residents register with the system ahead of their free Covid-19 test.
    Residents register with the system ahead of their free Covid-19 test.
  • Health workers in this tent can do 20,000 PCR tests in one day.
    Health workers in this tent can do 20,000 PCR tests in one day.
  • Residents queue to have a free Covid-19 PCR test at a temporary facility in Mussaffah in Abu Dhabi. All pictures by Victor Besa / The National
    Residents queue to have a free Covid-19 PCR test at a temporary facility in Mussaffah in Abu Dhabi. All pictures by Victor Besa / The National
  • In order to enter a public place like a mall, hotel, or beach every person must have a green status on their Al Hosn app. This can only be achieved through regular PCR testing for Covid-19.
    In order to enter a public place like a mall, hotel, or beach every person must have a green status on their Al Hosn app. This can only be achieved through regular PCR testing for Covid-19.
  • Residents wait their turn for a Covid-19 test.
    Residents wait their turn for a Covid-19 test.
  • Administrative staff direct proceedings at the Mussaffah testing tent.
    Administrative staff direct proceedings at the Mussaffah testing tent.
  • Another Covid-19 PCR test takes place.
    Another Covid-19 PCR test takes place.
  • Residents show their enthusiasm for the free Covid-19 PCR test.
    Residents show their enthusiasm for the free Covid-19 PCR test.

"Covid-19 vaccine appointments are fully booked until the second week of next month."

Seha's drive-through screening centres are serving thousands of visitors, up from a few hundred daily.

Waiting times have also increased from several minutes to no less than half an hour at drive-through centres.

Additional support has been called in to manage the crowds in some areas.

"We have seen an increase in users, particularly after the recent announcement, but we are happy to see this enthusiasm to take the vaccine," said Dr Fawaghi Al Naqbi, manager of the Seha drive-through screening centre on the Corniche.

The Seha centre has four drive-through lanes – one for vaccinations and three for PCR and DPI tests. Demand for both is currently equally high and waiting hours have increased even though vaccination bookings are made online.

Each of the four lanes used to serve around 180 drivers per day but, since Tuesday, there are around 1,000 vehicles in each line, according to Dr Al Naqbi.

The drive-through is open every week day from 8am to 8pm.

Both the Sinopharm and Pfizer vaccines are offered at Seha’s screening centres, which are open 8am until 8pm.

“I’m here to get the PCR test for the green pass,” said Al Shaimaa Sakr, 40, from Egypt.

She has not yet been vaccinated, having applied for an exemption on the assumption that she could not receive doses while breastfeeding.

"They turned down my request and said breastfeeding women could take the vaccine."

To get the green status on the Al Hosn App, unvaccinated individuals must have PCR tests taken every three days.

As a result, many who had postponed taking their shots have been booking appointments.

Constanaca Sanchec, 37, from Colombia, said she was waiting for a PCR test. She received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in April and will need to get a PCR test every week until her second shot to maintain the green status.

Anyone who has received their first dose and is waiting for an appointment for their second will keep their green status for seven days following a negative test.

“I want to go out and go to the mall which is why I am getting the test done today,” she said.

Many of those coming to the drive-through screening centres were getting their children vaccinated before the next academic school year.

Christeen Mesho was there with her daughter, 17.

“My daughter is going to university in the US and as a requirement has to get the Pfizer vaccine,” the Syrian national said.

Awais Ahshraf from Pakistan was also getting his three children aged 13, 14 and 15 vaccinated before the next academic school year.

'The Batman'

Stars:Robert Pattinson

Director:Matt Reeves

Rating: 5/5

IPL 2018 FINAL

Sunrisers Hyderabad 178-6 (20 ovs)
Chennai Super Kings 181-2 (18.3 ovs)

Chennai win by eight wickets

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Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Tips for job-seekers
  • Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
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David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

Company profile

Name: Thndr

Started: October 2020

Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: FinTech

Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000

Funding stage: series A; $20 million

Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC,  Rabacap and MSA Capital

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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

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

SERIE A FIXTURES

Friday Sassuolo v Torino (Kick-off 10.45pm UAE)

Saturday Atalanta v Sampdoria (5pm),

Genoa v Inter Milan (8pm),

Lazio v Bologna (10.45pm)

Sunday Cagliari v Crotone (3.30pm) 

Benevento v Napoli (6pm) 

Parma v Spezia (6pm)

 Fiorentina v Udinese (9pm)

Juventus v Hellas Verona (11.45pm)

Monday AC Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)

UAE Tour 2020

Stage 1: The Pointe Palm Jumeirah - Dubai Silicon Oasis, 148km
Stage 2: Hatta - Hatta Dam, 168km​​​​​​​
Stage 3: Al Qudra Cycle Track - Jebel Hafeet, 184km​​​​​​​
Stage 4: Zabeel Park - Dubai City Walk, 173km​​​​​​​
Stage 5: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet, 162km​​​​​​​
Stage 6: Al Ruwais - Al Mirfa, 158km​​​​​​​
Stage 7: Al Maryah Island - Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 127km

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

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Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants

Naga
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Director: Jake Kasdan

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Nick Jonas 

Two out of five stars 

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Quercus

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Yusuf/Cat Stevens

(Verve Decca Crossover)

UAE finals day

Friday, April 13
Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

3pm, UAE Conference: Dubai Tigers v Sharjah Wanderers
6.30pm, UAE Premiership: Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Tips to avoid getting scammed

1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday

2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment

3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone

4) Try not to close the sale at night

5) Don't be rushed into a sale 

6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

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Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Company%20profile
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Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

The specs

Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder

Power: 220 and 280 horsepower

Torque: 350 and 360Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT 

On sale: now

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
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