Abu Dhabi temporarily suspends green pass until Al Hosn app fault is fixed

The public will be able to present PCR test results sent by text message to enter the emirate

Members of Vogue Fitness demonstrate their green status. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A visitor demonstrates his green status on Al Hosn app at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

Khaled Hassan AlMarzooqi, 32, shows proof of his green status on Al Hosn at Boroughs cafe at Yas Marina.

Keith O'Donell shows his Al Hosn app at Vogue Fitness in Yas Marina.

Keith O'Donell takes part in a workout session after gaining entry to Vogue Fitness.

Stine Foshth, a regular at Vogue Fitness, used her green status to access the centre.

Alyan Al Hajeri works up a sweat on an exercise bike after using the al hosn app to access Vogue Fitness.

Green pass safety requirements came into force at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa on Tuesday.

Green pass protocols are laid out at the entrance to Khalidiyah Mall

A visitor shows her green pass status to a security guard at Khalidiyah Mall.

Two visitors present their Al Hosn app to gain entrance to Khalidiyah Mall.

Abu Dhabi has suspended its green pass app, Al Hosn, while a technical fault is resolved.

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said the system would be on hold from Friday because of the widespread issues encountered by users.

The app was down for much of Thursday, with officials apologising for the glitch.

Abu Dhabi residents must show their green status – meaning they are vaccinated or had a recent PCR test – on Al Hosn to enter most public places. These include malls, supermarkets, gyms, bars and restaurants.

The app is also used to secure entry into Abu Dhabi from Dubai.

On Thursday, some users found they could access a cached version of the status page to show they had green status before the fault occurred.

“For the public’s convenience, the committee announced that it has temporarily suspended the use of green pass on Alhosn app to enter all announced areas, effective from today, June 18, until continuity of the app service for all users can be ensured,” said the crisis team in a message carried by Abu Dhabi Media Office.

The authority said a surge in new subscriptions to the app had contributed to the problem and said efforts were being made to rectify the error.

"Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has reviewed the causes of technical issues faced by some Al Hosn app users, resulting from a surge in new subscriptions, and has overseen efforts by the app's team to restore the service to all users as quickly as possible."

Test results on SMS can be used to enter Abu Dhabi

Authorities said members of the public would be able to present PCR test results delivered by text message to enter the capital from other emirates.

"As for the use of Al Hosn app to enter the emirate, the committee approved the use of text messages to show test results per current procedures, for those facing technical issues with Al Hosn when entering the emirate," the committee said.

“The committee appeals to the public to continue to adhere to preventive and precautionary measures, stressing that their safety is a top priority. It also expressed its appreciation to all members of society for their confidence and co-operation with all concerned authorities.”