Abu Dhabi is expected to start restricting entry to public venues, including shopping malls, restaurants, supermarkets, gyms, pools and beaches, to “green pass” holders next week. 

The state media office announced late Wednesday that the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved the usage of the so-called “green pass process” effective Tuesday, June 15, 2021.  

The green pass is obtained through the Al Hosn App that tracks the individual’s vaccination status and PCR test validity. A person’s status on the app will appear in green colour if they have received the vaccine or a negative PCR test result. 

“The committee approved the usage of green pass process exclusively for safe entry to shopping malls and large supermarkets, gyms, hotels and facilities within, public parks and beaches, private beaches and swimming pools, entertainment centres, cinemas and museums and restaurants and cafes,” the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said. 

“These procedures complement existing and approved procedures for activities in vital sectors and apply to those aged 16 years and above.”  

According to state news agency WAM, the use of green pass is in line with the emirate’s “four-pillar strategy to combat COVID-19 focused on vaccination, active contract tracings, safe entry and adopting preventive measures.” 

Coronavirus infection rates in the UAE have started to increase over the last several weeks. On Wednesday, a total of 2,179 new cases were recorded, the highest since early April 2021. 

The UAE government also announced on Wednesday an entry ban on travellers from three African countries amid fears of a third COVID-19 wave. 

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria) 

Cleofe.maceda@refinitiv.com 

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