$9.25 million in investments committed to start-ups during FinTech World Cup at Dubai FinTech Summit
15 regional finalists pitched at the FinTech World Cup (FWC) grand finale during the Dubai FinTech Summit
What is a Covid-19 vaccine passport, and will I need one?
“Vaccine passports,” or vaccine certificates, are documents that show you were vaccinated against Covid-19 or recently tested negative for the virus. They could help you get into places such as stadiums or even countries that are looking to reopen safely.
Listen to this story and more on 8@8 with David Light
The certificates are still being developed, and how and whether they’ll be used could vary widely around the world. Experts say they should be free and available on paper, not just on apps, since not everyone has a smartphone.
In the US, federal officials say there are no plans to make them broadly mandatory. In some states, Republican governors have issued orders barring businesses or state agencies from asking people to show proof of vaccination.
‘Covid-19 passports’ in the Gulf region could be closer to reality than previously thought. The digital passport — a certification, verification and validation system — could be an advanced form of the UAE’s Al Hosn mobile app, with not just vaccination and Covid-19 test data but also details like pre-travel eligibility requirements for the destination. It is expected to authenticate all country travel and health regulations, manage all documentation digitally and facilitate seamless travel. Read more
Objections revolve mostly around privacy and security — how people’s personal information will be stored — and fairness. Critics say the passports will benefit people and countries with more access to vaccines.
Supporters say they could make reopenings faster and easier. Proof of vaccination or a negative test could be a way for businesses and schools to reassure customers, students and parents that steps are being taken to limit transmission of the virus.
International travel bans by countries could also be eased if people are able to show proof they’re vaccinated. Some countries have long had requirements to prove vaccination against yellow fever.
Still, a challenge is creating certification systems that work across vaccine providers and businesses. More than a dozen initiatives are underway to develop a credential that could be stored on a smartphone or printed on paper, using a QR code.
15 regional finalists pitched at the FinTech World Cup (FWC) grand finale during the Dubai FinTech Summit
The company announced its strongest financial performance to date for the fiscal year 2023-24, hitting a Dh18.7-billion mark
The medical institution has provided care to 20,686 patients and has performed more than 1,752 surgeries
Due to the ongoing closure of Floating Bridge and traffic diversion, Al Maktoum Bridge gate saw revenue-generating trips increase by 49% YoY
Khalifa University tops the country ahead of United Arab Emirates University, with the University of Sharjah also sealing its spot
Both Emirates and dnata saw significant profit and revenue increases, as the company expanded its operations worldwide
High website traffic has many struggling to retrieve their results
Purpose-driven education aims to equip students with the skills, values, and mindsets needed to navigate life’s challenges and contribute positively to the world around them.