Governments around the world have relied on innovative digital apps to face the current health crisis and its various challenges. These apps have proven their efficiency and ability to strengthen cooperation between citizens and governments to work hand in hand to combat this global pandemic. These digital apps launched by public entities have covered a large number of services, such as tracking the infected, disseminating reliable health information, and providing various health services to those who are unable to seek medical help at hospitals.

Al Hosn is the latest app launched by the UAE with the joint efforts of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Dubai Health Authority, and the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi. This digital platform combines the features of STAY HOME and TRACE COVID apps, which were previously launched by the Department of Health to track the results of COVID-19 tests across the country. 

The new app, named after Abu Dhabi's historic fort, enables individuals to receive testing results on their mobile phones through a QR code to learn if they were infected or not and obtain additional advice about their health condition. Moreover, the Al Hosn app provides reliable information on whether an individual has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. The app helps people avoid infected areas to become more comfortable and confident when visiting public spaces.

Furthermore, the app helps health authorities quickly and efficiently identify people at risk of infection, contact them, and, if necessary, invite them to retake the test in one of the testing centers established across the UAE.

Technologies and tools that strengthen cooperation between citizens and authorities have proven their efficiency in implementing the measures to contain and control the virus. Therefore, many governments continue to provide innovative digital solutions to combat COVID-19 within the next few months or years.  The UAE has recorded positive results and notable achievements in employing digital applications to contain the virus, reduce its impact, and provide services to all members of society.

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