Citing robust smartphone penetration and a burgeoning technology sector, experts believe the Middle East is well placed to adopt COVID-19 digital health passports, which are deemed key to restoring hassle-free travel and resuscitating the embattled tourism sector.
Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have dedicated enormous resources to digital transformation, said Mohammed Soliman, an expert from the Middle East Institute’s Cyber Program and a senior associate at Washington-based advisory firm McLarty Associates.
“As a result of the success of COVID-19 tracking apps, the Gulf nations now have the necessary experience and digital infrastructure to embrace digital health passports in the post-vaccine era,” he said.
Saudi Arabia reopened land, sea and air borders on May 17 for immunized citizens.
The UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, recently updated its Green List of countries, regions and territories to 29, the Gulf News reported….