News

Samsung Pay Introduces Support For Digital COVID-19 Vaccination Cards

The feature is currently available only in the United States.

Published

4 years ago

August 28, 2021

samsung pay introduces support for digital covid-19 vaccination cards

In 2021, digital COVID-19 vaccination cards have become reality for many people around the world who decided to take the vaccine in order to better protect themselves and their loved ones from the deadly infectious disease that brought the world to a stand still last year.

Now Samsung, in partnership with The Commons Project Foundation, a non-profit public trust established to build and operate digital platforms and services for the common good, has announced that Samsung Pay users can use the mobile payment and digital wallet service to store digital versions of their COVID-19 vaccination cards.

“As more and more consumers use their Samsung devices as a digital wallet, it is a natural extension to make Covid-19 vaccination records more easily accessible,” explains Rob White, Sr. Director of Product for Samsung Pay at Samsung Electronics America, in the official announcement. “We are proud to partner with The Commons Project Foundation on this important initiative and to help make life easier” he added.

samsung pay digital covid-19 vaccination card

Here’s what you need to do to add your own COVID-19 vaccination card to Samsung Pay:

Open the Google Play Store app and download the CommonHealth app to your device.
Follow the instructions provided by the CommonHealth app to access your COVID-19 vaccine information.
You can then tap the Add to Samsung Pay link to transfer your COVID-19 vaccine information to Samsung Pay.
Launch the Samsung Pay app and tap the COVID-19 Vaccine Pass on the homepage.

At the moment, this handy feature is available only in the United States, and we have no information on global availability.

Also Read: Mastercard Plans To Say Goodbye To Magnetic Stripes In 2024

Of course, Samsung can’t force any business, educational institution, or other places to actually accept digital vaccination cards stored in Samsung Pay, but we predict that the willingness to accept this form of COVID-19 certification will only increase as more similar solutions become available.

News

UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

2 days ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

Also Read: UGREEN Nexode Pro Review: Portable Yet Powerful Chargers

Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.