New to the Kingdom? You’ve probably already heard of the Tawakkalna and Tawakkalna Services apps, but you might not be up to speed on just what you need them for.
Originally developed by the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia in 2020, using Tawakkalna is now a part of our daily lives.
New app Tawakkalna Services was then launched in 2022 to help issue permits, access to digital documents and more as part of the move towards digitisation of key services.
Still confused? Here’s your complete guide to using the Tawakkalna and Tawakkalna Services apps.
What is the Tawakkalna app used for?
At the beginning of the pandemic, curfews were introduced across Saudi Arabia to curb the spread of COVID-19. To keep the Kingdom moving, the Tawakkalna app was introduced so that permits could be issued electronically for key workers such as government and private sector employees, as well as individuals needing to access essential services such as grocery stores.
While the need for curfews is (thankfully) long gone, Tawakkalna remains, and the app is now used to quickly show your vaccine or immunity status, COVID-19 test bookings, and access to other digital documents. The app also tells users whether or not they are eligible for the next COVID-19 boosters.
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Is using the Tawakkalna app compulsory?
Yes. You’ll be asked to show your immune status upon entry to any and all public places through the Tawakkalna app. It’s also necessary for making COVID-19 testing and vaccine appointments, too.
How can I register on Tawakkalna as a resident or citizen?
After moving to Saudi Arabia, you will be issued with an official identification document, aka Iqama. On your Iqama, there will be a 10-digit number which you will need to register on Tawakkalna, alongside other required information such as your nationality and date of birth.
Once you have all the information you need, you can download the Tawakkalna app, enter your details, and finish registering.
How can I register on Tawakkalna as a tourist?
If you are entering Saudi Arabia as a tourist, you can register with all the same information as residents or citizens, but will need to use your passport number instead of Iqama number.
GCC citizens can also register with their GCC card number or border number.
How can you download the Tawakkalna app?
You can download the Tawakkalna app through the Apple Store (click here), Google Playstore (click here) or the Huawei app gallery (click here).
What information does Tawakkalna show?
The app provides a complete history of your PCR tests, as well as their current validity and your vaccination status.
Can I register for the app outside of Saudi Arabia?
It is possible to access the Tawakkalna and Tawakkalna Services apps outside of the Kingdom.
Can I add my dependents to the app?
Dependents that do not have an Absher account can still be added to the app via the “register a mobile number for Tawakkalna” feature on your Absher website or app on the general services tab.
What is the Tawakkalna Services app used for?
While Tawakkalna and Tawakkalna Services are similar, there are some key differences between the two. Tawakkalna is now mostly used to show your health condition upon entry to public places like malls, boutiques, and superstores.
The Tawakkalna Services app can instead be used for rendering a driving license, insurance documentation, passport inquiries and requests, a digital wallet approved by government agencies, charitable donations, data correction, information verification, applying for permits to visit the holy sites, and more.
What is Tabaud?
As soon as you sign on to Tawakkalna or Tawakkalna Services you’ll be asked to install Tabaud. Tabaud is Saudi Arabia’s official contact tracing application.
It has three main functions: Notifying people if they had contact with others confirmed to be infected with coronavirus, giving people help by sending their information to the Ministry of Health to provide the needed medical support according to the status and progress of the case, and enabling those confirmed to be infected with coronavirus to voluntarily share their test results with people they had contact with during the past 14 days. Installing Tabaud is not compulsory.
You can find out more about the Tawakkalna app on the official website by clicking here.
