Dubai’s Nol to work like bank card as RTA completes 72% of payment upgrade

Dubai's public transport payment system is moving towards a fully digital future, with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) completing 72 per cent of its nol system upgrade and targeting full completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

The upgraded system will introduce account-based ticketing (ABT), replacing the traditional card-based model with a digital platform linked directly to customer accounts. The move aligns with global payment standards and supports Dubai's ambition to build a fully cashless transport network.

The first phase of the rollout will introduce QR code ticketing through digital channels, giving commuters faster and more flexible access to public transport services. Subsequent phases will see the launch of a new generation of nol cards powered by advanced technology, followed by the integration of bank cards and digital wallets for fare payments.

Shift towards a digital mobility ecosystem

The RTA said the nol transformation forms part of its broader digital strategy to unify transport payments across the emirate.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, described the project as a key milestone in the authority's digital transformation.

"The nol system upgrade marks a strategic step in RTA's comprehensive digital transformation journey and represents a strategic investment in the future of digital services. It will enable RTA to develop a unified, more integrated payment ecosystem linking various modes of transport and services, while delivering the highest levels of operational efficiency and customer convenience.

"The project aligns with the vision of the leadership to harness advanced technology to simplify government services, enhance the customer experience, and make Dubai the world's best city to live, work and move around."

What changes for commuters

For daily users of the Dubai Metro, buses, marine transport and taxis, the upgraded system is expected to offer faster payments, greater flexibility and wider integration with digital platforms.

According to Al Tayer, the new system will expand payment options and simplify access to transport services.

"The new system will deliver a step change in the customer experience by expanding payment options and enabling modern, diverse payment methods, streamlining procedures and making services easier to access. It also reinforces nol card's position as one of the most advanced and comprehensive digital payment solutions, supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy, and strengthens integration across various economic and service sectors, making nol an everyday payment tool that supports Dubai's drive towards the digital economy and smart cities."

He outlined the project's three implementation phases:

Launch of QR code ticketing through digital channels.

Introduction of a new generation of nol cards compatible with global banking standards and automatically linked to customer accounts.

Full acceptance of bank cards and digital wallets for public transport fare payments across Dubai.

The upgraded nol platform will allow users to create personalised accounts, link multiple cards, including those of family members, and manage balances through a single interface.

Additional features include automatic top-ups through linked bank accounts, QR code ticket purchases, detailed transaction histories, card blocking, balance recovery and support for flexible fare structures across different modes of public transport.

"Through the new system, customers will be able to create accounts, link their own nol cards and those of family members, manage profiles, allocate top-up amounts to each linked card, and activate automatic top-up through bank account linkage. They will also be able to view daily transaction statements, block cards and recover balances seamlessly."

Beyond public transport

The upgrade will also expand nol's role beyond transport, enabling broader retail and digital payment capabilities and bringing the card closer to functioning like a conventional bank card for everyday transactions.

First launched on September 9, 2009, alongside the opening of the Dubai Metro, the nol card has evolved into one of Dubai's core mobility platforms. In addition to public transport, it now supports student concessions, tourist packages and selected e-scooter services, reflecting its growing role in the emirate's smart mobility ecosystem.