Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed 40 percent of the nol system upgrade, moving from the traditional card-based ticketing system to the more sophisticated account-based ticketing (ABT) technology. This state-of-the-art digital payment system aligns with global trends in digital payments and financial technology (fintech), adhering to international best practices. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of Q3 2026, according to a statement.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, remarked: “Given the scale of the project, which has a total cost of AED 550 million, it has been divided into three key phases.”
Phases of the upgrade
In the first phase, the central system will be revamped to establish digital accounts for users, associating them with their existing nol cards.
The second phase will unveil a new generation of nol cards, featuring advanced technologies that comply with international standards to ensure compatibility with banking card technologies.
In the third and final phase, the system upgrade will reach completion, allowing the acceptance of alternative payment methods, including bank cards and digital wallets, for public transport fare payments throughout Dubai.
Features of the new system
Al Tayer stated: “Upgrading the nol system will introduce several advanced features and benefits for users. The new system will enable account creation, allowing users to link their nol cards to digital accounts, add nol cards to smartphone wallets, and purchase tickets using QR code technology via digital channels. It will also implement the flexible fare concept across public transport.”
He added: “With the upgraded system, users can create and manage their accounts, link their own and family members’ nol cards, and control account settings, including allocating top-up amounts for each card. They will also have the option to activate automatic balance top-ups by linking their accounts to banking services, view daily transaction statements, and seamlessly suspend cards and retrieve balances.
“Upgrading systems, devices, and smart kiosks at public transport stations will enhance new payment technologies, enabling users to pay fares using a variety of methods, including QR code ticketing, the next generation of nol cards, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, bank cards, and digital wallets.
“The upgraded system will also extend nol card usage beyond public transport, allowing users to make purchases across digital platforms and retail outlets in the UAE, similar to bank cards.”
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Launch of the nol system
RTA launched the nol system on September 9, 2009, coinciding with the inauguration of Dubai Metro, to facilitate seamless travel for public transport users. In recent years, RTA has made several enhancements to nol cards, including incentive packages for students in collaboration with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), a global organization specializing in student discounts.
Additionally, RTA has introduced nol Terhaal promotional and incentive cards for tourists and residents and enabled nol card payments for shared mobility services, such as e-scooters, supporting first- and last-mile connectivity. Paying fares for flexible transport modes using nol cards stands among the world’s leading smart mobility applications.
