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Dubai RTA’s upgraded nol card: Everything you need to know
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is giving the nol card its biggest upgrade since its launch in 2009, transforming it from a plastic travel card into a fully digital payment platform.
The new system is expected to be fully rolled out by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
“The nol system upgrade project represents a strategic step within the comprehensive digital transformation journey pursued by the Roads and Transport Authority. It also constitutes a strategic investment in the future of digital services,” said Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RTA.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Why is the nol card being upgraded?
The RTA is replacing the current card-based ticketing system with an Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) platform.
Unlike the existing system, which stores travel information on the physical card, the new technology stores customer information securely in a digital account. This allows passengers to manage their cards, payments and travel history online while supporting faster and more flexible payment options.
The upgrade is part of Dubai’s wider digital transformation strategy and aligns with global advances in digital payments and financial technology.
What are the new features?
The upgraded nol system will offer several new services, including:
- Digital customer accounts linked to nol cards.
- The ability to link multiple cards, including family members’ cards, under one account.
- Automatic balance top-ups from linked bank accounts.
- Online balance management.
- Access to transaction history.
- The ability to block lost or stolen cards remotely.
How will the rollout happen?
The project will be introduced in three phases.
Phase 1: QR code ticketing
Passengers will be able to buy and validate tickets using QR codes through digital platforms and mobile devices.
Phase 2: New-generation nol cards
A new version of the nol card will be launched, digitally linked to individual customer accounts for easier management and greater flexibility.
Phase 3: Bank cards and digital wallets
Passengers will be able to pay directly using:
- Bank cards
- Digital wallets
- Other contactless payment methods
This will reduce the need to carry a physical nol card while making public transport payments quicker and more convenient.
Will the nol card be used outside public transport?
Yes. Once the project is completed, the upgraded nol card will function more like a bank card.
Customers will be able to use it not only across Dubai’s public transport network but also to make payments at retail stores and through digital payment channels across the UAE.
When will the upgrade be completed?
According to the RTA, the project is 72% complete, with all three phases scheduled for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
Simplified payment system?
The new nol system is expected to:
- Simplify fare payments.
- Improve the passenger experience.
- Support cashless and contactless payments.
- Offer better account management.
- Integrate multiple transport services into one payment ecosystem.
- Expand the use of nol beyond transport into everyday retail payments.
The upgrade marks one of the biggest changes to Dubai’s public transport payment system since the nol card was first introduced more than 15 years ago.
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