Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is transforming the way residents and visitors pay for public transport.

The familiar nol card is evolving into a smarter, digital payment system that will support QR tickets, digital wallets, bank cards and a new generation of nol cards.

The upgrade is expected to roll out in phases beginning in 2027, making public transport payments faster, more flexible and more convenient.

What is changing?

The current card-based ticketing system will be replaced with account-based ticketing (ABT).

Instead of storing your travel balance only on the physical card, your balance and travel information will be linked to a secure digital account.

This means you can access your travel account across multiple devices and payment methods without relying solely on a single plastic card.

How will you be able to pay?

Once the new system is fully launched, commuters will have several payment options, including:

• QR code tickets
• Upgraded nol cards
• Bank debit and credit cards
• Smartphone digital wallets
• Linked customer accounts

The aim is to give passengers greater flexibility while reducing queues and making travel across Dubai more seamless.

Three phases of the nol upgrade

Phase 1: QR ticketing

The first stage will introduce QR code tickets through digital platforms, allowing passengers to purchase and use tickets electronically.

Phase 2: new-generation nol cards

A redesigned nol card will be introduced with enhanced technology.

The upgraded cards will:

• Link automatically to customer accounts.
• Be compatible with bank card technology.
• Support improved security and easier account management.

Phase 3: Bank cards and digital wallets

Passengers will be able to pay directly using:

• Debit cards
• Credit cards
• Apple Pay
• Google Wallet
• Samsung Wallet and other supported digital payment platforms

This means many commuters may no longer need to carry a separate transport card.

What new features will users get?

The upgraded system will introduce several account management features, including:

• Create a personal nol account.
• Link multiple nol cards to one account.
• Add nol cards to smartphone wallets.
• Buy transport tickets using QR codes.
• View travel history and daily transaction statements.
• Block lost or stolen cards.
• Recover remaining balances.
• Enable automatic top-ups through linked bank accounts.

Families will also be able to link multiple nol cards under one account and manage top-up amounts for each family member.

Will nol cards be used for shopping?

Yes.

One of the biggest changes is that future nol cards are expected to function similarly to bank cards, allowing users to make purchases through digital channels and at participating retail outlets across the UAE.

This expands the card’s use beyond public transport.

Will public transport fares change?

The RTA has confirmed that the upgraded platform will support more flexible fare structures across different modes of transport.

However, no new fare prices or tariff changes have been announced.

When will the new system launch?

According to the RTA, the project is already 72% complete.

The rollout will begin in phases during 2027, with new features becoming available progressively.

Why is Dubai upgrading nol System?

The upgrade is part of Dubai’s broader Cashless Strategy, which aims to make digital payments the standard across government services and daily life.

It also supports the city’s vision of creating a smarter, more connected transport network by integrating multiple transport services into one seamless payment ecosystem.

For commuters, the changes mean greater convenience, fewer physical cards to carry, and a faster, more flexible travel experience across Dubai’s public transport system.