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Dubai’s nol card is getting a major upgrade: What it means for public transport users
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.
Emirates Engineering has launched a new programme giving UAE university students the chance to transform retired aircraft materials into innovative products while gaining hands-on experience with the airline’s engineering teams.
Called Material Futures Studio, the six-week initiative is led by Emirates Engineering’s Upcycling department. It aims to inspire the next generation of aviation engineers by challenging students to find creative new uses for materials recovered from retired aircraft.
The first edition brings together 23 students from Khalifa University, Emirates Aviation University and the University of Sharjah.
Students began the programme with an orientation session and a behind-the-scenes tour of Emirates Engineering’s facilities in Dubai, where they met senior leaders, explored aircraft maintenance operations and visited the airline’s upcycling workshop to see how retired aircraft materials are already being turned into new products.
How the programme works
Over six weeks, participants will develop concepts and prototypes using materials recovered from retired aircraft, with guidance from Emirates Engineering specialists throughout the design and development process.
The programme will conclude with a showcase where students present their final ideas and prototypes.
According to Emirates, the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by giving students practical engineering experience while enabling the airline to tap into fresh ideas and emerging talent.
Part of Emirates’ sustainability efforts
Material Futures Studio builds on Emirates’ wider sustainability strategy and its multi-billion-dollar aircraft retrofit programme.
The airline is currently refurbishing 219 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, one of the largest retrofit projects in the aviation industry. Rather than discarding materials removed during the upgrades, Emirates Engineering has been repurposing them into new products through its in-house upcycling projects.
These include the Aircrafted by Emirates collection of limited-edition luggage, bags and accessories made from reclaimed aircraft materials, as well as Aircrafted KIDS, which transforms retired aircraft fabrics into backpacks for children. Emirates says more than 4,000 backpacks have already been donated to children in 11 countries.
Emirates recruits UAE students to turn retired aircraft into new products
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