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.

Abu Dhabi is investing heavily in infrastructure as part of its long-term vision to build smarter, greener and more connected communities.

From new roads and bridges to parks, cycling tracks and smart city technology, the emirate is delivering projects designed to improve mobility, quality of life and economic growth.

Here’s a closer look at what’s happening.

What infrastructure projects were completed?

According to the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), 31 infrastructure projects were completed across Abu Dhabi and its suburbs in 2025.

The projects included:

• 89 parks
• 85km of cycling tracks
• Three tunnels
• Two bridges
• Eight major intersection upgrades
• 800 street lighting poles
• 105 bus shelters
• 1,446 parking spaces
• One traditional market

The DMT also opened 16 new parks in Al Shamkha, alongside new community parks in Al Falah and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

How are the new roads improving traffic?

Several major transport projects have significantly reduced travel times.

Among the biggest upgrades:

• Two new marine bridges linking Al Reem Island with Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road have cut peak-hour travel times by 60%, saving motorists around 15 minutes.
• The expansion of Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road reduced journey times from 17 minutes to nine minutes.
• Improvements to Arabian Gulf Street reduced morning traffic delays by 80%.

What smart city technologies are being introduced?

Abu Dhabi is integrating digital technology into infrastructure planning and city management.

Recent initiatives include:

• 10 smart parks equipped with around 1,000 sensors and 200 smart cameras.
• The launch of Nabd, a real-time city modelling platform connected to 70 data sources and 15 integrated systems.
• A citywide digital twin to support urban planning and monitor quality-of-life indicators.
• Smart inspection vehicles that automatically detect maintenance and waste management issues.
• Expansion of free Hala Wi-Fi across buses, parks and beaches.

How much is Abu Dhabi investing?

Infrastructure spending continues to grow.

In 2024, the Executive Council approved:

• 144 new projects
• Dh66 billion in investments
• More than Dh59 billion allocated to housing and public utilities.

In 2026, the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) said it is managing:

• More than 500 projects
• Worth over Dh209 billion

These projects include roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, museums, residential communities, hotels and smart infrastructure.

Which areas are benefiting?

Infrastructure upgrades extend beyond Abu Dhabi Island to suburban communities, including:

• Bani Yas
• Mohammed Bin Zayed City
• Khalifa City
• Al Shamkha
• Al Wathba
• Al Falah
• Al Riyadh
• Al Shahama
• Al Samha
• Al Raha Beach

Projects include new roads, parking, parks, pedestrian pathways, landscaping and public facilities.

Why is Abu Dhabi investing so heavily?

The infrastructure programme aims to:

• Reduce congestion and improve transport.
• Support population growth.
• Build sustainable and smart communities.
• Expand parks and public spaces.
• Improve quality of life.
• Attract investment and strengthen the economy.
• Prepare the emirate for future mobility and digital transformation.

Officials say the long-term goal is to create integrated communities where housing, transport, utilities, green spaces and digital infrastructure are developed together rather than separately.

With hundreds of projects underway and investments exceeding Dh209 billion, Abu Dhabi is continuing to expand its infrastructure network to support future growth while reinforcing its position as one of the region’s leading cities for sustainability, innovation and quality of life.

The railway operator has introduced a list of passenger violations, each carrying a fine ranging from Dh100 to Dh10,000. The penalties apply not only on trains but also inside stations and other railway facilities.

Here’s a breakdown of the fines.

Dh200 fines

Passengers can be fined Dh200 for offences including:

• Travelling without a valid ticket or using a ticket issued in someone else’s name.
• Avoiding fares or misusing discounted and concession tickets.
• Sitting in a reserved seat without permission.
• Travelling in a higher class than shown on the ticket.
• Littering or disposing of waste improperly.
• Putting feet on train seats.
• Refusing to follow instructions from Etihad Rail staff.
• Remaining on a platform after being instructed to leave.
• Entering trains or stations while intoxicated.
• Carrying or consuming alcohol in prohibited areas.
• Altering or forging tickets.
• Dh500 fines

A Dh500 fine applies to passengers who:

• Smoke or vape in prohibited areas.
• Spit or deliberately dirty trains or stations.
• Harass, threaten or verbally abuse passengers or staff.
• Tamper with train doors or prevent them from closing.
• Attempt to open train doors while the train is moving.
• Delay train services.
• Board or get off a moving train.
• Conduct commercial photography or filming without approval.

Dh5,000 fines

More serious violations carry a Dh5,000 penalty, including:

• Misusing emergency brakes, alarms or fire safety equipment.
• Entering railway tracks or restricted areas without authorisation.
• Damaging trains or station property, including graffiti or vandalism.
• Throwing objects onto or from trains or station platforms.
• Misusing emergency exits or emergency equipment without a genuine emergency.

Can fines be higher?

Yes. Etihad Rail says other violations not specifically listed can attract fines ranging from Dh100 to Dh10,000, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

Can you still face legal action?

Yes. Etihad Rail says paying a fine does not prevent further legal action. Serious cases may still be referred to the relevant authorities, including the Public Prosecution, and could result in additional penalties or imprisonment under UAE law.

Why has Etihad Rail introduced these rules?

The operator says the fines are designed to ensure a safe, comfortable and efficient travel experience for everyone using the UAE’s passenger rail network, while protecting passengers, staff and railway infrastructure.