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.

Ajman has launched one of its biggest infrastructure programmes to date, investing Dh1.8 billion in a wide-ranging development plan called AM30x30. The initiative includes 30 projects that will be rolled out between 2026 and 2030 to improve roads, transport, parks, and public spaces across the emirate.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is AM30x30?

AM30x30 is Ajman Municipality’s long-term development agenda designed to support Ajman Vision 2030. The programme focuses on creating a more sustainable, connected, and liveable city by upgrading infrastructure and expanding community facilities.

Why is Ajman investing Dh1.8 billion?

The investment is intended to:

• Improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
• Build better roads and pedestrian infrastructure.
• Expand cycling and walking networks.
• Increase green spaces and public parks.
• Support Ajman’s growing population.
• Attract new businesses and investors.
• Enhance residents’ overall quality of life.

What projects are included?

The programme is divided into five main packages.

1. Better Roads and Junctions

Major roads and roundabouts across Ajman will be upgraded, including the Al Zorah area and several key streets. New pedestrian bridges and stormwater drainage systems will also be built to improve safety and reduce flooding during heavy rain.

2. Improved Residential Roads

Roads in neighbourhoods such as Al Rashidiya, Al Rawdah, Al Yasmeen, Al Helio, Masfout and Al Manama will be paved and upgraded, making daily travel smoother for residents.

3. Wider Roads to Ease Traffic

Several important roads will be widened or improved, including Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Al Tallah Street. New roads will also be developed in the Mohammed bin Zayed residential area.

4. More Cycling and Walking Spaces

Ajman plans to add 16 kilometres of new cycling tracks across the emirate and develop the Al Uqdah Walkway. These projects are designed to encourage healthier lifestyles and promote environmentally friendly transport.

5. More Parks and Green Areas

Around 330,000 square metres of new parks and community spaces will be created in several residential areas. The aim is to provide families with more recreational facilities while increasing the amount of green space available to residents.

What are the targets by 2030?

Ajman Municipality has set several key goals, including:

• Increasing new road construction by 43%.
• Expanding cycling tracks by 33%.
• Increasing public recreational space to 4.79 square metres per person.
• Creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban environment.

How will residents benefit?

For people living in Ajman, the programme is expected to deliver several everyday improvements, including:

• Shorter travel times through upgraded roads.
• Safer walking and cycling routes.
• More parks for families and children.
• Better drainage systems during rainy weather.
• Improved public spaces and neighbourhood facilities.
• Higher property values in developing areas.
• A cleaner, greener and more attractive city.

As Ajman’s population continues to grow, investing in transport, infrastructure and public amenities has become increasingly important. The AM30x30 programme is designed not only to improve daily life for residents but also to prepare the emirate for future growth.

If completed as planned, the initiative will transform many parts of Ajman into more connected, accessible and people-friendly communities over the next five years.

The UAE Federal National Council (FNC) has approved a draft law to protect the country’s cultural heritage, with severe penalties for anyone who damages, steals, or illegally trades in protected heritage items.

If enacted, the legislation would introduce fines of up to Dh10 million and prison sentences of up to 10 years for the most serious offences involving archaeological and heritage sites.

Why the new law?

The proposed legislation is designed to preserve the UAE’s rich cultural identity while supporting sustainable development and cultural tourism.

The law aims to:

• Protect, preserve, document, and promote the UAE’s cultural heritage.
• Encourage research and education related to heritage.
• Support cultural exchange and diversity.
• Preserve heritage for future generations.
• Boost heritage tourism across the UAE.
• Integrate cultural heritage into everyday community life.
• Encourage government and private organisations to include heritage in sustainable development plans.

What the law covers

The proposed legislation applies across all seven emirates, including free zones.

It protects a wide range of heritage, including:

• Tangible heritage such as historic buildings and artefacts.
• Intangible heritage, including traditions, customs, and cultural practices.
• Natural heritage.
• Digital heritage, including culturally significant digital records and archives.

The draft law classifies historical buildings as structures built before 1960, while modern heritage includes significant buildings constructed after 1960, such as schools, hospitals, museums, and industrial facilities.

Archaeological sites, shipwrecks, and submerged aircraft located within UAE territory are also protected under the proposed legislation.

Reporting heritage discoveries is mandatory

Anyone who discovers an archaeological object or cultural heritage item must report it within 48 hours to the relevant authority, the Ministry of Culture, or the nearest police station.

People who promptly report discoveries may be eligible for a reward, encouraging public participation in protecting the nation’s heritage.

Major penalties

Fines of Dh500,000 to Dh10 million

The highest penalties apply to offences such as:

• Deliberately damaging or destroying heritage sites or artefacts.
• Stealing or unlawfully taking cultural heritage items.
• Carrying out construction, demolition, or infrastructure work at protected sites without official approval.
• Smuggling cultural or archaeological items into or out of the UAE.

Up to 10 years in prison

Offenders may face prison sentences of up to 10 years, along with fines ranging from Dh300,000 to Dh5 million, for:

• Conducting illegal archaeological excavations.
• Using heritage sites as dumping grounds.
• Submitting false documents to export antiquities.
• Forging heritage artefacts or intentionally creating fake cultural items to deceive others.

Up to three years in prison

The draft law also proposes prison terms of up to three years and fines between Dh100,000 and Dh5 million for offences including:

• Removing or relocating heritage items without approval.
• Trading materials taken from protected heritage sites.
• Displaying advertisements on heritage or archaeological locations.
• Failing to register heritage items in private possession.
• Neglecting the preservation of registered heritage items.
• Obstructing authorised inspectors.
• Organising events involving cultural heritage without the required permits.

Strengthening heritage protection

The proposed legislation reflects the UAE’s commitment to preserving its history and cultural identity while promoting responsible tourism and sustainable development. If implemented, it will establish one of the region’s strongest legal frameworks for safeguarding cultural heritage and ensuring its preservation for future generations.