Dubai is enhancing its Nol system to offer more convenient and smarter ways to pay for public transport. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is transitioning from the current card-based ticketing system to an advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) system. Currently, 40% of the upgrade has been completed. The entire project is expected to finish by the end of Q3 2026.
Mattar Al Tayer, the Director-General of the RTA, shared details about the project. The total cost of the upgrade is Dh550 million. He explained that the project will unfold in three phases. The first phase will upgrade the central system, allowing users to create digital accounts linked to their Nol cards. The second phase will introduce next-generation Nol cards that are compatible with banking cards. Finally, in the third phase, the system will accept bank cards and digital wallets as payment methods for public transport.
With the upgraded Nol system, commuters will have many new benefits. They will be able to create digital accounts and link them to their Nol cards. In addition, they can add their Nol cards to smartphone wallets. They can also use QR codes to buy tickets through digital platforms. The new system will introduce a flexible fare model for public transport.
Users will be able to manage their accounts and link multiple Nol cards for family members. They can set top-up amounts for each card and link their accounts to banking services for automatic balance replenishments. Users will also be able to view transaction details and easily suspend cards or retrieve balances if needed.
RTA will update devices, smart kiosks, and stations to support new payment methods. Passengers can pay using QR codes, new Nol cards, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, bank cards, and digital wallets. The system will also allow Nol card users to shop at digital platforms and retail outlets across Dubai.
