The Dubai NOL card upgrade has reached a major milestone, with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announcing that 72% of the project has been completed. Once fully rolled out in the first quarter of 2027, the upgraded system will introduce a more flexible and digital way to pay for public transport, allowing commuters to use QR codes, contactless bank cards, digital wallets, and a new generation of NOL cards.
The project marks the biggest transformation of the NOL payment system since it was introduced alongside the Dubai Metro in 2009. Instead of relying solely on stored-value transit cards, the new account-based ticketing (ABT) platform will connect payments to individual customer accounts, making travel easier to manage while offering greater convenience and security.
Three-Phase Rollout Will Introduce New Payment Options
To ensure a smooth transition, the RTA is rolling out the new system in three phases.
The first phase will introduce QR code ticketing, allowing passengers to purchase and validate tickets digitally through their smartphones without requiring a physical card.
The second phase will see the launch of a new generation of NOL cards. These upgraded cards will be linked directly to customers’ accounts and built using modern banking technology, making them easier to manage while supporting a wider range of payment services.
The final phase will allow commuters to pay directly at metro gates and across Dubai’s public transport network using contactless debit and credit cards and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet. This means passengers will no longer need a dedicated transit card to travel.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, the project is a key part of Dubai’s digital transformation strategy and will help create a unified payment ecosystem across multiple transport services.
New Features Will Make NOL Easier to Manage
The account-based platform will introduce several features designed to improve the customer experience. Users will be able to create a personal account, link multiple NOL cards, including those used by family members, and manage them all from a single profile.
Other new features include automatic balance top-ups, real-time transaction history, instant card blocking if a registered card is lost, and secure balance recovery. The upgraded system will also provide detailed travel records and account management through the revamped NOL Pay app.
Beyond public transport, the next-generation NOL cards will also be accepted at retail outlets and digital channels across the UAE, functioning much like a standard bank card.
To support the transition, the RTA is upgrading ticketing equipment, fare gates, payment devices, and smart kiosks across Dubai’s public transport network. The authority has also encouraged commuters to download or update the latest version of the nol Pay app, which now offers a refreshed interface, faster performance, low-balance notifications, and pass expiry alerts. Compatible Samsung and Huawei devices can also digitise NOL cards, allowing users to tap and pay directly with their smartphones.
With the project scheduled for completion in early 2027, the upgraded NOL system is expected to make everyday travel more seamless, secure, and convenient for residents and visitors while supporting Dubai’s Cashless Strategy.
