Dubai, UAE – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 40% of its ambitious upgrade to the Nol ticketing system, transitioning from the current card-based system to an advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) technology. The Dh550 million project is expected to be fully operational by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, highlighted the significance of the upgrade, stating, “Given the scale of the project, it has been divided into three key phases to ensure a smooth and efficient transition.”
Phased Rollout for Seamless Integration
The first phase of the upgrade focuses on overhauling the central system by establishing digital accounts for users, which will be linked to their existing Nol cards. This phase sets the foundation for a more integrated and user-friendly experience, allowing commuters to manage their accounts online.
In the second phase, RTA will introduce a new generation of Nol cards embedded with advanced technology. These enhanced cards will be aligned with international banking standards, enabling better compatibility with contactless payment systems and financial institutions.
The final phase will mark the full transition to account-based ticketing, allowing passengers to pay for public transport fares using alternative methods such as bank cards and digital wallets. The upgraded system will also facilitate the use of biometric authentication, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, to enhance security and ease of use.
Enhanced Features for Commuters
Al Tayer emphasized the numerous benefits the revamped Nol system will offer, including improved account management capabilities. “Users will be able to create and manage digital accounts, link Nol cards to smartphones, and purchase tickets using QR codes via digital platforms,” he explained.
The upgraded system will also introduce a flexible fare concept, allowing passengers to customize their transport expenses based on their travel needs.
Additionally, commuters will have greater control over their Nol accounts, with options to link multiple cards for family members, set top-up limits, and enable automatic balance refills through banking integrations.
Security and transparency will also be enhanced, as users will have access to detailed daily transaction statements and the ability to suspend lost or stolen cards while retrieving their balances.
Expansion Beyond Public Transport
One of the most significant advancements of the new Nol system is its expansion beyond public transportation. The RTA envisions Nol cards becoming a widely accepted payment method across digital platforms and retail outlets in the UAE, functioning similarly to a bank card.
Furthermore, RTA will upgrade systems, devices, and smart kiosks at public transport stations to accommodate the latest payment technologies. Commuters will soon be able to pay fares using a variety of methods, including QR code ticketing, next-generation Nol cards, and biometric verification.
With the system upgrade progressing as planned, Dubai’s public transport network is on track to becoming one of the most advanced in the world, providing residents and visitors with a seamless and secure commuting experience.