Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 72% of a major upgrade to its nol payment system, bringing the emirate closer to allowing commuters to pay public transport fares using bank cards, digital wallets and QR codes.
The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027, forms part of Dubai’s wider digital transformation strategy and supports the emirate’s move toward a fully cashless transport network.
The upgraded system will be introduced in three phases. The first will launch QR code ticketing through digital channels, followed by a new generation of nol cards compatible with bank card technology and linked directly to customer accounts. The final phase will enable passengers to pay fares using bank cards and digital wallets across Dubai’s public transport network.
RTA said the new system will cover the Dubai Metro, buses, marine transport and taxis, offering passengers faster and more flexible payment options.
The authority added that users will be able to create personalised accounts, link multiple nol cards, manage family members’ cards, activate automatic top-ups and view transaction histories through a single platform. Customers will also be able to block lost cards and recover remaining balances more easily.
Beyond transport, the upgraded nol system is expected to expand into retail and digital payments, allowing the card to function more like a bank card for everyday transactions.
First introduced in 2009 alongside the launch of the Dubai Metro, the nol card has gradually expanded beyond public transport to support services including student discounts, tourist packages and e-scooter payments. The latest upgrade is designed to further strengthen its role in Dubai’s smart mobility and digital economy initiatives.
