emirates7 - Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed 40% of its ongoing nol system upgrade, which involves shifting from the traditional card-based ticketing system to a more advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) system. The entire project is scheduled for completion by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, explained that due to the scale of the AED 550 million project, it has been divided into three key phases.
The initial phase focuses on upgrading the central system to establish digital accounts for users, linking them to their existing nol cards. In the second phase, a next-generation nol card will be introduced, integrating advanced technologies that comply with international standards, ensuring compatibility with banking card systems.
The final phase will complete the system overhaul, enabling the acceptance of multiple alternative payment methods, such as bank cards and digital wallets, for public transport fare payments across Dubai.
Al Tayer highlighted that the enhanced nol system will offer various advanced features and benefits for users. The upgrade will allow passengers to digital accounts, link nol cards to smartphone wallets, and use QR codes to purchase tickets through digital platforms. Additionally, the system will introduce a flexible fare model for public transportation.
He further stated that users will be able to manage their accounts more efficiently, linking personal and family nol cards, customizing top-up amounts for each card, and activating automatic balance replenishment by integrating their accounts with banking services. They will also be able to monitor daily transactions, temporarily disable cards, and recover balances if needed.
The modernization of systems, devices, and smart kiosks at public transport stations will support advanced payment technologies. Commuters will be able to pay fares using a variety of methods, including QR codes, next-generation nol cards, biometric authentication (facial recognition and fingerprint scanning), bank cards, and digital wallets.
Beyond public transportation, the upgraded nol system will extend its usability to retail transactions and digital payments across the UAE, functioning similarly to bank cards.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, explained that due to the scale of the AED 550 million project, it has been divided into three key phases.
The initial phase focuses on upgrading the central system to establish digital accounts for users, linking them to their existing nol cards. In the second phase, a next-generation nol card will be introduced, integrating advanced technologies that comply with international standards, ensuring compatibility with banking card systems.
The final phase will complete the system overhaul, enabling the acceptance of multiple alternative payment methods, such as bank cards and digital wallets, for public transport fare payments across Dubai.
Al Tayer highlighted that the enhanced nol system will offer various advanced features and benefits for users. The upgrade will allow passengers to digital accounts, link nol cards to smartphone wallets, and use QR codes to purchase tickets through digital platforms. Additionally, the system will introduce a flexible fare model for public transportation.
He further stated that users will be able to manage their accounts more efficiently, linking personal and family nol cards, customizing top-up amounts for each card, and activating automatic balance replenishment by integrating their accounts with banking services. They will also be able to monitor daily transactions, temporarily disable cards, and recover balances if needed.
The modernization of systems, devices, and smart kiosks at public transport stations will support advanced payment technologies. Commuters will be able to pay fares using a variety of methods, including QR codes, next-generation nol cards, biometric authentication (facial recognition and fingerprint scanning), bank cards, and digital wallets.
Beyond public transportation, the upgraded nol system will extend its usability to retail transactions and digital payments across the UAE, functioning similarly to bank cards.