RTA Advances Nol Digital Payment System

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 40% of the nol system upgrade, transitioning from a card-based ticketing system to advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) technology. This major upgrade enhances digital payments, aligning with global fintech advancements and international best practices. The AED 550 million project is set for completion by Q3 2026.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, stated that the upgrade is being implemented in three phases. The first phase focuses on upgrading the central system to establish digital accounts linked to existing nol cards. The second phase introduces next-generation nol cards with advanced technology, ensuring compatibility with banking card systems. The final phase will fully implement the upgrade, allowing alternative payment methods such as bank cards and digital wallets for public transport fares across Dubai.

The upgraded nol system will enable users to link their cards to digital accounts, add them to smartphone wallets, and purchase tickets using QR codes. Users will also be able to manage accounts, link family members’ nol cards, set top-up amounts, and activate automatic balance recharges via banking services. The system will provide transaction history access, card suspension options, and balance retrieval features.

New payment technologies will be integrated into public transport stations, smart kiosks, and devices, supporting QR code ticketing, next-generation nol cards, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, bank cards, and digital wallets. The enhanced nol system will extend beyond public transport, enabling payments at retail outlets and digital platforms across the UAE, similar to bank cards.

Launched in 2009 alongside the Dubai Metro, the nol system has evolved to offer smart mobility solutions. RTA has introduced incentives for students through ISIC, launched nol Terhaal cards for tourists, and enabled nol card payments for shared mobility services like e-scooters, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global leader in digital transport solutions.