RTA Completes 72% of Dubai Nol System Upgrade
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 72% of its major nol payment system upgrade, marking an important step toward a fully digital and cashless public transport network. The project replaces the existing card-based ticketing (CBT) system with a modern account-based ticketing (ABT) platform. As a result, commuters will gain access to seamless digital payments across Dubai’s transport network. The full rollout remains on track for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said the upgrade is a key part of the authority’s digital transformation strategy and will create a unified payment ecosystem linking public transport services while improving efficiency and customer convenience.
Al Tayer said the new platform aligns with Dubai’s vision of using advanced technology to simplify government services, enhance the customer experience, and strengthen the city’s position as a global smart city.
New digital features for passengers
The upgraded nol system will introduce several new digital services to improve the travel experience. For example, customers will be able to link their nol cards to personal accounts, use smartphone digital wallets, purchase QR code tickets, choose flexible fare options, and enable automatic balance top-ups through linked bank accounts.
In addition, passengers will manage multiple family members’ nol cards from a single account. They will also track transaction history, block lost cards, and recover remaining balances more easily.
Three-phase rollout and expanded payments
The project will roll out in three phases. First, QR code ticketing will launch through digital channels. Next, the next generation of nol cards will arrive with compatibility for international banking technologies. Finally, payment options will expand to include bank cards and digital wallets for public transport fares.
Meanwhile, upgraded infrastructure at metro stations and transport hubs will support these new payment methods. Consequently, commuters will enjoy faster and more convenient travel.
Beyond public transport, the new-generation nol cards will also function like bank cards for purchases across digital platforms and retail outlets throughout the UAE. Therefore, the initiative supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy while strengthening integration between transport services and the wider digital economy.
Originally launched on September 9, 2009, alongside the opening of the Dubai Metro, the nol system has continued to evolve. Over time, it has added student discount packages, tourist travel cards, and payment options for e-scooters and other soft mobility services. These enhancements further support Dubai’s first- and last-mile connectivity strategy.
