Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced it has completed 72% of a major overhaul that will replace the current nol card system with a fully digital, account-based payment platform. The upgrade affects every daily commuter on the Dubai Metro, tram, bus, water bus and paid parking network, and is now expected to complete in early 2027.
What changed
On 5 July 2026, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority announced the completion of 72% of the project to develop and upgrade the existing nol system, currently operating on card-based ticketing (CBT), into a digital payment system powered by account-based ticketing (ABT).
RTA had put the total project cost at AED 550 million and originally targeted completion by the end of Q3 2026. The July 2026 update moves the finish line into Q1 2027.
The project is structured in three phases:
- Phase one introduces QR code ticketing through digital channels, giving riders a route to buy and validate tickets without relying only on plastic media.
- Phase two brings in new nol cards built on payment technologies aligned with global banking standards.
- Phase three opens fare payment through bank cards and digital wallets across Dubai’s public transport, reducing dependence on dedicated transit cards at gates, readers and kiosks.
Under the upgraded system, customers will be able to create personal accounts, link multiple nol cards including those of family members, and manage balances from a single platform. The digital platform will also offer automatic top-ups linked to bank accounts, transaction history, card blocking, balance recovery and profile management.
RTA says the overhaul extends well beyond commuting. Once completed, the new generation of nol cards will function much like bank cards, allowing customers to make purchases through digital channels and at retail outlets across the UAE.
What it means for you
Your current nol card still works. The transition is gradual and passengers will not be forced to swap cards all at once. Passengers will see the transition in steps rather than one switch: QR ticketing comes first, new cards follow, and bank card and digital wallet acceptance lands in the final phase.
Family accounts become simpler. Through the new system, customers will be able to create accounts, link their own nol cards and those of family members, manage profiles, allocate top-up amounts to each linked card, and activate automatic top-up through bank account linkage.
Hardware at stations is being upgraded too. RTA says the programme covers upgrades to systems, ticketing devices, equipment and smart kiosks across public transport stations. Expect intermittent equipment changes at metro gates and bus stops over the coming months.
New payment methods will eventually replace “visa runs” to top-up kiosks. The upgraded kiosks will enable users to pay fares using a variety of methods, including QR code ticketing, the next generation of nol cards, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, bank cards and digital wallets.
E-scooter and soft mobility payments are already live. RTA has already launched promotional and incentive-based nol Travel cards for tourists and residents, and enabled nol card payments for soft mobility modes, namely e-scooters, enhancing integration with public transport and supporting the first- and last-mile strategy.
What to do
- Do nothing urgent right now. Your existing nol card remains fully valid. No replacement is required until RTA announces a mandatory cutover date, which has not yet been set.
- Download the nol Pay app (available on iOS and Android) and link it to your UAE Pass to be ready for account-based features as they roll out.
- Check your card balance and expiry date. If your personalised (Blue) nol card is close to its expiry, renew it through the RTA website or the nol Pay app before the new system goes live. Renewal requires a valid Emirates ID and is delivered by courier within 3 to 4 working days.
- Watch for RTA communications about the Phase 1 QR ticketing launch date. RTA typically announces live dates through its official channels at rta.ae and the @RTA_Dubai social media accounts.
- Businesses using nol for staff transport should flag the upcoming account-based model to their fleet or facilities teams, as bulk corporate account management features are part of the new system.
FAQ
Will I need to buy a new nol card straight away?
No. Passengers will see the transition in steps rather than one switch. RTA has not announced a date by which current cards must be replaced. Monitor rta.ae for official announcements.
Can I use my bank card to pay for the Metro today?
Not yet. The new account-based ticketing platform will enable commuters to pay with QR codes, digital wallets, bank cards and next-generation nol cards when it is rolled out in early 2027. Until then, a topped-up nol card remains the required payment method.
Will the upgrade change fares?
Flexible fare settings across transport modes are part of the upgrade, giving RTA more control over how trips are packaged and charged. No specific fare changes have been announced at this stage. Any fare adjustments would be communicated separately through official RTA channels.
This is general information, not professional advice; always verify with the official sources linked below.
Sources:
- RTA official announcement (via WAM, UAE National News Agency): https://www.wam.ae
- Gulf News coverage (5 July 2026): Dubai Moves Toward Cashless Transport as Nol Card Goes Digital with QR Codes, Bank Cards and Smart Payment Platform
- Khaleej Times coverage (5 July 2026): Dubai Nol card to work like bank card as RTA completes 72% of payment upgrade | Khaleej Times
- Arabian Business coverage (5 July 2026): https://www.arabianbusiness.com/business/transport/dubai-reveals-major-changes-nol-card
- RTA official website: https://www.rta.ae
- nol Pay app: available on the App Store and Google Play