As Dubai Metro celebrates its 15th anniversary today, September 9, 2024, one Filipino expatriate, Clark Ona, proudly displays his unique collection of limited edition Nol cards. Ona, an operations controller for a railway company and a Dubai resident for the past 12 years, has amassed a rare assortment of commemorative cards, reflecting key milestones in Dubai’s iconic public transport history.
Among his prized possessions are the Lego nol card, the Expo 2020 nol card, and special cards issued during Dubai Metro’s 5th, 10th, and now, its 15th anniversaries. His collection also includes a card featuring the Museum of the Future, marking another significant UAE achievement.
“I started collecting nol cards when the 5th-anniversary metro nol card was released on September 9, 2014. Since it was a limited edition, I thought it would be a great memory of my life in Dubai. I also really liked the elegant design,” Ona shared with The Global Filipino Magazine.
“As new limited edition cards were released, symbolizing the milestones and achievements of the UAE, I made sure to do my best to buy them, and my collection has grown throughout the years.”
The Dubai Metro, which launched on this day in 2009, revolutionized public transport in the region, being the first metro system on the Arabian Peninsula. Today, as part of the celebration, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is treating the public to a host of exciting activities, including the release of special edition collectables.
The festivities also include the release of limited-edition stamps by Emirates Post and metro-themed souvenirs available at Al Jaber Gallery.