Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is upgrading the Nol system, moving from a card-based ticketing system to an advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) platform. The project, now 40% complete, is expected to be fully operational by the end of Q3 2026.
In a WAM report, RTA Director-General and Chairman Mattar Al Tayer said the Dh550 million upgrade is being rolled out in three phases. The first phase will introduce digital accounts linked to existing Nol cards. The second phase will launch a new generation of Nol cards with improved technology compatible with banking standards. The final phase will enable the use of bank cards and digital wallets for public transport payments.
Commuters will benefit from features like linking Nol cards to digital accounts, adding them to smartphone wallets, and purchasing tickets using QR codes. The system will also support automatic balance top-ups, transaction tracking, and account management for families.
RTA will enhance smart kiosks and payment systems at transport stations, allowing fare payments via QR codes, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, and digital banking services. The upgrade will also extend Nol card usage to retail purchases across the UAE.
