Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 72% of a major upgrade to the nol payment system.
The project will introduce QR-code ticketing, digital wallets, bank card payments and next-generation nol cards across Dubai’s transport network.
The upgrade is expected to be fully rolled out by early 2027 and will affect millions of residents, visitors and daily commuters.
Dubai’s public transport payment system is preparing for its biggest transformation since the launch of the nol card in 2009.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that 72% of its nol system upgrade project has now been completed. Once finished, the project will replace the current card-based ticketing system with a modern account-based ticketing platform, giving commuters more ways to pay across the city’s transport network.
The move forms part of Dubai’s wider digital transformation strategy and supports the emirate’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading smart cities.
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— RTA (@rta_dubai) July 5, 2026
What is changing with Dubai’s nol system?
For years, commuters have relied on physical nol cards to access Dubai Metro, buses, trams, marine transport and parking services.
The upcoming upgrade will shift the system to an account-based ticketing (ABT) model. Instead of fare information being stored primarily on a physical card, customer accounts will become the centre of the payment ecosystem.
This means passengers will be able to access transport services using multiple payment methods, including:
- QR-code tickets
- Digital wallets on smartphones
- Bank cards
- New-generation nol cards
- Linked customer accounts
The system is designed to make travel more seamless while reducing dependence on physical transit cards.
A project worth AED550 million
The nol transformation is one of RTA’s largest digital infrastructure projects in recent years.
When the project was first announced, RTA revealed that the upgrade carried an investment value of AED550 million. The authority initially reported 40% completion in March 2025, and progress has now reached 72%, indicating significant advancement toward full implementation.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the initiative is a strategic investment aimed at creating a more integrated and efficient transport payment ecosystem for Dubai.
How the new payment experience will work?
One of the most notable changes will be the introduction of customer accounts linked directly to nol services.
Under the upgraded platform, users will be able to:
- Create personal accounts
- Link multiple nol cards
- Manage family members’ cards
- View transaction history
- Block lost cards
- Recover balances more easily
- Set up automatic top-ups through linked bank accounts
Passengers will also be able to add eligible nol cards to supported smartphone wallets, creating a more flexible travel experience.
The changes are expected to reduce the need for station visits and physical top-up transactions.
Dubai residents and visitors
Dubai’s public transport network continues to grow as the city welcomes more residents, workers and tourists.
According to RTA statistics released in recent years, public transport and shared mobility services handle millions of journeys every month, making payment efficiency increasingly important.
The new nol ecosystem is expected to improve convenience for:
- Daily Metro commuters
- Bus users
- Tourists visiting Dubai
- Families managing multiple travel cards
- Residents who prefer digital payments
Visitors arriving in Dubai may eventually be able to access public transport without purchasing a dedicated transit card, using payment methods they already carry.
This approach mirrors transport systems already adopted in cities such as London, Singapore and New York, where contactless bank card payments have become standard.
Supporting Dubai’s cashless economy goals
The upgrade goes beyond transport.
RTA has stated that the project supports Dubai’s broader cashless and digital economy ambitions by expanding modern payment options across services.
The authority also aims to position nol as more than a transport card. Future enhancements are expected to strengthen its role as a wider payment solution that can be used across retail and service sectors.
This aligns with Dubai’s ongoing investments in fintech, smart government services and digital infrastructure.
As more government and private sector services move toward digital-first models, the upgraded nol system could become a key component of everyday transactions across the emirate.
When will the new nol system launch?
RTA has confirmed that the project is being delivered in phases.
The first phase focuses on QR-code ticketing through digital channels. The second phase introduces next-generation nol cards with enhanced technology, while the final phase will enable payments through bank cards and digital wallets across the public transport network.
According to the latest update, all phases are scheduled for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
For commuters, this means a gradual transition over the coming months before the full digital ecosystem becomes operational.
FAQs
Q: Will existing nol cards continue to work?
A: Yes. RTA has not announced the immediate discontinuation of existing cards. The transition will happen in phases.
Q: When will QR-code ticketing be available in Dubai?
A: QR-code ticketing is part of the first phase of the upgrade project and is expected before full completion in 2027.
Q: Can commuters use bank cards directly on public transport?
A: Yes. The final phase of the project will enable direct payments through bank cards and digital wallets.
Q: What is account-based ticketing (ABT)?
A: ABT stores fare and account information digitally, allowing users to manage travel payments through a linked account rather than relying solely on a physical card.
Q: Will tourists benefit from the upgrade?
A: Yes. Visitors may gain easier access to public transport through digital payment methods without needing a separate transit card.
Dubai’s nol system is entering a new era. With QR-code ticketing, digital wallets, bank card payments and smarter account management on the way, the upgrade promises a more convenient travel experience for residents and visitors alike. As Dubai continues its push toward becoming a leading smart city, the transformation of nol could become one of the most visible examples of how technology is reshaping everyday life across the emirate.
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