Dubai has taken another step toward creating a smarter and more rewarding public transport experience with the introduction of nol Plus Dubai, a new loyalty programme launched by the Roads and Transport Authority. Regular users of the Metro, Tram, and bus network can now earn points simply by tapping their nol card on their daily commute. You can later redeem these points across lifestyle and shopping partners in the city, offering something tangible in return for choosing public transport.
For a city that has worked steadily over the last decade to integrate sustainable mobility into everyday life, this new programme adds a layer of motivation that many commuters will welcome. It turns routine journeys, whether that is a quick hop or a daily office ride, into something that gives value back.
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— RTA (@rta_dubai) November 17, 2025
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A New Way to Make the NOL Card More Valuable
The nol card is already one of the most widely used smart payment systems in Dubai. It is used not only on the Metro but also on buses, marine transport and even at selected retail outlets. Now with nol Plus Dubai, the card becomes more than a ticket—it becomes part of an ecosystem that rewards regular use.
The programme will be available to gold, silver and blue nol card holders, meaning that everyday riders do not need to sign up for a special tier. Users earn points by using public transport and can later spend them with participating partners. While RTA will announce the full list of participating outlets as the programme expands, early hints suggest that major malls, dining options, entertainment venues, and essential services will include them.
Reward points earned over time will likely cover a coffee on a workday morning or a weekend family outing. For many residents, especially college students and working professionals who take multiple trips a week, the benefit could add up quickly.
Upgraded nol Pay App Sets the Foundation
The rollout of nol Plus Dubai comes alongside a major update to the nol Pay app, which has been redesigned to make digital ticketing and account management faster and more intuitive. The app has become a central part of the new system, playing a key role in Dubai’s transition to smarter transportation experiences.
Some notable improvements include:
- Users can manage family members’ cards through one account
- Parents can apply for children’s cards directly from the app
- Automatic top-up schedules can be set based on chosen intervals
- The app sends reminders when balances are low or cards are about to expire
- Travel passes can be purchased instantly
- Nol card balances update in real time
- Additional services, including mobile balance recharge, are also available
These features make nol Pay a comprehensive platform rather than a simple transit wallet. It aligns with Dubai’s larger shift toward digital-first services, reducing the need for physical ticket counters and paper forms.
Building on Dubai’s Smart Mobility Vision
Dubai has consistently aimed to reduce car dependency and move toward a cleaner transport culture. The introduction of nol Plus Dubai supports this shift by giving residents another reason to choose public transport over private vehicles.
The city’s network already connects major residential communities to commercial districts, tourist attractions and government hubs. Riders can travel from Al Ghubaiba to Expo City, healthcare workers can reach hospitals along Sheikh Zayed Road without battling traffic, and students commuting from Dubai Silicon Oasis can enjoy predictable travel costs.
With the new rewards system, the commute becomes more than just a cost—it becomes something that contributes back to lifestyle spending. This matters in a city where daily journeys can easily add up over a month.
Beyond environmental goals, the rewards programme also supports Dubai’s broader economy. By allowing reward points to be redeemed across retailers and service partners, it creates a loop where public transport supports local businesses and vice versa.
How nol Plus Dubai Fits into Future Plans
RTA has been laying the groundwork for this expansion for some time. Earlier in 2025, the authority signed agreements with notable government and private institutions, including KHDA, Parkin and PayPal. The goal was to integrate nol services across more essential touchpoints in a resident’s daily life—from parking payments and school services to entertainment and dining.
This approach means the nol card is evolving from a transit pass to a multi-purpose utility card. For Dubai, this reflects a larger vision—creating a lifestyle where public services feel convenient, connected and digital-first.
Using the nol card to pay for parking, commuting to work and later redeeming points for a meal or retail purchase transforms the experience into a more cohesive ecosystem. It resembles the seamless city living model Dubai has been shaping across other services, whether that is using mobile platforms for government services, airport travel or shopping.
More Benefits for Families and Frequent Riders
One of the strongest aspects of the new system is how it supports multi-user households. Many Dubai families have members on different schedules, children travelling to school, parents commuting to DIFC or Media City and younger family members visiting universities or work hubs.
The new app setup allows a single user to manage multiple cards, recharge balances and monitor usage. For parents, this simplifies spending and reduces the stress of last-minute top-ups before school mornings.
Frequent riders who use public transport several days a week will also see rewards accumulate significantly over time. A busy Metro station like Union or BurJuman can see thousands of taps an hour—many of those riders will now receive something extra in return for their daily travel.
Benefits for commuters
In practical terms, nol Plus Dubai benefits riders in three clear ways:
- Public transport now offers measurable rewards
- nol Pay app management becomes far easier for families and individuals
- Spending points across lifestyle categories adds real value to everyday life
The system also helps Dubai gradually move away from cash-based transactions and paper tickets, reducing waste and encouraging a more sustainable approach to city travel.
For readers exploring similar developments, the following lines work well for internal linking:
- Dubai continues to introduce digital solutions that simplify public travel.
- The city aims to make public transport the first choice for everyday commuters.
- RTA is regularly expanding mobile services for a more connected travel experience.
- Smart mobility remains a major priority for Dubai’s future transport strategy.
nol Plus Dubai reflects a practical evolution of the city’s transport experience,
rewarding loyal riders while maintaining Dubai’s commitment to smart, sustainable and commuter-focused services. For those who travel daily, whether to work, school or across the city for errands, the programme brings value that complements real-life routines.
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