Dubai's Transportation Gets a Smart Upgrade
Dubai's Transportation Revolution: Digital Wallets and Card Payments in New Nol System
Dubai’s transportation network stands on the brink of a major upgrade that will not only transform the travel experience but also modernize and make payment options more flexible. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that 40% of the Nol system’s development has been completed, and the project is expected to be fully finished by the third quarter of 2026. The new system will replace the current card-based system with a far more advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) technology, offering passengers a host of innovative features.
The project will be realized in three main phases
The RTA leader highlighted the project’s total cost of 550 million dirhams, which is divided into three main stages. In the first phase, the central system will be further developed to create digital accounts for users connected to existing Nol cards, allowing passengers easy management of these accounts. The second phase will introduce a new generation Nol card that will not only meet international standards but also be compatible with banking technologies. Finally, in the third phase, the system will be fully prepared to accept alternative payment methods, including bank cards and digital wallets.
Innovative features and benefits
The new Nol system will offer many advanced features to users. Passengers will be able to create digital accounts linked to their Nol cards and add these cards to their smartphone wallets. In addition, tickets can be purchased using QR-code technology through digital channels. The system will also introduce the concept of flexible fares, allowing passengers to choose pricing options according to their transportation needs.
Within the new system, users will not only manage their own accounts but also assign family members' Nol cards, set balance amounts for automatic top-ups, and suspend or recover card balances seamlessly. Bank-linked accounts will provide the option for automatic balance replenishment, and daily transaction reports will also be accessible.
Multiple payment options
As part of the development, the systems, devices, and smart machines at transportation stations will be modernized to support new payment technologies. Passengers can use not only QR-code-enabled ticket purchases but also facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, bank card payments, and digital wallets to pay fares. This change not only simplifies the transportation experience but also offers greater security and convenience for passengers.
The new role of Nol Card
The new system will not only change transportation but also expand the use of the Nol card. Users can use their card for public transportation, pay with it in digital platforms, and in retail stores across the United Arab Emirates, similar to bank cards. This feature makes the Nol card a truly versatile payment tool suitable for everyday use.
What can we expect in the future?
The development of the Nol system signifies not just technological advancement but also the creation of a transportation culture where the needs and convenience of passengers are prioritized. With the introduction of the new system, Dubai further strengthens its position as a modern and innovative city continuously developing its infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century. Passengers can expect a faster, safer, and more comfortable travel experience with seamless payment processes.
Upon project completion in 2026, Dubai's transportation is set to step into a new era wherein technology and innovation are in the service of passenger comfort and needs. This development is worth monitoring, as it could define not just the future of Dubai, but also the future of modern urban transportation.
