RTA signs combi-card deal with Emirates NBD

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a contract with Emirates NBD Group covering the issuance of a co-branded combi-card; the first of its type in the Middle East, combining the features of a bank credit card and the unified fare collection card (Nol card).

The new card enables holders to avail all benefits and features of the credit card as well as the contactless smart pay card beside the possibility of using it to pay the fare of various public transport modes and parking fees.

The contract was signed on behalf of RTA by Chairman and Executive Director Mattar Al Tayer and for Emirates NBD by Richard Anthony Pudner, CEO of Emirates NBD Group.

A statement to this effect was made in a press conference held on Monday in the presence of the CEO of RTA Technical Support Services Sector Abdullah Al Madani, Emirates NBD Group Deputy CEO Jamal bin Ghulaita, Senior Vice-Chairman and Head of Cards Section, Emirates NBD Group Sivaram, Director of RTA Automated Fare Collection Card Mohammed Al Mudharreb, and senior officials from both parties.

Al Madani said: “By virtue of this contract, the bank is authorised to issue combined credit cards that have the same functionality of Nol Blue cards, giving customers the opportunity of enjoying the features of two cards in one card ie the payment functions of the credit card, and the smart card featuring contactless payment technology. Moreover, holders will have the flexibility of using the card in availing the services of multi-modal transit systems, and pay the parking fees, over and above the feature of automatic recharging of customers account balance needed to avail RTA services.”

Bin Ghulaita praised the cooperation with the RTA. "Our partnership will leverage the combined strengths of our two organisations, bringing real value and convenience to our customers. It also enables us to provide unparalleled benefits and value to UAE commuters on a daily basis,” he said.

“The Emirates NBD Group and RTA share a long-standing partnership. Besides having a strong corporate relationship, we were among the first banks in the UAE to partner with RTA to deliver a secure online solution for customers to top-up their Salik accounts, through their Emirates NBD bank accounts. Last year when the Metro was first launched, we were the only bank to support RTA with distribution and top-up of Nol cards, through our extensive branch network. Our successes in the past, our strong cards business experience and expertise will ensure this new venture will be a tremendous success.”

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