Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 72% of the project to upgrade the current Nol system from a Card Based Ticketing platform to a new Account Based Ticketing (ABT) system, one of the most advanced digital payment technologies globally. The project is scheduled for full completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said the Nol upgrade is a key milestone in the RTA’s digital transformation journey and a strategic investment in the future of smart services.

He said: “The Nol system upgrade project represents a strategic step within the comprehensive digital transformation journey pursued by the RTA. It is also a strategic investment in the future of digital services, as it enables the RTA to develop a unified and more integrated payment system that links different means of transport and services, in order to achieve the highest levels of operational efficiency and convenience for customers.”

He added that the project aligns with the vision of the UAE leadership to harness advanced technologies, simplify government services, enhance customer experience and reinforce Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live, work and visit.

Enhancing customer experience

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said the upgraded system will transform the customer journey by expanding payment options and enabling the use of modern digital payment methods.

“The project consolidates the position of the Nol card as one of the most advanced and comprehensive digital payment methods, supports Dubai’s cashless strategy, and strengthens its integration with various economic and service sectors,” he said.

Three phases of implementation

According to His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, the project has been divided into three key phases:

  • Phase One: Launch of ticket purchasing through QR code technology across digital channels.
  • Phase Two: Introduction of a new generation of Nol cards featuring advanced technologies and international standards compatible with bank card systems. The cards will be digitally linked to customer accounts automatically upon purchase.
  • Phase Three: Expansion of the platform to accept additional payment methods, including bank cards and digital wallets, for public transport fares across Dubai.

New features and benefits

The upgraded Nol system will introduce a range of new services, including:

  • Creation of customer accounts
  • Linking Nol cards to personal accounts
  • Adding Nol cards to smartphone digital wallets
  • Purchasing tickets via QR codes
  • Flexible fare options for public transport
  • Family account management
  • Distribution of top-up balances across linked cards
  • Automatic top-up through linked bank accounts
  • Access to transaction statements
  • Easy card blocking and balance recovery
  • Wider use beyond public transport

The project also includes upgrading devices, systems and smart kiosks across the public transport network to support new payment technologies.

Customers will be able to pay fares using:

  • QR code tickets
  • New-generation Nol cards
  • Bank cards
  • Digital wallets

The upgraded platform will further extend the use of Nol cards beyond public transport. Under the new system, customers will be able to use next-generation Nol cards for purchases through digital channels and retail outlets across the UAE, similar to traditional bank cards.

Nol’s growing role in Dubai

The RTA launched the Nol system on 9 September 2009, coinciding with the opening of the Dubai Metro, to simplify access to public transport services.

In recent years, the Authority has introduced several enhancements to the platform, including:

  • Nol incentive packages for students in partnership with AIESEC
  • Nol Travel promotional cards for tourists and residents
  • Integration with flexible transport services such as electric scooters

The ability to pay for micro-mobility services using Nol is regarded as one of the pioneering applications of integrated transport payments globally, supporting Dubai’s first- and last-mile connectivity strategy.