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Dubai to invest $95m to upgrade Nol ticketing system

By Pramod Kumar
In 2023, Dubai's Nol card averaged 2.5 million payment transactions with a total worth of AED2 billion Dubai Media Office
In 2023, Dubai's Nol card averaged 2.5 million payment transactions with a total worth of AED2 billion

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will invest AED350 million ($95.29 million) in the digital transformation of Nol, its card-based ticketing system.

The upgraded Nol card will use central wallet technology, an account-based ticketing system, ensuring fintech integration in mobility solutions, the Dubai Media Office said, citing an RTA statement.

The project is part of RTA’s digital strategy roadmap 2023-2030, launched last December. 

“It is a crucial step towards embracing the swift global advancements in digital payment solutions and fintech, which perfectly aligns with the government’s cashless Dubai initiative,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of RTA.

Since its inception in 2009, RTA has issued over 30 million Nol cards. In 2023, the card’s daily use averaged 2.5 million payment transactions, together worth more than AED2 billion.

The upgraded system will introduce innovative features, including support for trip planning, booking, and pre-payment through smart channels. It will also offer integrated packages such as family and group ticket issuance.

Additionally, the system will incorporate advanced payment methods through smart devices and leverage artificial intelligence technologies such as facial recognition.

The Nol card was launched on September 9, 2009, coinciding with the launch of Dubai Metro.

In 2017, the card offered payment services at retail outlets and entrance fees for various public and private establishments in the emirate.

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