Everything You Need to Know about RTA Nol Card

When it comes to public transportation in Dubai, the city has enabled a seamless mechanism to make navigation in and around it extremely convenient, affordable, and hassle-free. By launching the nol cards, the Government of Dubai has made a ground-breaking move that has dramatically enhanced the way the residents and tourists use public transportation.

This is your one-stop guide to learning everything you need to know about the nol cards. From their features, benefits, types, recharge options, balance checking, and other commonly asked questions, we take a deep dive into the nol card that has made Dubai public transportation an efficient one.

What is a Nol Card?

A nol card is a smart card that allows passengers to pay for various transportation systems all across Dubai with a single tap. Managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), you can use a nol card to travel on Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, and buses, along with marine transport systems such as Dubai Water Taxi, and Dubai Ferry.

With the help of a prepaid credit, you can use this card to navigate throughout the city. Furthermore, you can even use nol cards to pay for the paid parking system of RTA as well as for your groceries (at certain stores).

Using Nol Cards for Shopping and Dining Out

One of the massive benefits of nol cards is the convenience they provide to their holders. Apart from paying for public transport and parking, you can make payments through it while shopping or dining out at certain stores.

With just a tap, you can pay for your fare, groceries, snacks, fuel, or anything for that matter with the cap amount of AED 200. There are over 2,000 outlets in and around metro stations that you can make purchases from using a nol card. You can download the nol Pay App to get quick access to all the nol merchants you can shop and dine out from.

Travel Pass

The Travel Pass is a nol product that is based on the zonal structure and is loaded on a nol card. With its help, you can travel on any mode of public transport multiple times. However, it does not apply to Dubai Taxis, buses across cities, seasonal buses, and marine transport vessels. All nol card holders as well as red ticket holders can use this service.

Features of a Nol Card

In order to understand the functionalities of a nol card better, take a look at its main features.

Secure and Reliable Transactions

Since nol cards contain a tamper-proof chip along with an antenna, you can rest assured that all your transactions through it will be not only quick and hassle-free but also secure and reliable. The nol cards are meticulously developed to avoid fraudulent usage. They are designed to accurately and automatically calculate your fare every time you use them.

Versatile Acceptability

Nol cards are extremely versatile in nature as you can use them to travel across all modes of public transportation throughout Dubai. This not only includes metros, buses, trams, and taxis, but also marine transportation such as water taxis, and ferries, among others. Moreover, you can even use nol cards to pay for RTA parking and have access to Etihad Museum as well as more than 2,000 shops around Dubai.

Ease of Procurement

Procuring a nol card is extremely easy as there are multiple avenues to get one. You can purchase a nol card from ticket vending machines, ticket offices, authorized sales partners, and RTA customer happiness centers. You can even get one online.

Ease of Use

Nol cards have been designed to be extremely user-friendly. All you need to do is hold your nol card over a nol card reader and it will automatically get validated. Once it gets details about the trip you have taken, it will deduct the apt amount from the balance.

Break from Wallets

With the availability of nol cards, you can enjoy more mobility as you can get an annual, quarterly, monthly, or weekly bundle with an unlimited amount of travel on all public modes of transportation throughout the city. The nol card monthly pass is particularly popular among tourists who come to Dubai for a month-long vacation and residents who commute to work every day.

Multi-beneficiary Aspect

With the help of nol personal cards or blue cards, various categories of passengers can avail concessions. People of determination can travel free of cost using this card on Dubai metro and buses. Senior citizens of the UAE as well as residents and students of all nationalities can get 50% off on their fares with this card.

Benefits of a Nol Card

The nol card has been launched with the travel convenience of the general public in mind. The RTA has ornamented this card with a wide range of benefits that make traveling in and around Dubai quick, comfortable, and effortless. Here are some of the benefits of using a nol card in Dubai.

• It allows you to travel all across Dubai and make parking payments with a single card.
• There are different nol cards, each with distinct features, and you can choose one according to your needs, requirements, and preferences.
• You don’t have to worry about carrying cash or providing the exact change when you step out to explore the city.
• It offers low-cost fares.
• You get to use micropayments.
• You get to enjoy flexible transfers across varied modes of transport.
• You can avail of the discounted rates and offers provided by nol Plus programs.
• You can avail of special concessions through the nol personal or blue cards if you fulfill the criteria of being a student, senior citizen, people of determination, or social affairs beneficiary.

Types of Nol Cards

Various types of nol cards are available and you can choose one based on your distinct requirements. To help you find the right one, here is a list of the different types of nol cards in Dubai.

Silver Card

The nol silver card serves as a regular card and can be used to get access to all RTA transportation and non-transportation services in Dubai. This is mostly used by frequent and regular travelers.

Furthermore, it is also valid for usage at the Etihad Museum, Dubai public parks, and more than 2,000 shops across the city. It automatically deducts the cost of your trip from your balance after calculating the fare. You can get it at a low price and use it immediately.

After registering your card, you can load your e-purse with up to AED 1,000 with this card, which is also known as the perfect starter card.

Unit Price: AED 25 including balance AED 19

Maximum Balance Amount: Anonymous – AED 1,000; Registered – AED 5,000

Validity: 5 Years

Gold Card

The nol gold card can be used across all transportation and non-transportation RTA services in Dubai. The gold card essentially provides all the benefits of a silver card. But, in addition, gold card holders also have the privilege of getting access to the special metro and tram gold class cabins where the fare is double the regular price.

In addition, it is also valid for usage at the Etihad Museum, Dubai public parks, and more than 2,000 shops across the city. When you use this on modes of transportation that don’t have any gold class cabins, you will be charged with the regular fare.

It automatically deducts the cost of your trip from your balance after calculating the fare. You can get a nol gold card for a low price and start using it immediately. The gold nol card price is AED 25. This card is for everyone who wants to travel in luxury and comfort.

Unit Price: AED 25 including balance AED 19

Maximum Balance Amount: Anonymous – AED 1,000; Registered – AED 5,000

Validity: 5 Years

Personal Card (Blue Card)

The nol personal card offers security and concession fares across all RTA transportation and non-transportation services in Dubai. It is also known as the nol blue card and you can recover your balance in the event your card gets stolen or lost. You can avail of online services for topping up credit on this card.

This card allows persons of determination, senior citizens, students, and social affairs beneficiaries to enjoy special fares for different concession types. In addition, holders of nol personal or blue cards also get privy to a wide range of secure online services along with email and SMS notifications to keep them posted.

Moreover, it is also valid for usage at the Etihad Museum, Dubai public parks, and more than 2,000 shops across the city. It automatically deducts the cost of your trip from your balance after calculating the fare.

Unit Price: AED 70; Credit AED 20

Maximum Balance Amount: AED 5,000

Validity: 5 Years

Red Ticket

The nol red ticket is a paper disposable ticket that is ideal for occasional travelers and tourists. It can be bought for only AED 2 from any ticket vending machine. It can be loaded with up to 10 single trips.

This low-price ticket lets you pay for the exact trip only and it is applicable for metros, buses, and trams. With it, you can use only one mode of transport at a time.

Unit Price: AED 2

Maximum Balance Amount: Rechargeable use for a maximum of 10 journeys or 5 daily passes

Validity: 90 days or 10 trips

Concession Fares through a Nol Personal Card/Blue Card

The nol personal card or the blue card offers a wide range of concession fares for students, people of determination (resident and tourist), senior Emiratis and senior expats (senior citizens), and social affairs beneficiaries. Here are the documents required by each of these groups to enjoy the concession fares offered by this card.

Students (From 5-23 years old)

• A valid document that proves the applicant is a present student.
• Personal photograph with a white background.
• Copy of the valid Emirates ID (front and back).

People of Determination (Residents and Tourists)

• Both sides copy of the Emirates ID.
• Both sides copy of the People of Determination Card or the Sanad Card (resident).
• For Tourists, in absence of People of Determination (POD) card, any similar document that is issued by the competent authorities in the country to which the person belongs will work, as long as they are a person of determination.
• Personal photograph with a white background.

Senior Emiratis and Senior Expats (60 years old and above)

• Both sides copy of the valid Emirates ID.
• Recent personal photograph with a white background.

Social Affairs Beneficiaries

• Both sides copy of the valid Emirates ID.
• A valid and official document or letter from the Community Development Authority that proves that the concerned person is entitled to social assistance.
• Personal photograph with a white background.

How to Get a Nol Card?

You can purchase a nol card from any ticket vending machine, ticket office, or RTA-authorized sales partners. There is also a virtual version of nol cards, which is available for purchase from the nol Pay App. You can use the nol cards to make payments for any public transport and non-transport services throughout Dubai.

Nol Card Recharge

It is crucial to note that the minimum balance in nol card should be AED 7.5 all the time. On the other end of the spectrum, the maximum balance value for anonymous nol cards can be AED 1,000 while the same for personal and registered nol cards is AED 5,000.

If you want to activate the pending top-up, you need to use your nol card at any metro gate, parking meter, nol Pay App, or Top-up Machines.

You can enter your nol tag ID and email ID by clicking this RTA page and proceed to confirm your details and make the necessary payment to top up your nol card.

Another important update that has been made since August 17, 2024, is that the minimal top-up for nol card has been set at AED 50 at Metro stations ticket offices, which was previously set at AED 20.

Nol Card Balance Check

There are various ways of checking your nol card balance. You can choose one based on your preference and convenience.

Website

You can go to RTA’s official website. Click on the “Check nol Balance” option from the array of options on top. Enter your nol tag ID and click search to view your current nol card balance.

Portal

You can go to RTA’s ‘nol How’ portal, enter your nol tag ID, and click on 'Search' to view your current nol card balance.

App

You can download and install the RTA nol Pay App to manage your nol card. Apart from checking your balance, you can use it to top up and add passes to your nol card.

All you need to do is download and install the app on your phone. After opening the app, click on ‘Check Card Info’. It will show the message, ‘Ready to Scan’. Place your physical nol card to the back of your phone to get the balance details. Along with the existing balance, it also shows the option to Top Up your nol card.

SMS

In the absence of the internet, you can still get a report of your nol card balance. To do so, you need to register your nol ID with your mobile number by sending your nol card tag ID to 511 through SMS.

After registration, send an SMS by typing the word “balance” or “Bal” to 511. You will receive an SMS showing your nol card balance.

Physical Checking

There is also the option of physically checking your nol balance. You can head to the ticket vending machines or ticket offices at any metro or bus station. Insert or tap your nol card and select the “Check balance” option to check your nol card balance.

Options for similarly checking your nol card balance also exist at authorized nol card merchant shops.

Nol Plus

A loyalty program launched to reward the customers of the RTA, nol Plus offers great value and benefits and has been developed with the happiness of the loyal customers in mind. It is one of the first loyal programs for a public transport system in the region.

All you have to do to claim the benefits of nol Plus is to create an RTA user ID and link your first nol card to it. After that, whenever you spend your nol card on any given channel - be it Dubai Taxi, parking meter, RTA public transport service, or if you participate in a partner outlet – you will earn points. Even when you pay for RTA parking through the ‘Parking Account’ feature in the RTA app, you will still earn points.

Whatever point you earn on your nol Plus card, you can spend it on the extensive network of brands and stores that have partnered up with the RTA. You get to redeem the points when you like for what you like.

Conclusion

Launching nol cards is one of the most innovative decisions taken by the Government of Dubai to enhance the transportation experience for the public. Its user-friendliness and multi-beneficiary aspects have made it highly popular with the residents of the city as well as tourists alike.

With a bunch of varieties and versatile usage, the possibilities of nol cards are endless. You no longer have to rely on carrying cash to travel in the city. From metros to trams, from buses to taxis, from Abras to ferries, they are applicable everywhere.

Moreover, you can even use them to pay for parking, shop at nol-registered merchant shops, as well as visit the Etihad Museum. Exploring Dubai becomes convenient and hassle-free when you have nol card by your side.

FAQs

Commonly Asked Questions about Nol Card

Where can I purchase a nol card?

You can purchase a nol card from any ticket vending machine, ticket office, or RTA-authorized sales partners.

How to check nol card balance online?

You can use the RTA website, the RTA ‘nol How’ portal, or the RTA nol Pay App to check your nol card balance. You need to enter your nol tag ID in the designated search box in whatever channel among these three you select and proceed to view your current balance.

How to recharge nol card online?

You can go to the ‘Top Up nol Card’ RTA portal, enter your nol tag ID and email ID, and proceed to confirm your details and make the necessary payment to top up your nol card.

How long does the nol card balance remain valid?

The nol card balance remains valid for five years.

Is there a digital nol card?

Yes, there is a digital nol card. Once you digitize your nol card, your physical nol card is no longer valid and you can use the digital nol card to make payments for all your nol usage.

Can I refund my nol card balance?

Yes, you can apply for a nol card balance refund and an Overcharge claim on your nol card. If the remaining balance is lower than AED 100, then you can get the amount in cash. If it is higher than AED 100, then the nol balance can be transferred to another registered nol card.

It takes around four calendar days for the refund requests to get approved. Once the refund is approved, you will receive an SMS notification. You can apply for a refund by clicking here.

How to check nol card transaction history?

To check your nol card transaction history, click here and enter your nol tag ID.

How to add nol card to Samsung Wallet?

To add your nol card to your Samsung Wallet, you need to make sure you have the updated version of the nol Pay App on your phone. Open the nol Pay App and select “Get my nol card”. From there, choose the “Digitize physical nol card” option. Digitization is available only for silver or gold card holders. Select “Next”.

After this, place your nol card on the back of your phone. The details of the physical card will be transferred to the digital card with the help of NFC. After the reading of the nol card is completed, you will receive a notification. Select “Continue” to activate the digital card and complete the process. Remember, once the card is digitized, the physical card will no longer remain valid.

How to check nol card expiry date?

You can use the RTA website, smart kiosks, or nol Pay App to check the expiry date of your nol card.

How to get a student nol card?

You can get a student nol card online, directly from a metro or bus station, or through your school, college, or university.

To apply online, click here. You need to provide a valid document that proves that you are a present student, a personal photograph with a white background, and a copy of your valid Emirates ID (front and back).

You can even head to the ticket office of any nearby metro or bus station to get a student nol card. Some schools, colleges, and universities also help in procuring a student nol card. You can get in touch with concerned authorities in your school, college, or university to help you out with the same.

How to register a silver/gold card?

You can register your anonymous silver or gold card at any ticket office of any metro station or online through the RTA portal. After your request is approved, you will receive an SMS notification on your phone with a pin code that you can use for future transactions such as managing your nol cards/accounts, or refunds, among others.

Once your card is approved, you need to activate it. To activate the card, make sure to use it at any metro gate (check-in and check-out). Also, don’t forget to update the status of your card type from “Anonymous” to “Registered”. Register your silver or gold nol cards online with RTA to protect your balance in case your card is lost or misplaced.