RTA completes 40% of nol digital payment system upgrade

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has completed 40 per cent of the nol system upgrade, transitioning from the existing card-based ticketing system to the more advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) technology. The project is set for completion by the end of Q3 2026.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, stated, “Given the scale of the project, which has a total cost of Dhs550 million, it has been divided into three key phases.

“In the first phase, the central system will be upgraded to create digital accounts for users, linking them to their existing nol cards. The second phase will introduce a new generation of nol cards, incorporating advanced technologies aligned with international standards to ensure compatibility with banking card technologies.

“In the third and final phase, the system upgrade will be completed, enabling the acceptance of alternative payment methods, including bank cards and digital wallets, for public transport fare payments across Dubai.”

Al Tayer stated, “Upgrading the nol system will introduce several advanced features and benefits for users. The new system will enable account creation, allowing users to link their nol cards to digital accounts, add nol cards to smartphone wallets, and purchase tickets using QR code technology via digital channels. It will also implement the flexible fare concept across public transport.”

He added, “With the upgraded system, users can create and manage their accounts, link their own and family members’ nol cards, and control account settings, including allocating top-up amounts for each card. They will also have the option to activate automatic balance top-ups by linking their accounts to banking services, view daily transaction statements, and seamlessly suspend cards and retrieve balances.

“Upgrading systems, devices, and smart kiosks at public transport stations will enhance new payment technologies, enabling users to pay fares using a variety of methods, including QR code ticketing, the next generation of nol cards, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, bank cards, and digital wallets.

“The upgraded system will also extend nol card usage beyond public transport, allowing users to make purchases across digital platforms and retail outlets in the UAE, similar to bank cards.”

Earlier, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai introduced the ‘Takamul Permit’ service, a new initiative that aims to achieve integration between the commercial transport sectors in the emirate, especially enhancing integration between the luxury car and car rental sectors, in line with the distinctive services provided by this vibrant city that meet the aspirations and needs of its residents, visitors and tourists while also contributing to an enhanced quality of life and a seamless, luxurious lifestyle in the city.

Jamal Al Sadah, Director of Commercial Transport Activities at RTA’s Licensing Agency, stated: “The service integrates luxury passenger transport with the car rental sector in Dubai. The permit facilitates seamless collaboration between limousine transport companies and car rental firms, enabling the temporary use of luxury cars while fostering mutual benefits between RTA and the business sector. This initiative also allows end-users — including individuals, tourists, and residents — to hire a luxury car with a chauffeur for up to one month, subject to regulations and conditions.

“The ‘Takamul Permit’ establishes a comprehensive and flexible regulatory framework to enhance the car rental sector across all categories. We had updated regulations and developed systems to encompass all car rental activities under RTA’s jurisdiction while also streamlining the relationship between rental companies and customers.”

Recently, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed nine cooperation agreements with several leading property developers and free zones in the emirate.

The agreements aim to create a unified platform for approving infrastructure project requests and managing activities within the right-of-way and public roads. They also seek to enhance road safety, improve service levels, and ensure that development projects adhere to the highest standards and regulations set by the relevant authorities.

RTA remains committed to maintaining world-class infrastructure within the right-of-way across Dubai, including development areas and free zones.

WAM