Only Dubai residents can understand the importance if a nol card. From transport-related payments to paying for parking, the Nol card has always been a constant cashless companion of all Dubai-ites. And guess what, Habibi, your Nol card is getting an upgrade, and it might become an all-in-one digital mode of payment soon. Here’s what’s new and how it will help you in your daily routine in Dubai.
Dubai’s Nol Card Is Getting A Major Upgrade
#RTA signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, in partnership with GTS Alive Middle East – the representative of the International Student Identity Card Association in the Middle East – as well as with… pic.twitter.com/jFR9n6e1XC
— RTA (@rta_dubai) October 14, 2025
Yes, we know that you could already do these payments before, and the curiosity to know what’s new is at its peak. Here’s an explanation. You know how you buy tickets using Nol card for modes of transportation like bus, tram, and metro? Well, now you can even use the card to make payments at restaurants, buy tickets for major attractions and pay for parking. Also, earlier, only a few lists of restaurants were accepting the Nol card payment, but there’s a new update announced at GITEX. As mentioned in a report by Dubai RTA, the list will be expanded soon as per the signed three Memoranda of Understanding with some big players. The brands include KHDA, Parkin and PayPal.
The bigger aim of this collaboration is to reduce the use of physical cash across the country. So now you tap your card at the metro, get off and tap it again to pay your bill at the restaurant. Seamless and easy!
A City-Wide Rollout Of This Initiative
Well, for now we only have the confirmation of the upgrade, but we are yet to receive specific names of the brands to be included. But what this means for you is that less use of cash, fewer paper tickets and a cleaner eco-system. You are not just using a cashless mode of payment but also contributing to a greener tomorrow.
Also Read: Trackless Tram To Aerial Taxi, Dubai RTA Launches 11 Pioneering Projects At GITEX Global
More Announcements At GITEX Global 2025
In the recent update, KHDA also announced that they will be creating a new student card that will help in daily commutes. The digital transformation of the country has been given a ‘Green’ signal. So simply carry your Nol card instead of juggling with multiple things to make payments across in Dubai. But you have to wait and understand which restaurants and attractions will be implementing it first.
Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai RTA/X
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