If you needed one more reason to be proud of Abu Dhabi’s Class of 2026, here it is: the emirate’s top-performing public school graduates are being rewarded with a full year of free public transport. Abu Dhabi Mobility has just announced that high-achieving students will receive the Hafilat card, the smart card used to pay bus fares across the emirate, completely free of charge, along with a few extra perks to make their daily commute smoother.
What The Free Hafilat Card Actually Covers
The special Hafilat card works exactly like the regular version, except students won’t pay a single dirham for it this year. It can be used on local buses within Abu Dhabi as well as intercity services connecting different regions of the emirate, meaning students heading off to university or navigating a new daily routine won’t need to worry about topping up or buying separate tickets for every trip. On top of the free card itself, eligible students also get access to a dedicated, faster-service counter, a small but genuinely useful perk if you’ve ever stood in a queue at a transport service centre.
Who Qualifies For This
In celebration of high school graduates in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi who achieved an average of 95% or above during the 2025–2026 academic year, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) is offering the Special Hafilat Card free of charge for one year… pic.twitter.com/6iCc5uzuIV
— أبوظبي للتنقل | AD Mobility (@ad_mobility) August 29, 2026
The offer is specifically for high school graduates who studied in Abu Dhabi’s government schools and achieved an average score of 95% or higher during the 2025–2026 academic year. It’s a fairly high bar, which is exactly the point, this is Abu Dhabi Mobility’s way of publicly celebrating academic excellence rather than a blanket benefit for all graduates. The authority confirmed the initiative was introduced specifically in celebration of these students’ achievements, timed to coincide with this year’s graduation results.
Also Read: Now Pay Your Parking Fee At Abu Dhabi Airport With Contactless Credit Card Payment Options!
Why This Initiative Matters
Small, targeted incentives like this tend to say more than they cost. A free transport card won’t change anyone’s life financially, but it’s a tangible, visible way of acknowledging hard work at a moment that matters, right as these students step into the next chapter, whether that’s university, a gap year, or the workforce. It also fits into a broader pattern across the UAE of transport and government bodies using everyday services, bus cards, toll waivers, parking perks, as a way of recognising achievement, rather than reserving recognition for trophies and certificates alone. For Abu Dhabi’s newest high-achievers, it’s one less thing to think about as they figure out what comes next.
Cover Image Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Mobility/X
FAQs
How long is the free Hafilat card valid for?
The card is free of charge for one full year from the time it's issued to eligible students.
What happens after the free year ends?
The card reverts to standard terms after the one-year period, meaning students would need to top up and pay for future travel like any other Hafilat cardholder.