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What is a Nol Card in the UAE?

A Nol card is a smart card introduced by the RTA Dubai that enables you to pay for different transport modes in the city with a single tap. The card is designed to ensure a smooth and hassle-free ride in any public transportation mode you choose. The term ‘Nol’ means fare in Arabic. The Nol card can be used to pay for services such as:

Dubai Metro

Dubai Tram

Buses & Water Buses

RTA Taxis

Payment at parking zones, petrol stations, restaurants, etc.

Types of Nol Cards in Dubai

The RTA Dubai issues four types of Nol cards i.e. Red, Blue, Silver, and Gold. The details are as follows:

1) Red Card

The Red card is suitable for travelers who sparingly use public transportation services in the city. This card can be used for 10 single trips and is valid for 90 days from the issue date. Though the red ticket is priced very affordably at AED 2, it can be used only for RTA services such as metro, tram, and buses.

2) Blue Card

The Blue card is a personalized smart card with a validity of 5 years from the date of purchase. It offers up to 50% concession for special groups like students, senior citizens, and persons with disability. The blue ticket is valid on all transportation modes, public parks, and 2000+ marts across Dubai. This card is available only for residents.

As the Blue card is linked to your Emirates ID, the balance is secure even if the card is lost or stolen. It is priced at AED 70 including AED 20 of e-purse value. You can load up to AED 5,000 on a Blue Nol card.

3) Silver Card

The Silver card is also referred to as the Regular card as it is most commonly used by daily commuters in Dubai. The card is valid for 5 years and can be used across all modes of public transport. The Silver Nol card is priced at AED 25 including an e-purse balance of AED 19.

4) Gold Card

This card is suited for travelers who seek comfort and luxury. The Nol Gold cardholders enjoy VIP access to gold-class cabins in the Dubai metro and trams. It is valid across all transportation modes and can be purchased at AED 25. The Golden ticket is valid for 5 years and you can load it with a balance of up to AED 5,000.

How to Know the Balance in an NOL Card?

The Nol card makes it convenient for commuters to travel without the need to carry cash. However, it is important to keep track of your NOL card balance. Here’s how you can do a NOL card balance check online.

Visit the official website of the RTA

Click the ‘Check Nol Card Balance’ option

Enter your Nol card number along with the security code

Click ‘Search’ to view your card balance

Documents Required to Apply for a NOL Card

The following documents are required to apply for a Nol card in Dubai:

Adults

A copy of the Emirates ID

A recent photograph with a white background

Students (5 to 23 Years)

A copy of the Emirates ID

A recent photograph with a white background

An official document to prove that the applicant is a student at any of the educational institutions in the UAE

Senior Citizens (60 Years & Above)

A copy of the Emirates ID

A recent photograph with a white background

People of Determination (Residents & Tourists)

A copy of the Emirates ID

A recent photograph with a white background

A copy of the People of Determination card or Sanad card (for residents)

A POD card or any other document issued by the competent authorities in the country to which the applicant belongs to prove that he/she is a person of determination (for tourists)

Social Affairs Beneficiaries

A copy of the Emirates ID

A recent photograph with a white background

Any official document issued by the Community Development Authority stating that the applicant is eligible for social assistance

How to Get an NOL Card in Dubai?

You can purchase a Nol card at any of the ticket counters or ticket vending machines installed at the metro stations and bus stations in Dubai. The Nol cards are also available at the RTA customer happiness centers and its authorized sales agents. You can also buy it online through the RTA website.

How to Recharge a NOL Card Online?

There are several options to recharge your Nol card online. The details are as follows:

RTA Website

Visit the official website of RTA Dubai

Sign in to your RTA account. If you don’t have an account, you will need to register afresh

Navigate to the ‘Public Transport’ section and select ‘Nol Cards’

Choose ‘Recharge Nol card’

Provide your NOL card number and the amount you wish to add

Make the payment using your credit card or debit card

RTA Smart App

Download the RTA Dubai Smart app from the Play Store or the App Store

Sign in to your account or create a new account

Select the ‘Nol’ section from the menu. Tap on ‘Recharge Nol Card’

Input your Nol card number and the desired amount

Make the payment using your credit card or debit card

Nol Card Website

Visit the official website of Nol Cards

Log in to your account or create a new account 

Click on ‘Top Up Your Nol Card’

Provide the required NOL card details and select the amount

Make the payment using your credit card or debit card

What are the Features & Benefits of a NOL Card

Some of the key features and benefits of the Nol card in Dubai are listed below:

A single smart card can be used across different modes of public transport such as metro, tram, buses, taxis, etc. in Dubai.

The card contains a foolproof chip and antenna to facilitate quick and safe transactions. It is designed to prevent fraud and ensure precise calculation of fares.

The cardholders can pay the exact fare without the need to use cash anywhere.

People of determination can travel free of charge on the Dubai metro & buses using a Nol Blue card. Students and senior citizens are also eligible for a 50% concession in fares.

The Nol card is simple to use and easy to top up with the desired balance.

The card can be purchased at any of the ticket offices, ticket vending machines, RTA customer happiness centers, authorized sales agents, or online.

The Nol card can also be used for other purposes such as shopping, paying restaurant bills, purchasing medicines, buying fuel, and paying for tickets at public parks, museums, entertainment centers, etc.

How Much Does a Nol Card Cost in Dubai?

The price of the Nol card is based on its type. The details are given in the table below:
Card Type Price (AED)
Red 2
Blue 70
Silver 25
Golden 25

How to Check the NOL Card Expiry Date Online?

Cardholders can check the validity of a Nol card at any of the ticketing machines or counters at metro stations or parking meters located across the city. As soon as you insert the Nol card inside these machines, you will receive a message stating the number of days left before the card’s expiry. You will also get an alert message to apply for a new card.

How to Check the NOL Card Travel History?

The procedure to check your Nol card’s transaction history is as follows:

Visit the official website of RTA Dubai

Navigate to the ‘Public Transport’ section and select ‘Nol Cards & Services’

Click on ‘Nol Card Transaction History’

Enter your NOL card number and click ‘Next’. The card’s transaction details are displayed on the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Nol Card in Dubai

The Nol card in Dubai requires a balance of at least AED 7.50 to be able to use it.

The Nol card can be used to pay and settle the RTA taxi fare in Dubai. However, the minimum spend on your card shall depend on when and where you hail the taxi.

The Red Nol card is valid for 90 days from the issue date. However, all the other card types i.e. Blue, Silver, and Gold have a validity of five years.

The Nol card is primarily used to pay for public transportation in Dubai. You can pay for the metro, tram, bus, and RTA-taxi fare using a single smart card. The Nol card can also be used for other services such as shopping, buying fuel, paying parking fees, etc.

No. However, the Nol card is required if you plan to use public transportation in Dubai. Cash is not accepted in any public transport mode in Dubai.

Yes. You can purchase a Nol card in Dubai without an Emirates ID. However, you can get a personalized Nol card with special discounts if you possess an Emirates ID.

The Nol Red card (valid for 90 days) is ideal for short-term stays. The Nol Silver card (valid for five years) is recommended for visitors who plan to stay longer and use public transport frequently.

Yes. A Nol card is not personalized and can be used by any person if there is sufficient balance in the card. However, if you intend to use a concessionary Nol card (issued to students, senior citizens, or POD), you must be eligible to claim such a concession.

Yes. You can get a refund on your standard Nol card for the remaining balance. However, the refund policy may vary based on the card type.

Yes. The Nol cards are available at the Dubai International Airport. You can purchase it at the airport’s metro station and customer service centers.