Dubai’s iconic Nol card system, a cornerstone of the city’s public transportation infrastructure, is poised for a significant upgrade to an account-based payment model backed by central wallet technology. The Dh350-million project, scheduled to be implemented in phases, is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, according to a top official from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The revamped system will introduce cutting-edge features, including artificial intelligence technologies such as facial recognition, to streamline and enhance the user experience. Despite the upgrade, the RTA has affirmed that the current card-based system will remain in place alongside the new account-based model. Users will have the flexibility to link one or multiple cards to their digital accounts, facilitating seamless transactions and management of balances.
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Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, highlighted the innovative aspects of the upgraded system, which will enable trip planning, booking, and pre-payment through smart channels. The system will also offer integrated packages for families and groups, ushering in a new era of convenience and accessibility for commuters across Dubai.
Salah Almarzooqi, Director of Automated Collection Systems Department at RTA, elaborated on the key features of the new system, emphasizing the utilization of facial recognition for payments and the ability to manage account details and transaction history efficiently.
The transition to the account-based payment system is expected to bolster electronic security measures, with all cards linked to individual customer accounts and company profiles, ensuring enhanced data protection and privacy.
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The upgrade marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s journey towards embracing global advancements in digital payment solutions and financial technology (fintech). The new system promises to revolutionize the transportation payment landscape, offering improved data utilization, seamless integration across transit modes, and personalized services for commuters.
Since its inception in 2009, the Nol card system has been instrumental in facilitating over 30 million cards issuance and processing approximately 2.5 million payment transactions daily, amounting to Dh2 billion in 2023 alone. Beyond public transportation, Nol cards have diversified their functionalities to cover public parking fees and entrance fees for various establishments, reflecting their pivotal role in Dubai’s urban ecosystem.
The RTA’s commitment to innovation underscores its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors, positioning Dubai as a global leader in smart city initiatives and digital transformation.
