The nol card will be upgraded to have additional smart features by 2026. RTA

Paying for public transport in Dubai will be as easy as tapping a smartphone or scanning a fingerprint by 2026. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that by September 2026, commuters will be able to pay for Dubai Metro and bus fares using digital wallets, bank cards, and facial recognition technology as part of a Dh550 million upgrade to the nol card system. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, confirmed that the project is 40 percent complete and is being executed in three phases to transition from the current nol card-based ticketing system to a more advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) system. Work on Phase 1 will involve upgrading the central system to create digital accounts linked to existing nol cards. Phase 2 will introduce next-generation nol cards compatible with banking card technology, while Phase 3 will enable alternative payment methods, including bank cards and digital wallets. The new system will also incorporate advanced payment methods such as QR codes, facial recognition, and fingerprint authentication, ensuring seamless and secure transactions for Dubai’s commuters.

Ajman leads with first fully contactless bus fare system

Meanwhile, Ajman has become the first emirate in the UAE to introduce a fully contactless bus fare system, allowing passengers to pay using bank cards, digital wallets, and smart devices like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The Ajman Transport Authority confirmed that smart payment devices have been recently installed across its entire public bus fleet. The system is currently operational on internal routes, with plans to expand to external routes soon. In addition, the upgraded Masaar Travel app now allows commuters to plan trips, track buses in real time, link bank cards for easy payments, and view travel history. These digital advancements mark a major step in the UAE’s commitment to smart mobility and digital transformation, making public transport more efficient and accessible for residents and visitors alike. ICA/Expat Media
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