Dubai Metro Card: Your Complete Guide to the Dubai Nol Card
In a city built on speed, innovation, and convenience, the Dubai Nol Card stands as one of the smartest tools for navigating its vibrant public transport system. Whether you’re a tourist exploring iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa or a resident commuting across town, the Nol Card simplifies your journey through the emirate. With seamless access to metro trains, buses, trams, water taxis, and even parking meters, this all-in-one smart card is more than just a ticket—it’s your passport to moving through Dubai like a local.
What Is the Dubai Nol Card?
The Nol Card (Arabic: نول) is Dubai’s official contactless travel smart card, launched by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in 2009. Developed by Octopus Cards Limited, the same company behind Hong Kong’s Octopus Card, Nol cards allow users to pay for a wide range of RTA transport services by simply tapping in and out at entry and exit points. It’s designed to reduce queues, eliminate paper tickets, and encourage efficient city-wide mobility.
The name “Nol” means “fare” in Arabic, and the card covers:
- Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines)
- Dubai Tram
- Public buses
- Water buses and abras
- RTA-paid parking
- Taxis (select fleet of 8,000+ taxis and expanding)
- Retail purchases at convenience stores
Types of Dubai Nol Cards (And Who Should Use Them)
Understanding which Nol Card suits your needs is key to saving time and money.
📲 Silver Nol Card
- Cost: AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit)
- Validity: 5 years
- Ideal for: Tourists, short- to mid-term visitors
- Features: Usable on all RTA transport; affordable; fast top-up; anonymous use
🔷 Gold Nol Card
- Cost: AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit)
- Validity: 5 years
- Ideal for: Travelers wanting luxury
- Features: Access to Gold Class cabins on the Metro and Tram; otherwise identical to Silver
📅 Blue (Personalized) Nol Card
- Cost: AED 70 (includes AED 20 credit)
- Validity: 5 years
- Ideal for: Residents, students, senior citizens, people of determination
- Features: Linked to Emirates ID; secure balance; eligibility for discounts; usable in over 2,000 retail outlets
📃 Red Ticket
- Cost: AED 2
- Validity: 90 days / 10 journeys
- Ideal for: Occasional travelers and single-trip users
- Features: Paper-based; must be topped up for each journey; limited use across transport modes
Recommended: NOL Card Balance Check
Where to Buy Your Nol Card
You can purchase Nol cards and tickets at:
- Metro and Tram station ticket offices
- RTA Customer Happiness Centers
- Ticket vending machines
- Zoom stores and select retail outlets
- Dubai International Airport kiosks
How to Top Up Your Nol Card
Topping up is simple and widely accessible. You can recharge at:
- Ticket vending machines (minimum AED 20)
- Ticket counters (minimum AED 50)
- Online via rta.ae, Nol Pay app, or S’hail app (from AED 5)
Card Limits:
- Anonymous Cards: AED 1,000
- Registered Cards: Up to AED 5,000
Recommended: Ratibi Card Salary Check Online
Nol Card Fares: How Much Will You Pay?
Fares in Dubai are calculated by the number of zones crossed during your journey. Dubai’s transport network is split into seven zones. Transferring between modes within 30 minutes counts as one continuous trip.
| Journey Type | Silver | Gold | Personal | Red Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Zone | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 3 | AED 4 |
| 2 Zones | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 5 | AED 6 |
| >2 Zones | AED 7.5 | AED 15 | AED 7.5 | AED 8.5 |
What Is the Nol Travel Card for Tourists?
In 2024, RTA introduced the Nol Travel Card aimed at tourists. It includes all Silver Card features plus access to exclusive discounts worth over AED 70,000 at top attractions, dining outlets, retail stores, and hotels.
Special Editions & Smart Nol
🎉 Limited Edition Cards
RTA regularly issues collector Nol cards during major events (like Expo 2020 or UAE National Day) with artwork showcasing Dubai’s skyline and culture.
🔧 Smart Nol
Launched in collaboration with Etisalat and du, Smart Nol enables NFC-enabled mobile payments using SIM-based technology. You can tap in/out using your phone on supported devices.
Requirements:
- NFC-compatible handset
- NFC SIM card from Etisalat or du
Nol Plus: Loyalty Program
Nol Plus is RTA’s rewards initiative launched in 2019. For every AED 1 spent using your Nol Card, you earn 1 point. Points can be redeemed at 1,000 points = AED 10 on rta.ae. Earn by riding Metro, paying parking, or shopping.
Dubai Metro: Know Before You Ride
✈ Key Lines
- Red Line: From Centrepoint to Expo 2020 and UAE Exchange (via Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina)
- Green Line: Etisalat to Creek (passing Deira, Al Fahidi, Gold Souk)
🏢 Cabin Classes
- Gold Class: Premium seats for Gold Card users
- Women & Children: Reserved cabins
- Silver Class: Standard seating
⏰ Operating Hours
- Mon–Thurs & Sat: 5am to 12am
- Friday: 5am to 1am
- Sunday: 8am to 12am
Recommended: Hafilat Card Balance
👉 Tip: Use the S’hail app or Google Maps for live routes and Metro updates.
Silver Nol Card + SIM Combos for Tourists
Tourists can get bundle offers combining a Silver Nol Card with a UAE prepaid SIM:
AED 65 Bundle:
- 2 GB data + 30 minutes (Intl + Local)
- AED 19 Nol credit
AED 89 Bundle:
- 4 GB data + 30 minutes
- AED 19 Nol credit
Both SIMs are ready at Dubai Airport and include 4G connectivity.
FAQs About Dubai Nol Cards
What does ‘Nol’ mean?
It means “fare” in Arabic and symbolizes seamless travel across Dubai.
Can I use one Nol card for two people?
No. Each passenger must have their own Nol Card to tag in and out.
Can I buy a Nol Card at Dubai Airport?
Yes, at kiosks, Zoom stores, Europcar, and tour operator counters.
What happens if I lose my Nol Card?
If it’s a Blue (personalized) card, your balance is protected. Anonymous cards are not refundable.
Is the Nol Card accepted on all taxis?
Currently available on most RTA taxis; full rollout ongoing.
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