Dubai is preparing to expand its nol payment system with the introduction of a new nol–Jaywan card, bringing public transport payments and additional digital payment services under one platform. The upgraded card is also expected to provide access to more than 120 promotional deals and discounts.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that trial operations for the new cards are scheduled to begin in November 2026. The initiative is expected to offer residents and visitors more ways to make everyday payments across Dubai.
The upgraded system will extend the use of nol beyond conventional transport payments, allowing cardholders to access a broader range of services through a single payment solution.
What Makes the New nol–Jaywan Card Different?
The new card brings together Dubai’s nol transport payment network and Jaywan, the UAE’s national domestic payment scheme.
The initiative is being developed through a collaboration between the RTA and Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. Its objective is to create a more integrated payment experience for transport users and customers accessing other services.
The development also supports the RTA’s move towards account-based ticketing (ABT), a technology designed to make fare payments more flexible and convenient.
Which Services Will Accept the New Card?
The introduction of the nol–Jaywan card will happen gradually. During the initial testing stage, the RTA plans to cover several key transport-related services, including:
- Metro and public buses: Commuters will be able to use the card to pay for journeys across Dubai’s public transport network.
- Taxi services: Payments will be supported across participating taxi and private transport services.
- Public parking: The card will also provide an additional option for settling parking fees.
Future expansion plans include extending payment acceptance to more public and private transport providers, as well as online transport booking platforms throughout the UAE.
Since the system will be rolled out in stages, additional services are expected to become available over time.
More Than 120 Promotional Deals and Discounts
Beyond transport payments, the new card is expected to offer access to more than 120 promotional deals and discounts.
This feature aims to give cardholders additional value by connecting everyday payment activities with offers across participating services and businesses. Details about eligible outlets, available promotions and redemption conditions are expected to be clarified as the programme develops.
When Will Dubai Introduce the New nol–Jaywan Card?
According to the RTA’s announcement, testing is scheduled to start in November 2026. The authority plans to introduce the upgraded payment system in phases before expanding its availability and service coverage.
The testing period will support the introduction of the new payment features and help prepare the system for wider adoption.
Will Existing nol Users Have to Replace Their Cards?
The new initiative builds on Dubai’s existing nol infrastructure, but specific arrangements for current cardholders have not yet been detailed in the supplied announcement.
Information about replacing existing cards, smartphone compatibility and digital payment facilities is still awaited. Commuters should follow official RTA announcements for confirmed updates on these features.
The nol–Jaywan project is aimed at making payments across transport and other everyday services more accessible through an integrated system, offering commuters greater convenience beyond traditional nol card usage.
