Dubai is about to upgrade its everyday transport card. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a new version of the nol card, and a trial starts later this month. The big news is that it can help you save money on daily spending, not just on your commute.
What Is the New nol Jaywan Card?
The RTA has teamed up with Al Etihad Payments, a part of the Central Bank of the UAE, to launch a new generation of nol Jaywan cards. Jaywan is the UAE’s national card payment scheme. Many people already use the nol card to pay for the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, buses, and taxis.
The new card joins the two together. You can use it to travel, and you can also use it to pay through Jaywan. That means one card can do more of the work in your wallet.
More Than 120 Offers and Discounts
This is the part that will interest most people. Cardholders will get access to more than 120 promotional offers and exclusive discounts for everyday use. The RTA says the goal is to add value every time you tap your card, even for small daily purchases.
You Can Keep It on Your Phone
The new cards will also have digital options. You will be able to activate and use them through smartphones running Android and iOS. So if you do not want another card taking up space in your wallet, your phone can handle it.
How the Trial Will Work
The first step is a trial, which begins this month. It will cover the RTA’s public transport services, public and private transportation, taxis and public parking services. A trial is a good way to test how things work in real life before a full rollout.
Here is a quick summary of what we know so far.
| Detail | What we know |
|---|---|
| Card name | nol Jaywan card |
| Partners | RTA and Al Etihad Payments |
| Offers | More than 120 promotions and discounts |
| Phone option | Android and iOS |
| Trial starts | Later this month |
| Trial covers | Public transport, taxis, public and private transportation, public parking |
The Tech Behind It
The change is part of a bigger plan to upgrade the nol system using account based ticketing technology. In simple words, this approach links your travel to an account instead of only to the card itself. The RTA says it will also bring public transport services together in a single experience and widen digital payment choices.
Why Is Dubai Doing This?
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, called the new card a big step in building financial and tech solutions for public transport. He said the RTA wants strong partnerships with national bodies and the private sector. According to him, this will make services work better, make public transport more attractive and support the growth of digital payments in Dubai.
The move also fits the UAE’s wider push towards a cashless future.
What Should Commuters Do Now?
For now, you do not need to change anything. Keep using your current nol card as usual. The trial is only starting, so the RTA will likely share more details about who can join, where to get the card and how to claim the offers. Keep an eye on official RTA channels for those updates.
If you travel by metro every day, the new card could be worth a look once it is available. Even small savings add up over a month.
While You Wait
Dubai has a lot going on right now. Music fans may want to check out Atif Aslam’s return to Dubai on November 27 at Coca-Cola Arena, and a metro ride is an easy way to get there.
If you work remotely, the city also opened its first Work From Park hub, with free outdoor desks and indoor spaces.
On the road side, here is another change coming soon: Dubai will track delivery bikes with smart devices and cameras, and it becomes mandatory in 2027.
The new nol Jaywan card is a small change to hold in your hand, but it could make daily life in Dubai a bit easier and cheaper.