Dubai nol System Upgrade 2026: What the New Digital Payment System Means

Dubai is moving the nol public-transport payment system from card-based ticketing to an account-based digital system. RTA said in July 2026 that the project was 72% complete, with all phases scheduled to finish by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

What is changing?

The upgraded system will connect fares and balances to a digital account rather than relying only on the value stored directly on a physical card. This should make it easier to manage accounts, recover balances and use future digital payment options.

Is the new system fully live yet?

No. The upgrade is still being rolled out. RTA’s July 2026 update said 72% of the project had been completed and the remaining work is scheduled through the end of Q1 2027.

Do current nol cards still work?

Yes. Passengers should continue using their existing valid nol cards and the current RTA rules unless RTA announces a specific migration step for their card or account.

What newcomers should do

If you have just moved to Dubai, do not wait for the future system before arranging transport. Get the appropriate current nol card, keep enough balance for your journeys, and use official RTA channels for any upgrade prompts.

For more practical information, see Babylon’s UAE country guide.

Official source

Dubai RTA: nol system upgrade 72% complete, 5 July 2026.