Dubai's RTA to launch mini Nol card that is ‘as small as a key ring’

The card will be unveiled at Gitex Technology Week

A passenger scans his Nol card at Dubai Metro. Touchless payments will become more common in the future according to transport experts. Amy Leang / The National

A miniature version of the Nol card, used for public transport and public park entry, will be launched at Gitex this week.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will unveil the new card, which will be as small as a key ring.

Nol is an electronic ticketing card that is used by residents and tourists for public transport, entry into public parks, refuelling vehicles and paid parking services in Dubai.

The current version is the size of a credit card and can be purchased in metro stations or stores with RTA-authorised sales agents.

Nol cards were launched in August 2009 and can be loaded with up to Dh5000. The cards have a validity of five years and can also be used at more than 2000 shops across Dubai .

Users can get a cash refund for any unused balance after a 2.5 per cent or Dh5 is deducted from the card.

The word Nol means fare in Arabic.

RTA will be launching several smart initiatives and services at the Gitex Technology Week, being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 6 to December 10.

These include displaying the use of artificial intelligence in taxis during the Covid-19 pandemic, augmented reality in guiding customers to RTA service points and how the government body used drones to inspect Dubai Metro tunnels.

“RTA seeks to be a key player in developing and applying technologies capable of making life easier for Dubai residents,” said Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, director general of RTA.

“We have charted out a clear road map for the future of smart mobility up to 2071, and developed a master plan for digitisation and the introduction of the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in the transport sector.

“The master plan will include the Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2030, Mobility Digitisation Strategy, AI (Artificial Intelligence) Strategy 2025, and the Improvement of the 4th Industrial Revolution Lab for Transport.”

RTA will also highlight its new Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS), which has opened in Al Barsha.

It is considered as “one of the biggest and most sophisticated” traffic management systems in the world and uses smart technologies, such as AI, big data, Internet of Things and traffic projection.

Its implementation has helped expand ITS coverage of Dubai roads from 11 per cent to 60 per cent.

Dubai Metro - in pictures 

Workers build an underground tunnel at Union Square Station, one of two underground stations where both Dubai Metro lines meet, in 2008. Reuters

Construction of a metro station on Sheikh Zayed Road in January 2009. Alamy

Scores of buildings under construction along the new metro line are seen on June 15, 2008. AFP

Construction of a track line support column for Dubai Metro under way. Alamy

Workers at a construction site for Dubai Metro pictured on May 28, 2008. AFP

Construction for Dubai Metro under way ahead of its inauguration in 2009.

Dubai Metro passes Dubai Marina during test runs a week before its opening on September 9, 2009. Stephen Lock / The National

Murals painted on the Metro support pillars in November 2018. They were painted by two international artists, Peruvian Daniel Cortez and Dominican-born, Miami-based Elio Mercado, known as Evoca1. Reem Mohammed / The National

Commuters file into Noor Bank Metro Station in September 2018. Victor Besa / The National

Commuters wait to take the Metro.

Dubai Metro has served more than 1.5bn passengers since it opened 10 years ago.