Nol-Jaywan Card: Dubai’s New Nol Card Explained

Dubai's new Nol-Jaywan card will cover the Metro, taxis and parking, with a pilot this month. What's confirmed, what isn't, and how to pay for rides today.

Tap, beep, ride: that small ritual is how most people meet Dubai, from the first Metro journey out of a hotel lobby to the last taxi home. Now the card behind it is changing. On Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a new Nol-Jaywan card. It joins Dubai’s nol fare system with Jaywan, the UAE’s national card payment scheme. A pilot begins this month. Here is what has been confirmed, what is still unknown, and how to pay for your journeys in the meantime.

Table of Contents

What Has Been Announced About the Nol-Jaywan Card?

The RTA has signed a strategic agreement with Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. Together, they will introduce what the RTA calls the next generation of nol cards. Gulf News reported that the cards will pay for public transport, taxis and parking. In addition, they will offer wider digital payments and more than 120 promotional offers and discounts.

Khaleej Times confirmed that testing starts in November and that the cards will arrive in phases. The Dubai Media Office shared the news on X shortly afterwards. Arabian Business had not covered the story when this guide was published.

Mattar Al Tayer, the RTA’s Director General, said the cards mark “a significant step” in linking public transport with everyday services. Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri of Al Etihad Payments called the move “a significant leap” towards unifying the country’s digital payments.

How Will the New Card Work?

The project is part of a wider upgrade of the nol system to account-based ticketing. In plain terms, your fares are linked to an account rather than only to the credit stored on a plastic card. Based on what both newspapers reported, the cards will:

Pay for journeys through the existing nol system, including the Metro, buses and the tram
Cover taxis and public parking in the first, pilot phase
Work as a Jaywan payment card for other purchases
Offer digital activation and management on Android and iOS phones
Support online booking platforms for public transport services across the UAE
Give access to more than 120 promotional offers and exclusive discounts

A red nol card reader on board a Dubai public bus, where passengers tap their card or scan a QR ticket — A nol card reader on a Dubai bus. Photo: Dekoelie, Wikimedia Commons, “Card Reader”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized).

What Is Jaywan?

Jaywan is the UAE’s own card payment scheme, operated by Al Etihad Payments. According to Khaleej Times, banks and other licensed institutions began issuing the cards nationwide in July 2026. The scheme currently supports debit and prepaid cards, and credit cards are planned. In addition, it was developed with the international arm of India’s National Payments Corporation, using technology from the RuPay system.

Its reach is also growing. Etihad Airways began accepting Jaywan for online bookings in August, and Emirates followed in September. Adding it to nol is the most visible step yet, because nearly everyone in Dubai uses a nol card at some point.

What We Still Don’t Know

This is an announcement, not a launch. Both Gulf News and Khaleej Times noted several open questions, and the RTA has not yet answered them:

The exact start date of the pilot, beyond “November”
When the cards will be available to every commuter
Whether existing nol cards will need replacing
Which businesses will accept payments through the new cards
The price of a card, and who will be able to apply for one

So, until the RTA publishes those details, treat any claim about fees or eligibility with caution. We will update this guide once official information appears.

How Should Visitors Pay for Transport Right Now?

Nothing changes for your trip today. Your current nol card or ticket works exactly as before. In fact, the simplest options for a short stay arrived only a few weeks ago.

Buy a digital QR ticket. Since October, the nol Pay and S’hail apps sell single trips and one-day passes as QR codes. Scan them at the blue Metro gates or on the red readers on buses.
Use the paper Red ticket if you prefer. It suits occasional riders, and the fare depends on how many zones you cross.
Pick up a Silver nol card for a longer stay. It holds stored credit and works across the Metro, tram and buses.
Always tap in and tap out. This applies to transfers too, so keep your card or phone handy.
Mind the timing of day passes. Gulf News reported that an activated one-day QR pass runs until midnight, not for a full 24 hours.
Use unused QR tickets within 90 days of buying them.

For station basics, routes and etiquette, read our Dubai Metro guide. Travellers with limited mobility will find step-free tips in our accessible Dubai guide.

A Dubai Metro train pulling into an enclosed Red Line station, where riders tap in with a nol card or QR ticket — A Red Line station on the Dubai Metro. Photo: Shahroozporia, Wikimedia Commons, “Dubai metro rail & station”, CC BY-SA 3.0 (resized).

What the Nol-Jaywan Card Could Mean for Residents

By contrast, residents stand to gain the most. One card for the Metro, a taxi and a parking bay is already convenient. A card that also pays at the supermarket could replace a second card in your wallet.

Still, it is wise to wait. Keep using your current nol card and top it up as normal. Above all, do not buy a replacement until the RTA confirms how existing cardholders will move across. If you hold a personalised Blue card, watch for official guidance on whether your concessions and account will transfer automatically.

Taxis, Parking and the Bigger Picture

Notably, the pilot covers taxis and public parking from the outset. Paying for a ride or a bay with the same card you use on the Metro removes one more small hassle. Moreover, the move fits a broader pattern. Indeed, Dubai is steadily testing new ways to get around, from the driverless pod trial at Bluewaters to new road links such as the World Trade Centre bridge.

Red-roofed and yellow-roofed Dubai taxis on a busy street in Bur Dubai; taxis are covered by the first phase of the Nol-Jaywan pilot — Taxis in Bur Dubai. Photo: Fabio Achilli, Wikimedia Commons, “Taxi in Bur Dubai”, CC BY 2.0 (resized).

Conclusion

The Nol-Jaywan card is a promising upgrade rather than an overnight change. It brings fares, taxis, parking and everyday payments together, and its pilot starts this month. However, the RTA has not yet named a start date, a price or a plan for existing cards. For now, visitors should keep things simple with a QR ticket or a Silver card, while residents should hold on to the cards they already have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nol-Jaywan card?

It is a new generation of nol card that combines Dubai’s nol fare system with Jaywan, the UAE’s national card payment scheme. The RTA and Al Etihad Payments announced it on 4 November 2026.

When will it be available?

First, a pilot begins in November 2026. However, the RTA has not yet said when the card will be available to everyone.

Do I need to replace my current nol card?

Not at the moment. Because the RTA has not said whether existing cards must be swapped, keep using yours as normal.

Can tourists use the Nol-Jaywan card?

The RTA has not yet published eligibility rules. Meanwhile, visitors can use QR tickets from the nol Pay or S’hail apps, a Red ticket or a Silver nol card.

Where will it work in the pilot?

According to the RTA, the first phase covers public transport, taxis and public parking.

Key Takeaways

The RTA and Al Etihad Payments are launching a Nol-Jaywan card, with a pilot starting in November 2026
It will cover public transport, taxis and parking, plus wider payments through Jaywan
Cardholders will get more than 120 offers and discounts
Launch dates, prices and the plan for existing cards are still to be confirmed
Visitors can travel today with QR tickets, a Red ticket or a Silver nol card

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