Dubai to pilot new nol–Jaywan card this November, merging metro fares and everyday payments

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, signed a strategic partnership agreement on 4 November 2026 to launch the next generation of nol–Jaywan cards. A pilot begins in November 2026, covering RTA public transport services, taxis (public and private transport) and public parking. (Photo: file image of the Dubai Metro.)

One card for travel and everyday spending

The new card merges Dubai's nol transport payment system with Jaywan, the UAE's national card payment scheme, so one card covers travel and everyday purchases. The upgrade uses account-based ticketing (ABT) technology to replace the current nol infrastructure; the cards support digital activation and management via Android and iOS.

Jaywan issued nationwide since July; upgrade due to finish by early 2027

Jaywan cards began nationwide issuance in July 2026 through participating banks; RTA says about 72% of the nol upgrade project was complete by July 2026, with all stages expected to finish by the end of the first quarter of 2027. No exact public launch date has been announced, and RTA has not confirmed whether existing nol cardholders will need to replace their cards.

(Sources: Dubai Media Office, Emirates 24|7, GoDubai, November 5, 2026.)