Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently announced a significant adjustment to the minimum top-up amount for Nol cards, impacting commuters in the city. Effective January 15, 2024, the new minimum top-up requirement will be Dhs20, a threefold increase from the previous Dhs5.
Commuters using the metro are also advised to ensure a minimum balance of Dhs15 on their Nol cards (previously Dhs7.50) for round trips. One-way fares vary between Dhs3 to Dhs15 based on area zones and travel class.
Nol Card: A Convenient Payment Solution
Nol cards, known for their convenience, are pre-paid smart cards facilitating seamless payments for various public transport modes in Dubai, including the metro, tram, buses, water taxis, and even traditional taxis. Beyond transportation, Nol cards have expanded their utility to become a versatile payment option in the city.
Changes to Top-Up Locations
To accommodate the increased minimum top-up, commuters can conveniently recharge their Nol cards at various locations, including ticket offices at metro stations, the RTA website, and mobile app, solar top-up machines, ENOC and EPPCO petrol stations, local Zoom stores, and through the Careem app.
Surprising Uses of Nol Cards
In addition to transportation, Nol cards find acceptance at an expanding list of Dubai merchants, including selected Almaya, Carrefour, Lulu, AllDay, and Zoom stores. Several restaurants, such as 800 Degrees Pizza, London Dairy, Burger King, Gloria Jean’s Coffee, and more, now welcome Nol card payments. Furthermore, families heading to public parks, including Quranic Park, Zabeel Park, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Mushrif Park, and Creek Park, are required to use Nol cards for the Dhs5 entry fee. The cards can also be used to pay for tickets at attractions like the Etihad Museum.
