If you use a nol card for public transport in Dubai, here’s an important update from RTA: starting in March, the minimum top-up amount will increase from AED 5 to AED 20. This means you’ll need to add at least 4 times more than before when reloading your card.
A nol card is a smart card used for paying fares on Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and marine transport like the Dubai Ferry, Water Taxi, and Abra. You can also use it for RTA parking and even for shopping at over 2,000 stores across Dubai.
There are three main types of nol cards, and the new minimum top-up rule will apply to all of them:
- Silver nol Card can hold up to AED 1,000 if unregistered and is valid for five years.
- Gold nol Card works like the Silver card but allows access to Gold Class seats on the Metro for an extra fee.
- Blue nol Card is a personalized card with added security features and a higher balance limit of AED 5,000.
This change is likely aimed at ensuring passengers have enough balance for multiple trips, especially as Dubai’s transport network expands.
Also, in March, as Ramadan starts, some bus routes at DXB Airport terminals will be adjusted, and certain services may be temporarily canceled. If you’re traveling during this time, check the updated schedules of public transport in Dubai in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
