Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, have signed a partnership agreement to develop the next generation of nol cards, integrating them with the UAE’s national Jaywan payment scheme.
The rollout will happen in stages, beginning with a pilot in November that covers RTA’s public transport network, taxis and public parking services. The new nol–Jaywan cards will allow holders to pay for travel and everyday transactions through a single card, using account-based ticketing (ABT) technology to replace the current nol infrastructure.
The agreement was signed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, and Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the Central Bank and Chairman of Al Etihad Payments.
“Our partnership with Al Etihad Payments reflects RTA’s approach to developing an integrated mobility system that puts customers at the heart of service design, combining ease of travel with efficient payments in a seamless digital experience. The next generation of nol–Jaywan cards marks a significant step in developing financial and technological solutions to support public transport and strengthen its link with everyday services. We are keen to build effective partnerships with national entities and the private sector to develop innovative services and expand the payment options available to customers. This will help improve service efficiency, make public transport more attractive and support the growth of digital payments in Dubai,” Al Tayer said in a statement.
“Integrating the national Jaywan payment scheme with nol cards is a significant leap towards unifying the UAE’s digital payments infrastructure. We are not merely introducing a new payment method; we are establishing a flexible and secure financial environment that connects key sectors and helps accelerate the transition towards a sustainable digital economy. The gradual expansion of acceptance of this national payment scheme, both within the UAE and internationally, reflects our commitment to building innovative financial solutions connected to everyday life in the community and supporting the UAE’s financial inclusion strategy. This integration is a cornerstone of efforts to develop the digital ecosystem, improve the efficiency of the financial system and reinforce the UAE’s global leadership in financial innovation, supported by national payment systems that keep pace with the highest international standards,” Al Dhaheri added.
On the product side, the new cards will support digital activation and management via Android and iOS devices, work across public and private transport, and can be used through online booking platforms for public transport services across the UAE. Cardholders will also gain access to more than 120 promotional offers and discounts.
