Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed three Memoranda of Understanding with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Parkin PJSC, and PayPal to expand the use of the nol card beyond public transport.
The agreements were signed during GITEX Global, which took place from October 13 to 17, 2025.
The partnership with KHDA includes GTS Alive Middle East, the representative of the International Student Identity Card Association in the Middle East.
RTA signs four major deals to expand nol card use
Mohammed Al Mudharreb, CEO of Corporate Technology Support Services Sector at RTA, signed the agreements on behalf of the authority. Dr Saeed Mubarak Kharbash, CEO of Policies, Research and Programmes Sector at KHDA, and Michal Lezo, Managing Director of GTS Alive Middle East, signed for their organisations. The MoU with Parkin was signed by Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, while the MoU with PayPal was signed by Otto Williams Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager at PayPal Middle East and Africa, according to a statement by the Dubai Media Office.
The MoUs aim to strengthen service integration by enabling companies and institutions to link their services with the nol ecosystem. The partnerships will allow users to use the card in retail outlets, restaurants, car parks, events, and entertainment facilities.
The agreements focus on promoting digital transformation by reducing reliance on cash and supporting smart payment solutions. The partnerships will build collaboration with the private sector for the development of nol-linked products and services.
The objectives include raising customer satisfaction by delivering a seamless experience through a single card that facilitates daily transactions. The partnerships aim to diversify revenue sources through partnership fees, value-added services, and innovations linked to the card.
The agreements also support environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on paper tickets and cash payments.
“We are truly pleased to collaborate with KHDA, GTS Alive Middle East – the representative of the International Student Identity Card Association in the Middle East – as well as with Parkin and PayPal. These esteemed entities will work with RTA to develop the nol ecosystem with the aim of enhancing the services provided to the public across all segments of society,” Mohammed Al Mudharreb, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technology Support Services Sector explained.
“RTA is always keen to collaborate with the business community, particularly the private sector at the local, regional, and global levels, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and expertise to improve and advance the services offered to RTA’s customers, including residents, visitors, and tourists,” he added.
Student identity card partnership between RTA, KHDA and GTS alive announced at GITEX
“Dubai’s education strategy focuses on providing facilities and services that always meet the needs of all students, including the adoption of innovative and safe solutions that strengthen Dubai’s position as a global destination for knowledge and innovation. We value our positive collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and GTS ALIVE Middle East to launch the ‘Study in Dubai – nol ISIC’ card for students, which will be recognized and used by higher education institutions across Dubai. In addition to offering lifestyle benefits and discounts across a wide range of services and experiences, this card will enhance the overall student experience in Dubai. We look forward to this initiative meeting students’ needs and enriching their educational journey in Dubai,” Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, Chief Executive Officer of the Policies, Research, and Programs Sector at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai said.
The partnership will launch the ‘Study in Dubai – nol ISIC’ card for students, which will be recognised by higher education institutions across Dubai. The card will offer lifestyle benefits and discounts across services and experiences.
“The partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) marks a pivotal step toward strengthening the strategic collaboration between both parties and establishing a partnership built on the integration of efforts to develop smart, comprehensive, and sustainable services that cater to all members of society—delivering a unique and distinguished experience for them.” “This partnership will enhance the interoperability between the digital payment systems of nol and Parkin, providing customers with new and diverse payment options. Through this collaboration, both sides will continue to launch innovative initiatives and solutions that contribute to achieving digital and operational integration, in support of advancing urban mobility and enriching the customer experience,” Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Parkin explained.
“Our partnership with RTA reflects our shared vision for seamless, digital-first mobility driven by trust, efficiency and innovation. As payments become woven into the way the city and its people move, they transform from simple transactions into the backbone of urban innovation. Together, we’re helping shape a future where Dubai leads as a global hub for smart, connected cities – unlocking greater access for customers and new opportunities for business across the digital economy,” Otto Williams, SVP, Head of Partnerships, MEA, PayPal concluded.
