Students can also enjoy retail discounts by signing up for the Nol Plus loyalty programme through RTA’s digital platforms.
Students will be able to use their Nol cards for online transactions and purchases at retail outlets across the GCC from December 2026, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced.
An RTA spokesperson confirmed to Khaleej Times that the upgraded student card will offer the same features as a standard Nol Card.
The changes will allow students to top up their cards instantly through digital channels, manage their profiles and renew their cards online. Parents will also be able to manage their child’s account or card, the RTA said.
The Nol Student Card has traditionally offered a 50 per cent discount on public transport in Dubai, making it a popular option among school and university students across the emirate. Students can also benefit from retail discounts by signing up for the Nol Plus loyalty programme through the RTA’s digital platforms.
When was the Nol Student Card launched?
The Nol Student Card was introduced in 2009, shortly after the Dubai Metro began operations.
According to the RTA, 43,800 cards have been printed since 2024, while 49,500 cards are currently active.
Figures also show that certain metro stations are more popular among student cardholders. The five most-used stations are:
- BurJuman Metro Station
- Stadium Metro Station
- Oud Metha Metro Station
- Dubai Internet City Metro Station
- City Centre Deira Metro Station
How to apply for a Nol Student Card
School and university students in the UAE who are under 23 can apply for the card through the RTA website or the Nol Pay app.
Applicants must submit their Emirates ID, a photograph and an official stamped student confirmation letter from their school, college or university.
The card costs Dh70 and is valid for five years.
The RTA has also broadened the card’s benefits through the Nol ISIC card, which provides students with privileges and discounts in more than 130 countries. The integration with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) was first announced in 2024, following a partnership between the RTA and the International Student Identity Card Association.
At the time, the authority said the package would provide discounts of up to 70 per cent on local and international brands, in addition to the existing 50 per cent public transport concession.
A system-wide upgrade
The December upgrade is part of the RTA’s wider efforts to modernise the Nol payment system.
The authority has been moving towards account-based ticketing technology, which is expected to let commuters link their Nol cards to digital accounts, use QR-code tickets and pay fares using bank cards and digital wallets.
The RTA has also announced a new generation of Nol-Jaywan cards, which combine the Nol transport system with the UAE’s national payment scheme. A pilot programme is due to begin in November 2026. The cards are expected to provide access to more than 120 promotional offers and exclusive discounts.
For students, the December changes will extend the Nol Student Card beyond public transport and campus purchases, turning it into a wider payment option for online transactions and in-store shopping across the GCC.
