RTA completes 40% of Nol digital payment system upgrade
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has completed 40 per cent of the Nol system upgrade, transitioning from the existing card-based ticketing system to the more advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) technology. The project is set for completion by the end of Q3 2026.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, stated, 'Given the scale of the project, which has a total cost of Dhs550 million, it has been divided into three key phases.
'In the first phase, the central system will be upgraded to create digital accounts for users, linking them to their existing nol cards. The second phase will introduce a new generation of Nol cards, incorporating advanced technologies aligned with international standards to ensure compatibility with banking card technologies.
'In the third and final phase, the system upgrade will be completed, enabling the acceptance of alternative payment methods, including bank cards and digital wallets, for public transport fare payments across Dubai.'
Al Tayer stated, 'Upgrading the nol system will introduce several advanced features and benefits for users. The new system will enable account creation, allowing users to link their nol cards to digital accounts, add nol cards to smartphone wallets, and purchase tickets using QR code technology via digital channels. It will also implement the flexible fare concept across public transport.'
He added, 'With the upgraded system, users can create and manage their accounts, link their own and family members' nol cards, and control account settings, including allocating top-up amounts for each card. They will also have the option to activate automatic balance top-ups by linking their accounts to banking services, view daily transaction statements, and seamlessly suspend cards and retrieve balances.
'Upgrading systems, devices, and smart kiosks at public transport stations will enhance new payment technologies, enabling users to pay fares using a variety of methods, including QR code ticketing, the next generation of nol cards, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, bank cards, and digital wallets.
'The upgraded system will also extend nol card usage beyond public transport, allowing users to make purchases across digital platforms and retail outlets in the UAE, similar to bank cards.'
Earlier, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai introduced the 'Takamul Permit' service, a new initiative that aims to achieve integration between the commercial transport sectors in the emirate, especially enhancing integration between the luxury car and car rental sectors, in line with the distinctive services provided by this vibrant city that meet the aspirations and needs of its residents, visitors and tourists while also contributing to an enhanced quality of life and a seamless, luxurious lifestyle in the city.
Jamal Al Sadah, Director of Commercial Transport Activities at RTA's Licensing Agency, stated: 'The service integrates luxury passenger transport with the car rental sector in Dubai. The permit facilitates seamless collaboration between limousine transport companies and car rental firms, enabling the temporary use of luxury cars while fostering mutual benefits between RTA and the business sector. This initiative also allows end-users — including individuals, tourists, and residents — to hire a luxury car with a chauffeur for up to one month, subject to regulations and conditions.
'The 'Takamul Permit' establishes a comprehensive and flexible regulatory framework to enhance the car rental sector across all categories. We had updated regulations and developed systems to encompass all car rental activities under RTA's jurisdiction while also streamlining the relationship between rental companies and customers.'
Recently, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed nine cooperation agreements with several leading property developers and free zones in the emirate.
The agreements aim to create a unified platform for approving infrastructure project requests and managing activities within the right-of-way and public roads. They also seek to enhance road safety, improve service levels, and ensure that development projects adhere to the highest standards and regulations set by the relevant authorities.
RTA remains committed to maintaining world-class infrastructure within the right-of-way across Dubai, including development areas and free zones.
WAM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Zawya
DGHR reinforces commitment to inclusive employment for people of determination across Dubai's government entities
As of 2024, 326 employees of determination have been integrated into Dubai Government entities. There are currently 237 employees of determination who are UAE nationals, working for Dubai's government entities. Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs take the lead in employing people of determination. Dubai – The 'Inclusive Employment 2024' report, issued by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), reaffirms Dubai government entities' ongoing commitment to identifying, hiring, and integrating people of determination into the public workforce. In addition to unlocking their potential, building their capabilities, and ensuring their effective integration into government work, these efforts aspire to help them achieve their professional and personal goals, and contribute meaningfully to the nation's development, in line with Dubai's standing as an inclusive and empowering society for all. The steady increase in the number of employees of determination in government entities reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council. His Highness has actively promoted the importance of integrating individuals of determination across all sectors, particularly the public sector, and enabling them to realise their potential and skills to shape Dubai's future and ensure its long-term prosperity. Integrated Ecosystem His Excellency Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al-Falasi, Director General of DGHR's Department, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating: ' The formation of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is a significant step towards empowering people of determination—not only through employment opportunities but also through an integrated ecosystem that begins with assessment and training, followed by professional follow-up and development. Beyond simply providing jobs, we create career paths based on competence, fairness, and passion. This strategic direction reflects our commitment to shaping an inclusive work environment where every member of society, including people of determination, has the opportunity to define Dubai's future.' Insights and Initiatives According to the report issued by DGHR, the number of people of determination employed across government entities has reached 326, including 237 UAE nationals. The report also includes an extensive breakdown by type of disability, educational qualifications, and gender distribution, making it a valuable resource for policymakers as they develop future strategies to support inclusive employment initiatives. Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs have topped the list of entities employing the highest number of people of determination. Through the implementation of broad strategic initiatives aimed at integrating people of determination into the public sector workforce, DGHR has remained committed to inclusive employment. These efforts have been carefully designed to provide advanced vocational training aligned with their aspirations and capabilities. In addition to statistical reporting, DGHR's responsibilities also include evaluating the professional competencies of job seekers from the people of determination community, designing tailored training programs, and hosting specialised workshops to enhance their readiness for the job market. In addition, DGHR follows up on their professional development within the respective government entities to ensure a sustainable and equitable work environment that fosters growth and excellence. In this regard, DGHR has launched a series of awareness and community-driven initiatives, including career guidance workshops, participation at job fairs, and collaborations with community organisations and the private sector to expand employment opportunities for people of determination. These strategic efforts reflect the Dubai Government's unwavering commitment to building an inclusive work environment that empowers people of determination as active partners in shaping a sustainable future for Dubai. For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
TECHx
6 hours ago
- TECHx
RTA Hosts Fintech Symposium on Digital Payments
Home » Smart Sectors » Mobility » RTA Hosts Fintech Symposium on Digital Payments Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the successful hosting of a fintech symposium focused on digital finance and seamless payments. The event revolved around the theme 'RTA Fintech Beyond Mobility.' It brought together key leaders from the Central Bank, finance, technology, and mobility sectors. RTA revealed that the symposium highlighted the growing connection between fintech and mobility. It reinforced the authority's commitment to building a smart, customer-focused, and seamless transportation ecosystem. Mohammed Yousuf Al Mudharreb, CEO of RTA's Corporate Support Technology Services Sector, delivered the opening address. He welcomed guests from major financial institutions and fintech firms. Al Mudharreb stated that RTA is focused on innovation at the intersection of technology, finance, and transport. He added that their goal is to create an intelligent, cashless mobility system aligned with Dubai's broader digital and AI strategies. The event also featured several key presentations and discussions: Salahaldeen Mohamed Al Marzooqi presented nol card's transition from Card Based Ticketing (CBT) to Account Based Ticketing (ABT). Paul Kayrouz, Chief Fintech Officer at the Central Bank of the UAE, reported on initiatives supporting the UAE's cashless economy and fintech ecosystem. Jan Pilbauer, CEO of Al Etihad Payments, shared insights on the UAE's payment transformation. He discussed the domestic card scheme Jaywan and the instant payment platform Aani. Mohammed Ali Yusuf, CEO of Fuze, explored the role of stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in the evolving digital payment ecosystem. The event also included a panel discussion on building successful fintech and digital banks. The panel was moderated by fintech expert Shafique Ibrahim. Participants included Hasan Al Fardan, CEO of Al Fardan Group, Wael Fakharany, CEO of Edenred, and Mohammed Yusuf. They shared their views on driving innovation and growth in the fintech and digital banking space. The symposium concluded with a guided tour of the RTA nol Digital Payment Excellence Centre for distinguished guests. RTA reiterated its commitment to advancing digital finance and building a future-ready fintech environment.
Gulf Today
8 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Sultan Bin Ahmed praises remarkable progress of UoS
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, President of the University of Sharjah (UoS), and Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees, chaired the 59th meeting of the Board on Wednesday at his office at the university's headquarters. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed welcomed the Board members, appreciating their constructive efforts and supportive views on the university's remarkable progress at various academic, research, and administrative levels. He extended his thanks and appreciation to Dr Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi for his significant efforts in leading the university during the past period, which contributed to the university's development in various fields. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed praised the University's progress and its continued efforts to maintain its prestigious status among universities. This is achieved through the continuous development of the scientific research system and the alignment of its academic programmes with global developments and modern technological advancements, in line with the needs of the business sector, 21st-century skills, and the future aspirations of students. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed expressed his pride in the university's remarkable progress in applied scientific research aimed at serving and developing the community, and in the university's advancement in various international rankings. He affirmed his pride in the distinguished position the university has attained locally, regionally, and globally. He also expressed his special appreciation to the faculty members for their significant efforts over the past period, through meetings and interactive workshops. These efforts aimed to evaluate the university's performance and develop recommendations for continuous improvement and development, by devising executive action plans to ensure the university maintains its prestigious academic standing and reputation, and its leadership at the national and regional levels. The Board approved the university's operating budget for the 2025-2026 academic year, amounting to Dhs1.27 billion. The Board also approved the graduation of a new batch of students who have completed their graduation requirements by the end of the spring semester of 2024-2025. This total number of graduates is 2,026, including 1,643 bachelor's degrees, 16 postgraduate diplomas, 302 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees. The Board of Trustees also approved several new academic programmes that meet the needs of the changing labour market and provide the necessary competencies for development, thus supporting the economic and social growth of the country and the region. These programmes include: a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership in Higher Education, a Master of Interior Architecture in Adaptive Reuse, a Master of Science in Safety Engineering, a Master of Science in Innovation and Construction Management, a Master of Laws and Economics, a Professional Master in Shari'a Supervision and Auditing, and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. The Board also approved the establishment of two research centres: the Exeter-Sharjah Centre for Global Studies, which aims to help support interaction and communication between communities and their impact on various aspects of life. The second is the Centre for Advanced Biotechnology, which aims to support advanced interdisciplinary research and enhance international cooperation in vital areas related to sustainable development, innovation, and creativity, and to contribute to achieving research objectives in many important fields, especially in biotechnology. The Board approved the promotion of 22 faculty members, including 8 to the rank of full professor and 14 to associate professor. This reflects the University's commitment to supporting its academic competencies and enhancing its educational and research standing, and is in appreciation of the influential scientific research provided by faculty members, their adoption of modern teaching and learning methods, and their efforts in serving and developing the community. The Board reviewed a report by Dr Essam Al-Din Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, which addressed the University's performance and achievements during the 2024-2025 academic year. WAM
