Latest news with #Nol
Time Out Dubai
a day ago
- Time Out Dubai
This many people used Dubai public transport over Eid Al Adha
A public holiday in Dubai is always full of fun things to do, celebrations and special occasions that are some of the best in the world. And it's not just us that thinks so. In fact, 7.58 million people agreed, and all used public transport to get to their celebrations and over the long weekend. If you like this: UAE public holidays 2025: All the days off this year revealed According to figures released by the Road Transport Authority (RTA), a staggering 7,577,000 people used either public transport or taxis between Thursday June 5 to Sunday June 8. It seems more people than ever are making the most of all the incredible things the city has to see and do, as there was a 14 percent increase in the numbers since 2024. To really show you how many people were out hopping in Halas or swiping their Nol cards during Eid Al Adha, it's worth noting that on New Year's Eve 2024, the total number of passengers was 2.5 million. (Credit: Dubai Taxi Company) The number of metro passengers on both the red and green lines during the holiday reached 2,786,000, while the number of tram passengers reached 119,917. Out on the roads, public bus passengers reached 1,663,000, taxis carried 2,196,000, and shared transportation vehicles carried 504,159 passengers. Even marine transport was buzzing throughout the long weekend, with 307,684 people hopping on water taxis or abras. With such demand for public transport, it's no surprise that the latest metro line project is now well underway. Split into two routes, one spanning 21km and the other across 9km, the Blue Line will connect the north-east of the city with the existing Dubai Metro line and make it much easier and quicker to get around. It is scheduled to be completed by 2029, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro, and will eventually reach around one million people. You can find all of the latest information on where all of the new stations will be and where the route will run here. In other Dubai news Mark your calendar: Dubai summer officially starts next week And the best things to do to stay cool A rare strawberry moon is visible from Dubai this week And this is how to see it DXB issues key travel advice ahead of summer Make sure you follow these tips
Time Out Dubai
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
4 game-changing Nol card perks you should seriously be using
If you live in Dubai, chances are you've got at least one Nol card lying around the house, or tucked inside your wallet. The payment card that gives you access to all of the city's public transport, there are a few different types to choose from. However, these tiny rectangles of plastic do more than just beep as you pass through the Dubai Metro gates. There's actually a range of benefits you can unlock just by picking one up. If you like this: Everything you can pay for with a nol card in Dubai With that in mind, here are four ways that your Nol card could make your life easier (and less expensive in some cases). 1) Paying for parking Not only does the Nol card allow you to zip about the city on public transport, but you can even use it to pay for parking. A benefit stated by the RTA, this can come in very handy if you've got no signal, or your parking payment text won't send. Simply find a parking meter, insert your Nol card and let the cost come off of your main balance. 2) You can use it to pay in restaurants Several outlets or stores accept payment via nol card and these include: 800 Degrees Pizza Burger King Carter's Cravia Gloria Jean's Coffee London Dairy Mister Baker Pavo's Pizza 3) You can redeem over 100 discounts If you opt for a Nol travel card, you'll have access to a huge range of offers, which include everything from restaurants to retail outlets and even hotels. Launched by the RTA in 2024, the Nol Tarhal card can be picked up at Dubai International Airport, Zoom stores and Yana Tour Travel and Tourism offices. Including brands from Emaar At the Top, Bab Al Qasr Hotel Restaurants, Dubai Ladies Club, Sharaf Retail and more, you're in for a treat (or constant treats) with this card. The card will cost you Dhs200 to buy, with the discount offers ranging between 10 and 50 percent. 4) You can recover your balance If you are eligible for the blue Nol card, you can recover your balance if your card is either lost or stolen. Valid for five years, the Nol personal (blue) card is available to students, people of determination (who are either residents or tourists) and senior citizens. Adding another layer of security to your card, if it goes missing your funds can be back with you in no time. Living in Dubai? Dubai confirms a Blue Line Metro station name And more details you need to know 5 must-know Emirates ID perks you should seriously be using A game-changer Indian passport holders just unlocked a new visa-free destination Summer holidays just got a huge upgrade
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
What makes Dubai the best city for female solo travellers?
Once seen as a bold move, solo travel—especially for women—has grown into a global movement grounded in independence, self-discovery, and the joy of exploring on your own terms. And as more women embrace the freedom of travelling alone, certain cities stand out for the way they prioritise safety, ease, and inclusivity. A new study by InsureMyTrip now confirms what many travellers already feel—Dubai ranks as the world's best destination for solo female travel, earning an impressive overall score of 7.71. As the city continues to gain recognition as a haven for women travelling on their own, we explore what makes it stand out. The study The study analyses several factors in categories such as safety, gender equality, walkability at night, and overall tourism appeal. It was conducted across 62 cities based on metrics across female safety and tourism to create a definitive list of the best cities for solo female travel. 'Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. The data was standardised using minmax normalisation. The minmax normalisation value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 1-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each city is then ranked on their overall average rating across all data points which includes both city-level data and one country-level data point,' says Sara Boisvert, director of marketing, InsureMyTrip. Dubai scored in the following categories in the study. TikTok popularity' (35.7M hashtags), 'feeling safe walking alone at night' (83.11/100), 'feeling safe despite gender' (86.23/100), 'quality of things to do' (4.58/5), 'women peace and security index' (0.868/1), 'hotel ratings' (4.26/5, 'quality of things to do' (4.58/5) and 'average cost per day' ($289). 'To accomplish this, we standardised the latest available data for each city in categories like safety, gender equality, walkability at night, and overall tourism appeal, to help solo female travellers make informed decisions,' adds Boisvert. Safety cues What works in Dubai's favour is that the city has a very low crime rate and is considered a safe place to travel as a woman, with most of the public transport in Dubai offering a 'women's only section'. Mumbai based Dr Surabhi Wani, founder, Suhi Healthcare, explains, 'during my trip, I visited several places and saved a lot on transportation by using only public transport — metro, tram, and buses, which made me feel like a true resident. I had purchased the Nol card on my first day itself, and it was incredibly useful since almost everything in the main city is connected by the metro. The people in Dubai were incredibly helpful and kind, and most spoke both English and Hindi, so language was never a barrier. Whether in malls, stores, or local markets, I felt completely welcomed. I never felt alone for even a moment.' Interestingly, before her trip, she had watched multiple vlogs and chose to wear comfortable and modest clothing. 'But honestly, Dubai exceeded my expectations in terms of safety and respect. No stares, no unsolicited attention, let alone anything inappropriate. I walked 12-15 kilometres almost every day, sometimes in areas where I was the only person around, yet I felt completely secure,' she adds. Vocal for local For those planning a solo trip to Dubai, embracing the local culture truly elevates the experience of your travel. Strolling through Dubai Creek and its traditional souks offers a glimpse into the city's historic past, while the vibrant food scene reflects its cosmopolitan mix. 'Traveling solo to Dubai was a transformative journey. The city's perfect balance of safety, culture, and modern comforts made it an incredible space for self-discovery and adventure. I'd highly recommend it to any solo traveller looking for a dynamic yet secure destination near to your homeland. The low crime rate and respectful environment provided a sense of security, even when venturing out at night was very easy and comfortable. While it's always prudent to remain aware of one's surroundings, Dubai's commitment to safety is reassuring for solo female travellers or any traveller,' says Tarana Lalchandani, a 28-year-old marketer in a Mumbai luxury hotel. In fact, connecting with locals can open doors to unexpected experiences as people are very friendly and helpful. Trade speak The city's world-class infrastructure, stringent law enforcement, and commitment to safety make it an attractive choice for those exploring independently. 'From an industry perspective, the travel and trade have seen a steady rise in solo travel bookings to Dubai over the past few years, particularly among young professionals and digital nomads. While exact numbers vary, solo traveller inquiries and bookings to Dubai have grown by approximately 20-25 per cent year-on-year, reflecting its appeal as a secure and well-connected destination,' says Karen Mulla, co-founder of TravelK. 'At India Assist, we have observed a notable increase in solo travellers heading to Dubai for both leisure and business over the past year. In line with our commitment to providing personal care and real-time support, we have launched UAE Assist — a service designed to offer on-ground assistance during unexpected moments. Our goal is to make solo travel even more secure and accessible through technology-driven traveller support across the region,' adds Harish Khatri, founder and MD at India Assist. First-time travellers If you are travelling solo for the first time, Dubai is the destination that makes it effortless, even though it may seem like a daunting task. Karishma Sakhrani, MasterChef India finalist, culinary consultant, and content creator says, 'Dubai is the safest city in the world—hands down! That's honestly the biggest reason I'd recommend it for solo travellers. Whether it's walking around at night, taking public transport, or just going about your day, you never have to think twice about safety. It's a huge relief, especially when you're travelling alone. Whether you are indulging in a luxurious spa day, exploring the desert, or dining at a buzzing restaurant, there's something for every kind of traveller. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to experience a place that is both exhilarating and welcoming.' Ira Arora, a Delhi-based PR professional, agrees, 'I loved the sense of independence. Long walks at La Mer were incredibly peaceful, giving me time to reflect and soak in the beauty of the city. I never once felt unsafe, and that gave me the confidence to truly enjoy being on my own. The cab drivers were kind, the city was easy to navigate, and I had the best 'me time' I could have asked for. When my flight took off, I was full of anxiety. But on the way back, all I felt was gratitude—gratitude for doing this for myself, for pushing past my hesitation, and for proving that I could.' Gender bender Interestingly, even men opine that the city has been their go to choice for solo travel and extol its virtues. Delhi based Anas Ali, UI/UX designer, who decided to travel alone says, 'I was astounded by how quick and easy the immigration procedure was as soon as I touched down. No lengthy lines, no pointless inspections — just a seamless arrival in one of the most opulent cities on Earth. The security system at The Dubai Mall, however, was the one item that really caught me off guard. I simply strolled in without being checked, unlike in India, where there are security checks at every entrance. Although it seemed unreal, it demonstrated how secure and well-run Dubai is.' Dubai is a city where modern luxury meets impeccable order. Whether it's the breathtaking skyline, the unmatched cleanliness, the respectful traffic culture it has something to appeal to everyone. 'I chose to go for a walk at two in the morning one night because I was a little bored. I noticed nothing except opulent automobiles driving silently down the streets as I walked along the sidewalk. It was a serene, dreamlike experience with no one around, no fear, and no anxieties,' adds Ali. A highly developed tourism ecosystem, with luxury and budget-friendly stays tailored for solo explorers, 24/7 surveillance in public spaces, ensuring a secure environment even at night and a mix of modern attractions, cultural experiences, and high safety standards, Dubai continues to be a top choice for solo travellers worldwide. So, here's another reason to say: Habibi, come to Dubai!
Filipino Times
25-03-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
RTA: Dubai commuters will soon pay for rides using phones, bank cards instead of Nol cards
Soon, commuters in Dubai will no longer need to rely solely on Nol cards when making their commute. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that public transport rides can soon be paid for using smartphones, digital wallets, or bank cards, making travel easier and more secure. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, explained that the AED 550 million project will be carried out in three main phases. 'The first phase will see the central system upgraded to create customer accounts that will be digitally linked to all Nol cards currently in use,' Al Tayer stated in a news release. 'The second phase will see the issuance of the new generation of Nol cards using new technologies and in accordance with international standards, so they are compatible with bank card technologies,' he added. And of course, the best feature: The ability to add Nol cards to digital wallets on smartphones. This allows users to pay fares by simply tapping their phone, reducing the risk of losing physical cards and avoiding penalties for traveling without a Nol card. Travelers will also be able to stop lost cards and recover remaining balances quickly. 'The third phase will see the completion of the system upgrade to accept other payment methods such as bank cards and digital wallets for paying public transport fares in Dubai,' Al Tayer said. Other features include purchasing tickets through QR codes via apps, managing multiple Nol cards under one account for family members, and linking accounts to banks for automatic reloading and balance monitoring. The RTA has completed 40% of this major upgrade, which is scheduled to be fully finished by the end of the third quarter of 2026. The project will shift the system from physical cards to digital payment technology, making commuting more convenient for all. Since 2009, Nol cards have been helping commuters move around Dubai. With this upgrade, the system will soon allow customers to shop and pay in stores using their Nol cards, offering more flexibility beyond public transport.
Filipino Times
18-03-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
RTA completes 40% of Nol system upgrade, expanding digital payment options
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 40% of its project to upgrade the existing Nol payment system to a digital account-based ticketing platform. The AED 550 million initiative aims to modernize public transport payments by developing the current card-based system and introducing new technologies in line with global trends in financial technology. The full transition is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA said that the project is being implemented in three phases. 'The first phase will see the central system upgraded to create customer accounts that will be digitally linked to all Nol cards currently in use. The second phase will see the issuance of the new generation of Nol cards using new technologies and in accordance with international standards, so they are compatible with bank card technologies. The third phase will see the completion of the system upgrade to accept other payment methods such as bank cards and digital wallets for paying public transport fares in Dubai,' H.E. Al Tayer said. The upgrade will offer several benefits to commuters, such as the ability to link Nol cards to digital wallets, purchase tickets using QR codes, and implement flexible fares in public transport. Users will also be able to manage accounts, control recharges, and recover lost balances more efficiently. Additionally, public transport stations will be equipped with updated devices and smart kiosks supporting various payment methods, including facial recognition and fingerprint authentication. Beyond public transport, the enhanced Nol system will allow users to make purchases at retail stores and digital platforms, similar to traditional bank cards.
