4 types of Dubai Nol cards explained: Fees, 50% discount, premium access
Are you, as a student, still looking for something that will allow you to pay the full price by commuting every day between home and school/university? Or perhaps a tourist making a fleeting trip to Dubai, wondering which Nol card to choose.
Dubai's RTA has all kinds of available Nol cards depending on everyone's need with many amenities added to them. And these plastic pieces are not only useful when you travel, they will help to provide many services in the city.
Here is a guide on how to choose the right nol card for you; these cover everything from costs to modes of transport that you can use them for.
1. Silver card
An example for this is the Silver Nol card, which the majority of commuters use daily. We call this one the 'ordinary' card, because you can use them in RTA transport and non-transport services.
Cost: Followers of the plan must pay upfront Dh25 to purchase a silver card. This includes Dh19 credit.
Maximum balance: Anonymous users can load their cards with money to a value of Dh1,000, while if you are a registered user (the card is personalised and associated with your Emirates ID) this limit rises to Dh5,000.
Validity: 5 years
2. Gold card
Nol Gold card holders are also granted access to a separate cabin within the metro and tram. These rides cost double the regular fare, covering all modes of RTA transport — just like for those with Silver Nol card.
Cost: The cost to obtain a fresh gold card is Dh25, and it has to be paid upfront. This includes Dh19 credit.
Max balance: Anonymous users can fill their cards up to Dh1,000, whereas registered users can charge up to Dh5,000.
Validity: 5 years
3. Red ticket
Those tourists or residents that may not take the metro as often can opt for a temporary ticket - the red ticket. A single-use paper disposable ticket for one transport. An RTA service user can use this to pay for services tracked by the RTA like the metro, bus and tram that they buy.
Cost : It costs Dh2 to purchase one ticket.
Rechargeable Quota:Ticket is rechargeable can be used for max 10 journeys or 5 Daily Pass
Validity: The ticket will be valid for 90 days or 10 trips.
4. Personal card
A Personal Nol card – what the layman would call a 'blue' card – entitles beleaguered demographics to receive 50 per cent off your fare.
The personal card, however, is not the case with the two cards previously mentioned as it is tied up to your Emirates ID, which allows you to recover its balance if you lost or got it stolen. It also allows users to secure online services of rechargeable balance. This card gives access to the RTA transport all stools.
Price: Personal card — Dh70 + Dh20 credit
Maximum top-up: Users can refill up to Dh5,000 on the cards.
Validity: 5 years
Talking about how to qualify for a Personal Nol card? The following are the groups of people who can avail it:
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Students (From ages 5-23)
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People of determination - both residents and tourists.
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Social affairs beneficiaries
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Senior Emiratis and Senior Expats (senior citizen - age above 60)
To apply for the Personal Nol card, which documents should be required?
Students: School and college-going—students will be asked to carry a copy of their valid Emirates ID alongside with a personal photograph with a white background. They are also required to submit an official proof of them being a student at any school or university in the UAE.
For People of Determination (resident): A scanned copy of the white background valid Emirates ID. A copy of the People of Determination card or Sanad Card is also required.
People of Determination (tourist) Those wishing to obtain the personal card are required to submit a copy of the passport or ID card with a personal photograph with white background. Proof of disability is confirmed by an official document issued from competent authorities in the applicant's country to prove that he/she appears among People Of Determination or need special assistance.
For elderly citizens : Elders who are more than 60 years of age must submit a copy of the valid Emirates ID with their latest photo attached with white background.
Beneficiaries of general social affairs: must submit a copy of the valid Emirates ID, personal photo with white background and an official letter or document from the Community Development Authority confirming that the customer is entitled for social assistance.
Persons: Adults needing a Personal Nol card should submit a copy of his/her valid Emirates ID and photograph (white background).
For those who apply for a Personal Nol card, it takes up to 4 working days after that application date if they apply it through online channels. Zoom shops work differently as the process time is instant.
Those using public transport can also get their silver or gold cards engraved with something of their choice and associate it with their Emirates ID.
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