Dubai commuters, students and shoppers will soon be able to use the city’s nol card far beyond public transport.
It comes following a series of partnerships signed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) with KHDA, Parkin PJSC and PayPal, alongside GTS Alive Middle East.
The move aims to make nol a universal payment tool for parking, retail, dining, education and entertainment, giving residents and visitors a single, cashless card for daily life.
It will also strengthen Dubai’s digital transformation drive by promoting smart, contactless payments across multiple sectors.
nol ecosystem
RTA signed the three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on the sidelines of GITEX Global 2025.
RTA designed the partnerships to expand nol’s reach by integrating it with more private-sector services, reducing cash dependency, and opening new opportunities for smart mobility, sustainability, and customer convenience.
Mohammed Al Mudharreb, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, said: “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.
“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.”
A new nol card for students
Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Policies, Research, and Programs Sector at KHDA, said: “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 recognised 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.”
Seamless smart parking
Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, said: “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.”
PayPal: powering digital-first economy
Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Head of Partnerships, Middle East and Africa at PayPal, said: “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.”
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