Dubai commuters have a new card to watch in November 2026. RTA is about to test a new way to pay for travel, so the change matters for your daily trips. The Roads and Transport Authority has joined hands with Al Etihad Payments. The two sides will launch the next generation of Nol cards, and the new card also carries the Jaywan name. The announcement came on Wednesday 4 November 2026. The news is fresh, so the pilot phase starts in the same month. This guide explains what the Nol-Jaywan card is and what it can do. It also covers what is still unclear, because you deserve clear facts before you change how you pay.
You may already use a Nol card every day for the Metro, bus, tram, or taxi. You may also use it for parking in many places. The Nol-Jaywan card builds on that same habit, but it adds everyday payments to the same card. You could then pay for travel and shopping with one card. Your phone could also hold a digital version of it. The idea sounds simple, yet the details matter, so this article sticks to confirmed facts only.
The pilot begins in November 2026, but no exact date has been shared so far. The cards will then roll out in successive phases, while the first phase covers public transport, taxis, and parking. Several questions remain open. They include the price, the exact launch date, and whether you will need a new card at all. This article answers what is known today. It also flags what is still unknown, so you can plan with realistic expectations.
What is the new Nol-Jaywan card?
The Nol-Jaywan card is the next generation of the Nol card because it combines two payment systems in one card. The first system is Nol, the payment system you already use for public transport in Dubai. The second system is Jaywan, the national card payment scheme of the UAE. One card can now serve two purposes. You can use the Nol side for travel. You can also use the Jaywan side for everyday purchases, online transactions, and other payments. The card brings both uses together in a single card. That simple idea sits at the heart of the launch.
RTA runs the Nol system in Dubai, while Al Etihad Payments, known as AEP, handles Jaywan at the national level. AEP is a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. The partnership brings a transport authority and a national payments company together, so both sides gain. The two sides signed a strategic agreement to introduce the card. The news then reached the public on Wednesday 4 November 2026. Khaleej Times, Gulf News, and Emirates 24/7 all reported the agreement on the same day. The basic facts are confirmed by more than one source, so you can trust the outline.
The card is part of a wider upgrade of the Nol system. RTA is moving Nol to account-based ticketing, so the card is one result of that shift. The new technology aims to give you flexible payment options. It also aims to smooth your travel across Dubai, so trips feel easier. The Nol-Jaywan card is one visible result of that upgrade, but it is not the whole project. More changes may follow as the upgrade moves ahead. The card is a first step rather than a final product, so expect more news.
Who is behind the Nol-Jaywan card?
Two organisations stand behind the new card, so each side brings a different strength to the project. RTA, the Roads and Transport Authority, runs public transport in Dubai, while it also owns the Nol system. Al Etihad Payments, known as AEP, is a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. It brings national payments experience to the table, so the partnership is strong. The two sides signed a strategic agreement. That agreement then covers the launch of the next generation of Nol-Jaywan cards. The announcement came on Wednesday 4 November 2026. Reports appeared in Khaleej Times, Gulf News, and Emirates 24/7 on the same day, so the news spread fast.
AEP runs Jaywan, the national card payment scheme, while RTA runs Nol, the Dubai transport payment system. The partnership links a local transport network with a national payment network. Your travel card can also work as a payment card, so one card does two jobs. The Central Bank link matters as well because Jaywan is the national scheme. National schemes usually aim for wide use across the country, so the reach could grow. The agreement is strategic in nature, but the first visible result is the pilot phase in November 2026.
When does the pilot phase start?
The pilot phase begins in November 2026, so the wait is short. RTA and AEP announced the plan on Wednesday 4 November 2026. The pilot starts in the same month as the announcement, so November is a busy month for the project. The exact start date is still unknown because officials have shared no specific day so far. The cards will arrive in successive phases, while the first phase covers RTA public transport, taxis, and parking. You should treat November as the start of testing. You should not expect the card in every hand on day one, but the pilot is a real start.
A pilot phase means a limited first release, while a full launch means wide availability for all commuters. The reports describe successive phases, so the card will reach more people in steps rather than all at once. The first phase focuses on transport and parking, while later phases may add more uses as the rollout moves ahead. Officials have given no date for wide availability. You will need to watch for fresh announcements before you plan around the card, so check back for news.
What can you use the card for in the first phase?
The first phase covers RTA public transport services. Your Metro, bus, and tram trips sit at the centre of the launch, so the focus is clear. The phase also covers public and private transportation, including taxis, while public parking joins the list as well. You can use the card for travel first. You can also use it for everyday purchases, online transactions, and other payments. The Jaywan side of the card handles those everyday payments, while the Nol side handles your travel.
The mix of travel and shopping is the main point of the card. One card can now cover two parts of your day, because that is the whole idea. You might tap the same card on a Metro gate in the morning. You might then use it for a purchase later in the day, so one card covers both. The reports do not name specific shops or services yet. You should not assume every shop will accept the card at launch, so check before you pay. The list of places that accept Jaywan payments will grow over time. The first phase keeps the focus on transport, taxis, and parking, while the wider rollout follows later.
Online transactions form part of the plan as well, because Jaywan supports online shopping and other payment services. You could pay online with the card, while you could also use it at participating outlets across the UAE. The nationwide rollout of Jaywan cards began in July 2026, so the payment network already exists in the background. Banks and other licensed financial institutions issue Jaywan cards gradually, so new cardholders join the system step by step.
What are the five key features of the Nol-Jaywan card?
Khaleej Times reported five key features, so the list below comes straight from that report. The features cover transport, everyday payments, phone use, travel across the UAE, and discounts. Each feature matters in a different way, while the full picture only appears when you read them together. The table below gives you the five features at a glance.
| Feature | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| One card for transport and everyday payments | You pay for travel and shopping with a single card |
| Public transport, taxis and parking in the first phase | Your Metro, bus, taxi and parking payments stay on one card |
| Digital activation and use through smartphones | You can activate and use the card on Android and iOS phones |
| Use across the UAE on public and private transport and online booking platforms | You can use the card for transport services and online bookings across the UAE |
| More than 120 promotional offers and exclusive discounts | You get access to over 120 offers and discounts with the card |
The first feature is the heart of the card because it joins travel and shopping in one place. You will no longer need separate travel and payment cards for daily use. The single card can cover both sides of your routine, so your wallet gets lighter. The second feature sets the scope of the pilot, so transport, taxis, and parking come first. The third feature brings the card to your phone. The fourth feature takes it beyond Dubai to transport services across the UAE, so the reach is national. The fifth feature adds value through offers, but the reports have not listed which offers will appear first.
How does Jaywan work as a payment system?
Jaywan is the first national payment card system of the UAE, so it carries a special role in the country. The system supports debit and prepaid cards, while banks and other licensed financial institutions issue the cards to customers. The nationwide rollout of Jaywan cards began in July 2026. The system has already been live for months before the Nol-Jaywan announcement, so the base exists. The rollout moves gradually, and banks add new cardholders step by step.
Jaywan cardholders can make purchases at participating outlets, while they can also shop online and access other payment services. The word participating matters here because not every shop may accept Jaywan payments at first. The network grows as more banks and more outlets join. The list of places where you can pay will change over time, so expect new names. The Nol-Jaywan card links this national payment system with the Nol transport system. That link is what makes the new card different from a normal Nol card, so the change is real.
You may already hold a Jaywan card from your bank. The Nol-Jaywan card is a separate product with a transport link, but it builds on the same system. The reports do not say whether current Jaywan cardholders will get the Nol link added to their cards. That detail remains unknown, so you should wait for bank news. The reports also do not say which banks will issue the Nol-Jaywan card first. The first phase focuses on transport use rather than bank distribution, so the banks come later in the story. You should watch for bank announcements as the pilot moves ahead. Banks will likely share details once the card reaches customers, because they issue the cards.
What is account-based ticketing and why does it matter for you?
Account-based ticketing, known as ABT, is the technology behind the Nol system upgrade. It shapes how the new card works, so the tech matters for you. RTA is upgrading Nol with ABT, while the Nol-Jaywan card forms part of that wider project. The upgrade aims to give you flexible payment options. It also aims to create an integrated travel experience, so travel feels smoother. The card is one visible part of the upgrade, but the technology underneath matters just as much.
Older card systems store value and travel rights on the card itself. Account-based systems keep your account at the centre instead, so the account leads. The reports do not explain the technical detail in full. This article will not guess how the back end works, so the detail stays out. The practical aim is clear enough. RTA wants payment to feel more flexible and travel to feel more joined up, because that is the goal. You may notice the difference in how you top up or check your balance. You may also notice it in how you use your phone, but the reports have not confirmed those details.
The upgrade is a long project rather than a single launch. The Nol-Jaywan card arrives while the work is still in progress. The pilot phase in November 2026 tests the new card in real use. Later phases will build on what the pilot shows, so each step teaches the next. You should expect more announcements as the upgrade moves ahead, because RTA has shared progress updates before. The card gives you an early look at the new system. The full upgrade will take more time to finish.
How far along is the Nol system upgrade?
RTA had said earlier that about 72 per cent of the Nol system upgrade project had been completed by July 2026. Most of the work was already done before the Nol-Jaywan announcement, so the project is well ahead. The remaining work covers the final stages of the project. RTA expects to finish all stages by the end of the first quarter of 2027, so the end is in sight. The timeline gives you a clear frame. The pilot in November 2026 sits inside a project that runs into early 2027, so the dates line up.
The 72 per cent figure comes from earlier RTA statements. The end of the first quarter of 2027 is the expected finish line for all stages, so the target is set. The reports do not break down which parts are done and which parts remain. This article will not guess at the split, so the detail stays open. The pilot phase will run while the upgrade moves toward completion. The card may gain new uses as the later stages finish, so the story will grow. You should treat the timeline as a guide rather than a promise. Large projects can shift, while the announced dates give you the best picture available today.
What stays the same for commuters for now?
Your current Nol card keeps working as normal, because the reports say nothing about switching it off. The announcement covers a new card and a pilot phase, while it says nothing about ending the old card. You can keep tapping your Nol card on the Metro, bus, tram, and taxi. You can also keep using it for parking, so your routine stays put. The launch of a new card does not cancel the old one on its own. You have no reason to change your routine today, so carry on as normal.
You can still check your balance in the usual way. Our guide explains how to check your Nol card balance online if you need a refresher. The balance check habit stays useful, because you still need to know what sits on your card before you travel. The new card may change how you check and top up later, but the reports have not confirmed that yet. You should keep your current routine until RTA shares clear steps for the new card.
Fares and zones also stay as they are, because the reports mention no change to fares or zones. The announcement focuses on the card and the payment system, while it says nothing about ticket prices. You should not expect a fare change with the pilot, because no fare news came with the announcement. The story here is about how you pay, not how much you pay. Your travel budget stays the same for now, so the cost side is calm.
What changes for commuters once the card arrives?
The biggest change is simple, because one card will cover both travel and everyday payments. You will carry fewer cards in your wallet, while you will also pay for more things with the same card. The first phase keeps the focus on transport, taxis, and parking, so the shopping side will grow step by step. You may still need your bank card for some purchases at first. The Nol-Jaywan card takes on more uses over time, while the shift stays gradual.
Your phone becomes a bigger part of the picture, because the card supports digital activation and use through smartphones. You can activate the card on Android and iOS phones. You can also use it through your phone for travel and payments, so the phone does more. The reports do not describe the exact steps for phone setup. You will need to wait for RTA or AEP to share a guide, so the steps come later. The phone link is still a clear change, because the old Nol habit centres on a plastic card.
Travel across the UAE may also feel easier. The card covers public and private transport services across the UAE, so the reach is wide. It also covers online booking platforms for public transport services, so booking gets easier. You could book transport online with the same card, while you could also use it for services beyond Dubai. The reports do not list every service in this promise. The exact reach will only become clear as the rollout moves ahead, so the detail comes later. The direction is clear enough, because the card aims to work across the country rather than in one city alone.
How will the card work on your phone?
The card supports digital activation and use through smartphones running Android and iOS, so both major phone systems are covered. You can activate the card on your phone. You can also use it through your phone for travel and payments, so the phone is key. The reports do not name a specific app for the card. You should not download anything yet based on this news alone, so wait for the official word. RTA or AEP will likely share the app name and the setup steps once the pilot begins. A pilot needs clear instructions for its first users, because new users need guidance.
Digital use may change how you carry the card, because your phone can hold the card instead of your wallet. You might tap your phone at a Metro gate, while you might also pay with your phone at a shop. The reports do not confirm tap-to-pay detail for every use. This article will not claim more than the announcement supports, so the claims stay modest. The confirmed fact is digital activation and use on Android and iOS. The exact steps will follow in later announcements, while the pilot leads the way.
How does the old Nol card compare with the new Nol-Jaywan card?
The old Nol card is a travel card. The new Nol-Jaywan card is a travel card and a payment card in one, so the gap is clear. The table below lines up the two cards side by side, so you can see the difference at a glance. The table uses only confirmed facts, while it marks the unknowns as not announced yet. You should read the unknown rows with care, because they show what the announcement did not cover.
| Feature | Old Nol card | New Nol-Jaywan card |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Public transport payments | Transport payments and everyday purchases |
| Payment systems | Nol | Nol plus Jaywan |
| First phase coverage | RTA public transport services | RTA public transport, taxis and public parking |
| Smartphone use | Not announced yet | Digital activation and use on Android and iOS |
| Promotional offers | Not announced yet | More than 120 promotional offers and exclusive discounts |
| Card price | Not announced yet | Not announced yet |
The table shows a clear gap, because the new card adds payments, phone use, and offers to the travel base. The old card keeps its travel role. The new card builds on that role rather than replacing it in the first phase, so the shift is gradual. The price row stays unknown on both sides. The reports give no price for the new card. They give no price change for the old card either, because the topic stays open. You should not pay for a new card until RTA or AEP confirms the price. No official price exists today, so the rule is simple.
What is still not announced?
The exact date the pilot starts is still unknown. RTA and AEP have named the month but not the day. November 2026 is the pilot month, while the first day stays unconfirmed. You should not mark a date yet, because no official date exists. The pilot may start early or late in the month. The reports give no clue either way.
The date for wide availability is also unknown, because the reports speak of successive phases with no end date. The cards will reach more people in steps, while the final step has no date. You may wait weeks or months for general access. The reports do not say how long the phases will take.
Whether existing Nol cardholders will need to replace their cards is still unknown, because the announcement says nothing about replacement. You may keep your current card, or you may need a new one. The reports give no answer either way, while the question stays open. The question matters for commuters across Dubai, so RTA will likely address it in a later announcement. Keep your current Nol card, because no replacement order exists today.
Card pricing is also unknown, because the reports give no price for the new card. You may pay a fee for the card, or the card may come free. The reports say nothing on this point, while the price stays secret. The list of businesses that will accept payments through the new card is unknown as well. The reports name no shops or brands, because that detail stays hidden. The card promises more than 120 promotional offers and exclusive discounts. The names behind those offers stay unconfirmed for now, while the list waits.
How does this fit with other transport changes in Dubai?
The Nol-Jaywan card arrives in a busy month for transport news. Several changes landed in Dubai at the same time, because the city is moving fast. The new UAE traffic rules from 2027 take effect on 1 January 2027. They fall under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, so drivers face a new rulebook in the new year. The National reported that the new rules will limit professional drivers to nine hours of driving per day. Gulflights published a full guide to the rules on 4 November 2026, while the guide covers the changes in full. You should read the guide if you drive, because the rules touch licences, fines, and road conduct.
New Dubai speed limits took effect on 1 November 2026, so the roads changed before the card news arrived. Al Asayel Street moved from 60 to 80 km/h. Al Mustaqbal Street and Latifa bint Hamdan Street moved from 60 to 70 km/h, so both roads are faster now. Our guide to the new Dubai speed limits lists the changed roads in full. You can check whether your route is affected, so the check is quick. The speed changes and the card launch both point in the same direction. Dubai is updating how people move around the city, because the network keeps growing.
How does the card link with travel beyond Dubai?
Travel beyond Dubai is changing as well. Etihad Rail passenger trains between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will link the two cities by rail. The trip gets a new option, so rail joins the mix. The Nol-Jaywan card promises use on transport services across the UAE. The rail link will give commuters a new way to travel between the emirates, so the two stories fit. The two stories fit together, because a national card and a national rail line both serve travel across the country. You should watch both stories as they develop, because each one changes the options for your next trip.
The rainy season adds another transport note. Dubai Municipality has about 675 staff on round-the-clock standby for the rainy season, so help is ready. Wet roads and sudden rain can slow your commute. The UAE weather update for 4 November gives you the latest picture before you leave home, so check it first. You should check the weather on rainy days, because a quick check can save you a delayed trip. The card news, the speed limits, and the weather all shape the same daily decision. They belong in one picture, so read them together.
What should you do now while you wait for the card?
You should keep using your current Nol card as normal. Nothing in the announcement asks you to change your routine, because the news is only a pilot. You can top up as usual, while you can also check your balance before you travel. The pilot will bring fresh details, so you should watch for RTA announcements in November 2026. You should not buy a card from any unofficial seller, because RTA and AEP have shared no sales channel yet.
Use the wait to sort your other travel admin, because small checks now can save you trouble later. You can learn how to check an RTA fine by plate number if you drive. The check takes only a few minutes, while the steps stay simple. You can also read the traffic rules guide before 1 January 2027. The new rules will affect drivers across the UAE, because the change is national. The wait for the card is a good time to tidy these tasks. Your daily travel carries on as normal, so nothing stops while you wait.
You should also keep an eye on travel news if you fly. The latest UAE flight updates track changes at the airports, so the picture stays fresh. The card story is about ground travel, while flight news covers a different part of your journey. Both stories matter for a full trip, because many travellers mix a flight with a Metro ride or a taxi. You can follow both stories on gulflights, while this guide will stay live as the card story develops.
Frequently asked questions?
When does the Nol-Jaywan pilot start?
The pilot phase begins in November 2026, so the launch is close. RTA and Al Etihad Payments announced the plan on Wednesday 4 November 2026. The exact start date is still unknown, while the month is set. The cards will arrive in successive phases, so the first users will get the card before the wider public. You should watch for a fresh announcement with the exact date, because no official day has been shared so far.
Do I need to replace my current Nol card?
The reports do not answer this yet, so you should keep your current Nol card for now. RTA and Al Etihad Payments have said nothing about replacement. The announcement focuses on the new card and the pilot phase, while your old card stays valid. Your current card keeps working as normal, because the reports say nothing about switching it off. You should wait for clear guidance from RTA before you change anything.
What can I pay for with the Nol-Jaywan card?
The first phase covers RTA public transport, taxis, and public parking. You can also pay for everyday purchases, online transactions, and other payments, so the card does more. The Jaywan side of the card handles the everyday payments, while the Nol side handles your travel. The reports name no specific shops yet. The list of places that accept the card will only become clear as the rollout moves ahead, so the detail comes later.
How much will the Nol-Jaywan card cost?
The price is still unknown, because the reports give no figure for the card. RTA and Al Etihad Payments have shared no pricing detail. The announcement covers the launch and the pilot phase only, while the price waits. You should not pay for a card from any unofficial seller, because no official price or sales channel exists today. You should wait for RTA or AEP to confirm the price before you buy.
Will the card work outside Dubai?
The card promises use on public and private transport services across the UAE. It also covers online booking platforms for public transport services, so the aim reaches beyond Dubai. The first phase covers RTA public transport services, taxis, and public parking, while later phases may widen the reach. The reports do not list every service in this promise. The exact coverage will only become clear as the rollout moves ahead, so the detail comes later.
Where can I get the card when it launches?
The reports do not say where to get the card yet, so no shop, station, or bank has been named. The pilot phase begins in November 2026, while the cards will arrive in successive phases. Banks and other licensed financial institutions issue Jaywan cards gradually. Banks may play a role in the card rollout as well, so watch their news. You should watch for RTA and AEP announcements, because they will share the collection points once the pilot begins.
