Dubai passengers can now purchase smartphone-based Nol QR tickets for the Metro, public buses and Dubai Tram, expanding paper-free travel options.
The Roads and Transport Authority offers single-trip tickets and one-day passes through the nol Pay and S’hail apps.
Citizens, residents and visitors can use the service, including a guest purchase option with one-time password verification.
For tourists, the development provides another way to arrange transport without first obtaining a paper ticket. However, internet access, fare selection and activation rules require attention.
Existing silver, gold and personal blue Nol cards remain available. The digital tickets add choice rather than require passengers to switch.
Smartphone Purchasing Supports Occasional Journeys
Passengers select their ticket type, zone coverage and travel class before completing payment in either app.
They can choose the relevant zones directly or enter their starting point and destination to identify suitable coverage.
Tickets appear immediately after successful payment. Users also receive a booking reference, email confirmation and an app notification.
The process could suit visitors making occasional journeys or planning several trips during a sightseeing day.
However, the appropriate product depends on the itinerary. A digital format does not automatically offer better value than other Nol options.
Passengers can purchase up to 10 single-trip tickets or five one-day passes in one transaction.
Fares Vary by Zones and Class
Regular single-trip fares cost AED4 for one zone, AED6 for two adjacent zones and AED8.50 for all zones.
Gold single-trip fares cost AED8, AED12 and AED17 for the corresponding coverage.
An AED2 service fee applies per transaction. For a transaction containing one Regular one-zone ticket, the published total is AED6.
The all-zone one-day pass costs AED20 in Regular class or AED40 in Gold class, before the transaction fee.
Passengers buying multiple tickets should review the final checkout amount. They should not assume that the transaction fee applies separately to each ticket.
Visitors also need to match their purchase with the class they intend to use.
Day Passes Expire at Midnight
The one-day pass activates on first use and expires at midnight that same calendar day.
It does not provide a rolling 24-hour travel period. A pass first used at 11pm therefore offers approximately one hour of validity.
This distinction matters for visitors arriving late or planning evening journeys followed by travel the next morning.
Unused digital tickets remain available for activation within 90 days of purchase. That window does not extend an activated pass beyond midnight.
Similarly, a single-trip ticket retains its individual journey conditions. Buying that product does not create unlimited travel for the day.
Travellers should consider their planned journeys before deciding between the two options.
Live QR Codes Require Internet Access
RTA’s guidance states that passengers need an internet connection to access their digital ticket in the app.
The QR code refreshes automatically and cannot be downloaded. Travellers should therefore plan to display the live ticket when validating travel.
Metro and Tram stations provide Wi-Fi, according to the supplied guidance. Nevertheless, connectivity remains relevant when accessing tickets elsewhere, including bus boarding.
A working phone with sufficient battery is also necessary throughout the journey.
Passengers should open the ticket before approaching the appropriate reader and hold their device steady until validation completes.
The ticket must remain accessible for applicable check-in, check-out and transfer procedures.
Coverage Excludes Taxis and Ferries
Dubai Nol QR tickets cover public buses, Metro and Tram services.
They do not cover Dubai Ferry, Dubai Taxi, parking meters or retail purchases.
Visitors combining different transport modes must therefore arrange separate payment for services outside the product’s coverage.
The Nol name should not lead passengers to assume these tickets provide every function associated with a physical Nol card.
RTA also prohibits sharing, transferring, duplicating or forwarding the digital tickets.
Passengers managing several tickets should follow the app’s display process, selecting “Next” to present each subsequent code.
Copying one ticket for multiple travellers does not create additional travel entitlement.
Refund Rules Differ From Ticket Validity
Unused QR tickets qualify for refunds requested within 30 days of purchase, subject to an AED2 refund fee.
The supplied guidance identifies Ticket Office Machines at Sobha Realty and DMCC stations as refund channels.
The refund window is shorter than the 90-day activation period. Remaining travel validity therefore does not guarantee refund eligibility.
For tourism, the rollout broadens purchasing options across three transport modes. However, it does not establish measured reductions in queues or boarding times.
Visitors can assess its convenience by checking their itinerary, connectivity and ticket conditions before travelling.
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