A Guide to Public Transport Passes in the UAE

• Dubai NOL Card
• Abu Dhabi Hafilat Card
• Sharjah Sayer Card
• Ajman Masaar Card
• Ras Al Khaimah E-Saqr Card
• FAQs

Getting around the UAE is convenient thanks to its well-connected public transport system, which includes buses, metro, trams, abras and ferries. To make commuting easier, each emirate offers its smart card that provides easy access to buses, metro and other transport modes. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional traveller, using a transport pass can save you time and money. Let’s explore the different public transport passes available across the UAE, their benefits, pricing and where to buy them. 

Dubai – NOL Card

The public transport system of Dubai is managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). To streamline travel across various modes of transport, the RTA introduced the NOL Card, an innovative payment card that eliminates the need for cash or separate tickets. 

Users can access the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, marine transport and even RTA taxis with a simple tap. The NOL Card also facilitates parking payments, making it a travelling essential in Dubai.

Types of NOL Cards

There are four types of NOL Cards in Dubai, each catering to different travel needs.

NOL Red Card

Designed for occasional travellers or tourists, this disposable paper-based ticket is valid for up to 90 days. It costs AED 2 and can be used for 10 single trips or five daily passes. However, it is restricted to one mode of transport at a time.

NOL Silver Card

Ideal for regular commuters, the NOL Silver Card is valid for five years and allows travel across all public transport modes. It costs AED 25, including an initial balance of AED 19 and can be topped up to AED 1,000.

NOL Gold Card

This RTA card provides the same benefits as the Silver Card but offers access to the premium Gold Class compartment on the Dubai Metro travel card. The NOL Gold Card costs AED 25, has an initial balance of AED 19 and has a maximum top-up limit of AED 5,000.

NOL Blue Card

A personalised smart card suited for daily commuters, students and senior citizens, the NOL Blue Card offers additional security, including balance protection in case of loss or theft. It costs AED 70 with an initial balance of AED 20. Special concessions apply to People of Determination and children under five who can travel for free. Only UAE residents can purchase this card.

How to Purchase and Recharge a NOL Card

NOL Cards are widely available at various locations across Dubai. They can be purchased from:

• Ticket offices at metro and bus stations
• Ticket vending machines across the city
• RTA customer happiness centres
• Supermarkets such as Spinneys, Waitrose and Carrefour
• Online through the RTA website or the S’hail app

Tap a NOL Card on the designated reader at metro stations, buses or trams. A green light or beep indicates a successful check-in. When exiting, tap the card again to deduct the fare, which is calculated based on the number of zones travelled.

Recharging a NOL Card is easy. The balance can be verified online via the RTA website under the ‘Check NOL Card Balance’ section. Recharging can be done at metro station ticket offices, vending machines, RTA customer centres and selected supermarkets. Additionally, users can top up their cards online through the RTA website or the S’hail app.

Using the NOL Card requires a minimum balance of AED 7.50, while round-trip journeys necessitate at least AED 15. Metro station ticket offices require a minimum top-up of AED 20.

Abu Dhabi – Hafilat Card

The Hafilat card is a contactless smart card used for public transport in Abu Dhabi. Introduced by the Integrated Transport Centre Abu Dhabi in 2015, it allows passengers to pay for bus fares electronically, replacing cash payments. The card is designed to be convenient and easy for daily commuters, offering various options for travel needs.

Types of Hafilat Cards

There are different types of Hafilat cards available for use in Abu Dhabi public transport, each catering to the specific needs of passengers:

Contactless Smart Ticket (CST)

It is a temporary card that is valid for 30 days. It is free to obtain but needs to be credited with balance to use on public transport.

Personalised Hafilat Card

This card is for regular users and can be personalised or left anonymous. It is valid for 5 years, with an initial charge of AED 10. It automatically deducts the fare when scanned by the bus validator.

Smart Card for Students, Seniors and People with Special Needs

This card costs AED 5 and is valid for 5 years. It is designed to provide discounted travel for eligible groups.

Types of Hafilat Passes

Apart from the standard Hafilat card, there are also several types of passes available:

T-Purse

It is a regional electronic wallet that can be recharged for use on buses within Abu Dhabi. The fare system includes a boarding charge of AED 2 and an additional fare depending on the travel distance.

Weekly Pass

Ideal for frequent commuters, it offers unlimited bus rides within Abu Dhabi city for seven days, with a wallet amount of AED 30.

Monthly Pass

Offers unlimited travel within Abu Dhabi city for 30 days, with a wallet amount of AED 80.

Senior Citizens and Special Needs Public Transport Passes

These public transport passes offer unlimited travel for seniors and people with special needs and are valid for one year, renewable upon document verification.

How to Purchase and Recharge

Hafilat cards and passes can be purchased from various locations, including bus stations, ticket vending machines and online through the Hafilat website or Darbi mobile app. To recharge your card, you can use these methods:

• Visit a sales office or recharge station.
• Use the Darbi app or website to top up online.
• Reload at various ticket vending machines around the city.

Recharging typically ranges from AED 10 to AED 100. You can also check your balance online to ensure sufficient credit before your trip.

Sharjah – Sayer Card

Sharjah’s Sayer Card is a smart payment system introduced by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) to make public bus travel more convenient. This contactless card allows passengers to pay fares effortlessly without carrying cash. The Sayer Card is widely accepted across Sharjah’s public transport network, making travel more efficient and accessible for residents and visitors.

Types of Sayer Card

SRTA offers different types of Sayer Cards to cater to various public transport users. Each card type comes with unique benefits and pricing structures to suit different travel needs.

Blue Card

This subscription-based card is ideal for those who use public buses occasionally. It provides a discounted fare of AED 6 instead of the regular AED 8 ticket price, making travel more cost-effective. The Blue Card has multiple recharge options, including AED 50, AED 95 and AED 185.

Grey Card

Designed for daily commuters, the Grey Card allows unlimited bus travel in Sharjah for AED 225 per month. The card remains valid for five years, but the subscription must be renewed every month. This option is perfect for regular travellers who want to enjoy hassle-free bus rides without worrying about fare deductions.

White Card

Issued free of charge, the White Card is an official permit for individuals of determination and social assistance beneficiaries. It grants them unlimited access to Sharjah’s public buses for an entire year. The card helps ensure equal mobility opportunities for all.

How to Purchase and Recharge

Getting a Sayer Card from SRTA is quick and straightforward, with multiple purchase points available. 

• The card can be obtained at bus terminals, vending machines and directly from Mowasalat bus drivers. 
• The Sayer Card is available at major transport hubs, such as the Jubail Bus Terminal and various retail outlets across Sharjah. 

Each card has a one-time issuance fee of AED 5, which is deducted from the initial balance. Sayer Card top-ups are available in person. Passengers can reload their cards while onboard any Sharjah public bus by informing the driver of the required amount or monthly subscription renewal. After payment, the driver recharges the card and provides a receipt as confirmation of the transaction.

Ajman – Masaar Card

The Masaar card is a smart payment system introduced by the Transport Authority (TA) of Ajman to facilitate cashless fare payments on public buses. It can be used for both travel within Ajman and to other Emirates, offering commuters convenience and discounted fares.

How to Purchase and Recharge Masaar Card

You can buy a Masaar card for Ajman Public Transport through the following methods:

• Apply online and collect the card from the central bus station.
• Request the card via the official app and collect it from the bus station.
• Purchase directly at the counter of Ajman Central Bus Station by providing your Emirates ID.

The Masaar card costs AED 25, including AED 20 in balance. Furthermore, you can top up your Masaar card through various sources. You can pay at the counter of Ajman Central Bus Station to recharge your card. Also, the recharge is available on the Ajman Transport Authority Website. Follow similar steps to recharge online through the Transport Authority or Ajman One app. An SMS confirmation will be sent upon successful top-up.

Ras Al Khaimah – E-Saqr Card

The E-Saqr Card is an electronic payment system introduced by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA). It allows residents to pay for intracity bus fares conveniently, reducing transaction times and promoting digital services in the emirate. 

Types of E-Saqr Card

RAKTA offers three types of E-Saqr Cards, catering to different commuter groups:

Blue Card

This card is available for all commuters at AED 30, with an initial balance of AED 20. It is the standard option for regular passengers, offering a hassle-free way to pay for bus fares.

Silver Card

Introduced for students, senior citizens (60+) and residents, this card offers a 50% discount on fares, making public transport more affordable for those who qualify. The Silver Card costs AED 20 and comes with an initial balance of AED 10. Students must provide an enrollment letter from their educational institution to apply.

Gold Card

Reserved for People of Determination, this card is issued free of charge. While the card itself is free, users still need to top up their balance to pay for bus trips. The Gold Card ensures accessibility for individuals with special needs.

Cardholders can scan their cards on the bus payment machines and the fare is deducted electronically from the card balance. Bus fares in Ras Al Khaimah range between AED 5 and AED 10, depending on the route.

How to Purchase and Recharge

E-Saqr Cards can be purchased at the Al-Hamra bus station in Al Dhait, which serves as the primary hub for public transport services in Ras Al Khaimah. General category Blue Cards are also available directly from public bus drivers, allowing passengers to get their cards instantly without visiting the station. While these smart cards make commuting seamless across all emirates, passengers should still stay updated about any public transport disruptions that may affect schedules, especially during peak hours, large events or planned maintenance.

For recharging, commuters can top up their E-Saqr Cards at the payment counter in the main bus station. 

FAQs

What should I do if my transport card is lost or stolen?

Report the loss of public transport passes to the transport authority immediately to block the card and prevent misuse. In Dubai, you can apply for a replacement NOL card through the RTA website or customer service. 

Are there any penalties for insufficient balance while travelling?

Yes, travelling with an insufficient balance on your card may result in fines. Always ensure your card has enough funds before travelling.

Is there a refund policy for unused or expired public transport passes?

Refunds are possible for unused balances, but policies vary by emirate. In Dubai, you can request a refund for NOL cards through the RTA website or customer service, but terms apply. For other emirates, contact the local transport authority.

Public transport passes in the UAE provide a convenient, efficient and cashless way to travel. Each emirate offers unique smart card options that cater to various needs, from occasional commuters to frequent travellers. These passes not only simplify fare payments but also promote digital convenience. By choosing the right card, commuters can enjoy seamless journeys contributing to the overall improvement of the public transport system in the UAE.

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Cover image credits: Markus Mainka – Shutterstock