All About RTA’s Naqel Service

• Service Overview 
• Rented Buses Permit 
• Rented Bus Permit Fees 
• Luxury Vehicles Permit 
• Luxury Vehicle Permit Fees
• How to Apply
• FAQs

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced the Naqel service to regulate and simplify passenger transport between Dubai and other emirates. Designed for transport companies operating outside Dubai, Naqel provides a legal framework to move passengers into and out of the emirate using rented buses or luxury vehicles not licensed in Dubai. The service promotes safer, more efficient transport, enhances customer satisfaction and supports organised solutions that reduce congestion and improve air quality. 

What Is the Naqel Service?

RTA’s Naqel service in Dubai is a temporary digital permit system that allows eligible companies licensed in other emirates to transport passengers to and from Dubai for a defined period. Permits are issued digitally and can be applied for entirely online through the RTA website, making the process efficient and transparent.

Companies can apply under two permit categories:

• Rented Buses
• Luxury Vehicles

Each category has its own eligibility criteria, usage conditions and fee structure.

Naqel Permit for Rented Buses

This permit allows companies to operate rented buses not licensed in Dubai for passenger transport between Dubai and other emirates.

Validity options

• 1 week
• 1 month
• 6 months
• 1 year

The permit is issued digitally and processing typically takes 2 working days.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include bus passenger transport companies that transport employees or workers of entities licensed in other emirates. Transport must be conducted on the same day and be supported by a valid contract between both parties.

Key Conditions to Know

Before applying, companies should carefully review these requirements to ensure compliance with RTA regulations.

• Companies must specify routes and pick-up and drop-off points within Dubai.
• Each contract can include up to two locations.
• A maximum of four contracts per permit is allowed.
• Drivers must hold valid permits from the Driver’s Licensing Department.
• Companies may apply for the driver’s occupational card and the vehicle permit simultaneously.
• Approval alone does not constitute a permit. Operations may only begin once the permit is issued.
• RTA inspectors regularly conduct checks to ensure permit and driver validity.

Transporting passengers without a permit can result in a fine of AED 10,000, as per UAE Executive Council Decision No. 33 of 2011.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Vehicle Ownership Certificate
• Trade Licence issued by the emirate where the company operates
• Contract between the transport company and the beneficiary entity
• Driver’s driving Licence and Emirates ID or residency copy
• Driver’s Occupational Card
• Personal photo of the driver

Fees for Rented Bus Permits

Fees depend on passenger capacity and permit duration, with an additional AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee applicable to all permits.

15 to 27 passengers

• 1 week: AED 120
• 1 month: AED 245
• 6 months: AED 1,020
• 1 year: AED 2,020

28 to 50 passengers

• 1 week: AED 170
• 1 month: AED 295
• 6 months: AED 1,520
• 1 year: AED 2,520

51 passengers or more

• 1 week: AED 220
• 1 month: AED 370
• 6 months: AED 1,820
• 1 year: AED 3,020

Amendments to an existing permit are available for AED 120 plus AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee.

Naqel Permit for Luxury Vehicles

This permit is for luxury vehicles not registered in Dubai that are used to transport passengers between Dubai and other emirates.

Validity

• From 1 month up to 1 year
• The permit is renewable for the same fee

Processing time for this permit is 2 working days.

Who Is Eligible?

This permit is intended for luxury vehicle companies transporting passengers with confirmed reservations arriving via Dubai International Airport, travelling onward to other emirates.

Important Usage 

Here are the essential rules for operating luxury vehicles under the Naqel permit smoothly and legally:

• Pick-up and drop-off for luxury vehicles is restricted to Dubai airports only.
• Drivers must hold a valid Luxury Vehicle Driver Permit issued in the emirate where they work.
• Drivers can apply for their permit before the vehicle permit, as it is not linked to a specific plate number.
• RTA inspectors may carry out inspections to verify compliance.

Required Documents

The documentation mirrors the rented bus requirements and includes:

• Vehicle Ownership Certificate
• Company Trade Licence
• Contract with the second party
• Driver’s Driving Licence and Emirates ID or residency
• Driver’s Occupational Card
• Personal driver photograph

Fees for Luxury Vehicle Permits

• Luxury Vehicle Driver Permit: AED 300
• Knowledge and Innovation fee: AED 20
• Total: AED 320

How to Apply for a Naqel Permit

Applications are submitted through the RTA website under Business and Corporate Services.

• Create a company account on the RTA website
• Receive approval and activate the account
• Log in and access Naqel Service under Transportation
• Upload required documents
• Receive approval or rejection via SMS and email
• Pay the applicable fees upon approval
• Receive permit details and payment receipt digitally

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the RTA Naqel permit?

Transport companies licensed in other emirates that move passengers to and from Dubai under valid contracts are eligible to apply.

Which types of vehicles are covered under the Naqel permit?

The Naqel permit covers rented buses and luxury vehicles not licensed in Dubai.

How much is the Naqel permit for luxury vehicles?

The Naqel permit for luxury vehicles costs AED 320, including the knowledge and innovation fee.

By standardising cross-emirate passenger transport, the Naqel Service brings structure, accountability and clarity to an essential mobility segment. It helps companies operate legally, protects passengers and supports Dubai’s wider goals of safer roads, cleaner air and a more efficient transport network.

Naqel makes cross-emirate passenger transport smooth and compliant. Moreover, if you’re considering a vehicle of your own, explore these used cars for sale in Dubai to get started.

Keep reading dubizzle’s auto blog to stay informed about RTA services, transport regulations and smart mobility updates.