Dubai Launches Digital QR Code Tickets for Seamless Public Transport Travel

Public transport passengers in Dubai can now easily access the metro, trams, and buses using digital QR codes on their mobile phones, effectively replacing the traditional single-use red paper Nol ticket. The Roads and Transport Authority announced that these digital Nol QR tickets can be purchased directly through the Nol Pay or S'hail apps.

This new digital ticketing option offers enhanced convenience, particularly for occasional passengers and visitors who rely on red Nol tickets for single journeys. Fares for these trips continue to depend on the number of zones traveled through. In related developments, the Roads and Transport Authority has also released images from inside the Metro Blue Line plant.

To gain entry to the metro, commuters simply hold their phone with the QR code facing downward over the entry blue gate reader. For bus travel, the phone screen should be held facing upward with the QR code displayed over the red Nol reader at the entrance until validation is complete. These digital tickets are fully valid on the Dubai Tram as well.

Commuters have the flexibility to purchase their QR tickets up to 90 days in advance. Once activated upon first use, the ticket remains valid until midnight on that exact same day. For instance, activating a ticket at 11 PM still results in expiration at midnight.

Meanwhile, regular commuters may continue using their existing silver, gold, and personal Nol cards, as the digital QR tickets serve as an additional convenience rather than a replacement. The silver Nol card permits travel in regular-class areas, while the gold Nol card grants access to gold class cabins on the Metro and trams for a higher fare. Additionally, the personal Nol card, also recognized as the blue Nol card, is issued in the passenger’s name and provides potential fare concessions for eligible students, senior Emiratis and residents, and people of determination.