Blue NOL Card in Dubai - A Complete Guide

An Overview of Blue NOL Card

The NOL Blue Card is a personalised smart card provided by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It is designed for regular public transport users and offers extra benefits for certain categories, like students, senior citizens, and PoD.Unlike the regular Silver or Gold NOL cards, the Blue Card is linked to your personal information. This means that if the card is lost or stolen, your balance can be recovered, making it a safer option for daily commuters.

Features & Benefits of Blue NOL Card

Here is why the NOL blue card could be perfect for you—

• Fare Concessions – Qualifying categories, like students and senior citizens, can receive up to a 50% discount on public transportation fares. 
• Balance Security – If your blue NOL card is lost or stolen, the card’s balance can be recovered, ensuring your financial security. 
• High Balance Capacity – This card can be loaded with up to AED 5,000, accommodating your extensive travel requirements. 
• Versatile – The NOL blue card is valid for all sorts of public transportation in Dubai, like buses, metro, trams, and water buses. 
• Secure – The card is personalised and it can be blocked and replaced if lost, securing your balance and personal information. 
• Loyalty Points – With this card, you earn loyalty points. These points can be redeemed for travel or other rewards, adding extra value to your regular commute. 

How is the NOL Blue Card Different from Other NOL Cards? Your Blue NOL cards are different from their counterparts because of their distinctive features and additional benefits. These cards are designed for more convenient use and can be personalised.  Here’s how they are different from other NOL cards: Personalisation and Enhanced Security – One of the major perks of having a blue NOL card is that it can be personalised. Unlike the red card, which is temporary and non-reloadable, this card is suitable for long-term use, ensuring convenience. This card is linked to your details while ensuring security with advanced features. In case the card gets stolen or misplaced, it can be easily deactivated and replaced. Furthermore, it becomes easy to recover the balance, reducing the financial risk.  Additional Benefits for Frequent Travellers – Blue NOL cards offer access to a network of Dubai’s public transport, like buses, metro, and water buses, without the need for continuous ticket purchases. The red NOL card, on the other hand, is disposable and suitable just for occasional users. It cannot be reloaded once the initial balance is over. Silver NOL card, meanwhile, offers the same level of convenience as the blue NOL card. But it does not have the same degree of personalisation or security. This card is suitable for general travel without added benefits like balance recovery if lost or stolen.

How to Get a NOL Blue Card?

You can easily apply for a personalised blue Nol card through the RTA website or the Nol Pay app. Here’s how you can do it —

• Step 1: Visit the RTA Website or the Nol Pay App - Go to the RTA website, select "Public Transport" then hover over "Nol" and click on "Choose Nol". Scroll down and select "Personal Nol Card" then click on "Apply Now".
• Step 2: Start the Application - You’ll be directed to a form. Choose between the Apply for a New Personal Nol Card option or the Personalise Your Existing Silver/Gold Card option. For a new card, select the first option and click "Next".
• Step 3: Choose Card Preferences - Select your travel class (Gold or Regular) and your applicant category (Regular, Student, Senior Citizen, or People of Determination). Then pick a card design. Special designs cost AED 30 extra. Click Next.
• Step 4: Enter Personal and Delivery Details - Fill in your name, mobile number, email (as per your Emirates ID), and delivery address where the card will be sent.
• Step 5: Upload Required Documents - Upload the necessary documents based on your category. A recent passport-size photo (JPG, under 2MB) is mandatory for all applicants.
• Step 6: Review and Pay - Check your details carefully and complete the payment using a debit or credit card.
• Step 7: Track Your Application – After submission, you’ll receive a reference number for tracking. You’ll also get SMS updates on your application status.

This process ensures that you receive your personalised Blue Nol card conveniently at your doorstep.

You can apply for the NOL blue card in person as well. Here's how to do so. 

• Go to any RTA Customer Service Center or an authorised sales agent
• Request and complete the application form provided at the counter
• Submit the required documents, including a valid ID and a recent passport-size photo.
• Pay the required fee to complete and process your application

Once you are all set, the staff will guide you through the next steps and let you know when to expect your personalised Nol card.

How to Recharge the NOL Blue Card?

You can easily recharge your Blue Nol Card using several convenient methods —

Online 

• Visit the official RTA Nol top-up page
• Enter your NOL Tag ID and email address
• Choose the recharge amount and pay using a debit or credit card

Mobile Apps

• You can use either the NOL Pay mobile app or the S’hail mobile app
• Log in, select “Top Up Nol Card,” and follow the instructions to complete payment.

Ticket Vending Machines

• Located at all metro stations
• Tap your Nol Card, choose “Top Up,” enter the amount, and pay using cash or card.

In-Store

• Recharge at ZOOM stores or ENOC/EPPCO petrol stations
• Hand over your Nol Card, tell the cashier the amount and make the payment. 

How to Use Your Blue NOL Card?

You can use your NOL blue card in the following ways —

• Public Transportation - The NOL blue card can be used to pay fares for all RTA-operated public transport media — Dubai Metro, public buses, Dubai Tram, and water buses. 
• Parking Payments - You can use your blue NOL card to pay at RTA parking facilities across Dubai. 
• RTA Taxis - The cabs operated by RTA accept this card for fare payments, facilitating a cashless payment. 
• Retail and Other Services - The Blue Metro card is accepted for payment at select retail outlets, pharmacies, and restaurants. This enables you to make purchases using your card balance.

Blue NOL Card Price

Usually, the blue NOL card typically costs AED 70 with an e-purse credit of AED 20. The gold NOL card, on the other hand, costs AED 80 with an e-purse credit of AED 20. These cards are affordable and convenient to use. The blue NOL card prices 2026 are mentioned below. 

Descriptions	Amount
Upfront Cost	AED 70
Loaded Credit	AED 20
Travel Zones	Fares after a 50% discount
1 Zone	AED 1.5 (Discounted Price)
2 Zones	AED 2.5 (Discounted Price)
3 or more than 3 Zones	AED 3.75 (Discounted Price)

Note – The NOL blue card is valid only for 5 years from the date of issuance. Thus, keep track of your card’s validity for uninterrupted travel. 

Concessionary Benefits of Blue NOL Cards Here are some concessionary benefits of the blue metro cards:  For residents, students, and senior citizens, the daily transportation cost can be reduced by 50% if they opt to travel by RTA bus or metro.  You can add up to AED 1,000 to unregistered cards to meet different requirements.  In your registered blue NOL card, you can have a maximum balance of AED 5,000. People of determination can travel for free on the bus and metro if they have this card.

Documents Required to Apply for a Blue NOL Card in Dubai

Here are the documents you will need to submit to get an NOL blue card in Dubai. Please note that the required documents can differ for different categories of applicants. 

Student 

• Any valid document implying that the applicant is a student

People of Determination

• Passport-sized photograph with a white background
• A copy of PoD cards or Resident Sanad Card (both sides)
• A copy of the Emirates ID

Senior Citizens (Emirati and Expatriates)

• A copy of the Emirates ID

Social Affairs Beneficiaries

• Copy of the Emirates ID
• Passport-sized photograph with a white background
• An official and valid letter from the Community Development Authority stating that the applicant is entitled to social assistance

Important Related Articles to RTA
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)	Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Sharjah	Transfer Car Registration

Frequently Asked Questions