Dubai public transport users can now purchase digital QR tickets on their phones for travel on the Metro, tram and public buses, giving occasional passengers an alternative to the single-use paper Red Nol ticket.
The Roads and Transport Authority has made the digital tickets available through the Nol Pay and S’hail apps. At Metro stations, passengers scan the QR code at the entry gate. On buses, the code is presented to the designated reader, while tram passengers can also use the new option.
Tickets can be purchased up to 90 days before first use. Once activated, they remain valid until midnight on that calendar day, rather than for a full 24 hours.
This means passengers activating a ticket late at night should be aware of the short remaining validity period.
Existing Silver, Gold and Personal Nol cards remain available, so regular commuters do not need to change their current travel arrangements. The new option is particularly useful for visitors and residents making occasional journeys who prefer to pay through their phones.