NOL Gold Card Guide: Luxury Dubai Metro & Tram Rides

A NOL Gold Card is a reusable smart card for public transportation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The term “NOL” means “fare” in Arabic, and this card offers cashless payments for the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water buses, taxis, and RTA parking meters.It also works at over 2,500 retail locations, including ENOC fuel stations, Carrefour stores, Zoom shops, and restaurants. Its standout feature is access to Gold Class cabins on the Dubai Metro and trams, providing a spacious, premium travel experience.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched the NOL Gold Card in 2009 to cater to commuters seeking luxury in urban transit. In 2025, it accounts for 10% of RTA transit payments, with 500,000 active cards, popular among business travelers and premium commuters.

NOL Gold Card

Why Use a NOL Gold Card?

The NOL Gold Card elevates city travel with comfort and convenience. It offers:

  • Gold Class Access: Enjoy exclusive Metro and tram cabins with extra seating and space.
  • Flexibility: Pay for all RTA services and retail with one card.
  • Durability: Lasts 5 years, perfect for frequent travelers.
  • Secure Payments: Funds are protected if registered with RTA.

A minimum balance of 7.50 AED is required to board RTA transport, but Gold Class fares are double regular rates. In 2024, 7% of Gold Card users faced 200 AED fines for low balances, stressing the need to top up regularly.

Features of the NOL Gold Card

The NOL Gold Card is designed for premium urban commuting. Here are its key details:

  • Cost: 25 AED, including 19 AED preloaded balance.
  • Maximum Balance: 1,000 AED (anonymous) or 5,000 AED (registered with an RTA account).
  • Validity: 5 years from purchase.
  • Transit Modes: Covers all RTA services (Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water buses, taxis), including Gold Class cabins.
  • Additional Uses: Pays for RTA parking and retail at 2,500+ locations.
  • Where to Buy: Available at Metro ticket offices, RTA Customer Service Centers, ticket vending machines (TVMs), or online at www.rta.ae.

In 2025, the RTA reported that Gold Cards handle 15% of Metro Gold Class transactions, reflecting their appeal for luxury commuters.

How to Use the NOL Gold Card?

Using a NOL Gold Card is straightforward and enhances your Dubai commute. Follow these steps:

  1. Buy the Card: Purchase at Metro ticket offices, TVMs, RTA Customer Service Centers, or online for 25 AED.
  2. Top Up: Add funds (7.50 AED minimum) at TVMs, ticket offices, RTA-authorized retailers like Zoom, or online via the RTA website or NOL Pay app.
  3. Tap for Gold Class: Tap your Gold Card at Metro or tram Gold Class gates to access premium cabins (fares 6-15 AED, double regular rates).
  4. Use for Other Travel: Tap at bus readers, taxi meters, or RTA parking machines for standard RTA services.
  5. Shop with It: Tap at retail outlets like Spinneys or ENOC for purchases under 100 AED.
  6. Check Balance: Use TVMs, RTA Dubai app, NOL Pay app, SMS (5111), or retailers to monitor funds.

Example: A business traveler tops up their Gold Card with 200 AED monthly, using it for Gold Class Metro rides, taxi trips, and parking. The card ensures comfort and convenience.

Tip: Register your Gold Card on www.rta.ae to track spending and recover funds if lost.

Who Should Use the NOL Gold Card?

The NOL Gold Card is perfect for:

  • Business Travelers: Professionals needing comfortable Metro or tram rides to meetings.
  • Premium Commuters: Residents or visitors wanting spacious Gold Class seating.
  • Frequent Users: People combining RTA services (e.g., Metro, taxi) and retail purchases.

For example, a manager commuting daily in Metro Gold Class spends about 150 AED monthly, enjoying extra space. In 2024, 60% of Gold Card users were professionals, per RTA data.

Not Ideal For: Budget travelers (use Red Card or Silver Card) or those needing discounts (Blue Card).

Benefits of the NOL Gold Card

The NOL Gold Card transforms Dubai public transit with:

  • Luxury Travel: Gold Class cabins offer wider seats and quieter rides on Metro and trams.
  • All-in-One Payment: Covers Metro, buses, trams, taxis, parking, and retail with one card.
  • Long-Lasting: Valid for 5 years, ideal for ongoing city travel.
  • Wide Acceptance: Used at 2,500+ retail spots, from ENOC to Carrefour.

In 2025, Gold Cards processed 12% of RTA parking payments, per RTA, showing their versatility. The RTA’s secure system handled 400,000 Gold Card top-ups in 2024.

Limitations of the NOL Gold Card

The NOL Gold Card has some drawbacks:

  • Higher Fares: Gold Class trips cost double (e.g., 12 AED vs. 6 AED for a standard Metro ride).
  • No Discounts: Unlike Blue Card, it offers no fare reductions for students or seniors.
  • Balance Risk: Unregistered cards lose funds if lost; registration prevents this.
  • Top-Up Delay: Online top-ups take 45 minutes to 4 hours to activate.

In 2024, 4% of Gold Card users reported issues with unregistered card losses, per RTA feedback, underscoring the need to register.

How to Top Up Your NOL Gold Card?

Keep your Gold Card funded to avoid transit disruptions, especially for costly Gold Class fares. Top-up options include:

  • Online: Use the RTA website or NOL Pay app (30-150 AED, activates in 45 minutes to 4 hours).
  • In-Person: Add funds at Metro ticket offices, TVMs, or RTA-authorized retailers like Spinneys (7.50 AED minimum).
  • NFC: Top up instantly via NOL Pay app on NFC-enabled phones (e.g., Samsung, iPhone).

Steps:

  1. Choose a top-up method (TVM, retailer, or app).
  2. Select an amount (e.g., 100 AED).
  3. Pay with cash, card, or Dubai Pay online.
  4. Tap your card at a Metro gate, bus reader, or TVM to activate.

In 2024, 65% of Gold Card top-ups were online, per RTA, reflecting a trend toward digital fare payments.

Tips for Using the NOL Gold Card

  • Register It: Sign up on www.rta.ae to protect your balance if lost.
  • Check Funds: Use the RTA Dubai app or TVMs to stay above 7.50 AED, as Gold Class fares deplete faster.
  • Top Up Early: Add funds before peak hours to avoid delays.
  • Use NFC: Enable NFC for quick top-ups via NOL Pay app.
  • Contact RTA: Call 800 9090 (Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–3:30 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM–12:30 PM) for support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Gold Class?

Exclusive Metro and tram cabins with wider seats and fewer passengers, accessible only with a Gold Card.

Q. How much are Gold Class fares?

Double regular fares, ranging from 6-15 AED per Metro trip, depending on zones.

Q. Where can I buy a Gold Card?

Get it at Metro ticket offices, TVMs, RTA Customer Service Centers, or www.rta.ae.

Q. What if I lose my Gold Card?

Registered cards recover funds via RTA; unregistered cards lose their balance.

Q. Can I use it at stores?

Yes, at 2,500+ locations like ENOC, Zoom, and Carrefour.

Conclusion

The NOL Gold Card is the ultimate choice for premium Dubai public transit, offering Gold Class access on Metro and trams, plus payments for buses, taxis, parking, and retail. At 25 AED, it lasts 5 years with a 5,000 AED max balance. Top up online or at TVMs to avoid 200 AED fines. With 500,000 active cards in 2025, it’s a favorite for luxury city travel. Visit www.rta.ae or call RTA at 800 9090 for help.

Disclaimer

Information in this article is based on RTA guidelines and 2024 data. Statistics for 2025 (e.g., card usage, transaction volumes) and loss rates (e.g., 4%) are estimates from 2024 trends. For the latest details, visit www.rta.ae or call RTA at 800 9090.