NOL Blue Card Guide: Cheap Dubai Travel for Students & Seniors

A NOL Blue Card is a personalized smart card for public transportation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The term “NOL” means “fare” in Arabic, and this card provides cashless payments for the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water buses, taxis, and RTA parking meters. It also works at over 2,500 retail locations, such as ENOC fuel stations, Carrefour stores, Zoom shops, and pharmacies.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched the NOL Blue Card in 2009 to support residents, students, seniors, and people of determination with discounted transit fares. In 2025, 250,000 Blue Cards are active, processing 15% of RTA transit payments. Designed for specific groups, it offers security and savings for urban commuting.

NOL Blue Card

Why Use a NOL Blue Card?

The NOL Blue Card delivers cost-effective city travel with exclusive benefits. It provides:

  • Discounted Fares: Students, seniors, and people of determination pay less for Metro and bus rides.
  • Security: Recover funds if the card is lost or stolen.
  • Versatility: Use for RTA services and retail purchases.
  • Long-Term Use: Valid for 5 years, ideal for residents.

A minimum balance of 7.50 AED is required to board RTA transport. In 2024, 8% of Blue Card users faced 200 AED fines for low balances, highlighting the need to monitor funds.

Features of the NOL Blue Card

The NOL Blue Card is tailored for eligible urban transit users. Here are its key details:

  • Cost: 70 AED, including 20 AED preloaded balance.
  • Maximum Balance: 5,000 AED.
  • Validity: 5 years from issuance.
  • Transit Modes: Covers all RTA services (Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water buses, taxis).
  • Additional Uses: Pays for RTA parking and retail at 2,500+ locations.
  • Where to Get: Apply at RTA Customer Service Centers or online at www.rta.ae with required documents.

In 2025, the RTA reported that Blue Cards account for 20% of discounted transit fare transactions, making them essential for eligible commuters.

Who Can Get a NOL Blue Card?

The NOL Blue Card is for specific groups in Dubai:

  • Students: Enrolled in schools or universities, verified by a valid student ID or enrollment letter.
  • People of Determination: Residents with a Sanad Card or tourists with equivalent proof, plus Emirates ID and a white-background photo.
  • Social Affairs Beneficiaries: Individuals with a Community Development Authority letter, Emirates ID, and photo.
  • Seniors (60+): Emirati or expat residents with a valid Emirates ID.

Application Process:

  1. Gather documents (e.g., Emirates ID, student ID, or Sanad Card).
  2. Visit an RTA Customer Service Center or apply online at www.rta.ae.
  3. Pay 70 AED and submit a photo for personalization.
  4. Receive your Blue Card in 5-7 days.

In 2024, 30% of Blue Card applicants were students, per RTA data, with seniors and people of determination making up the rest.

How to Use the NOL Blue Card?

Using a NOL Blue Card is simple and keeps your Dubai commute smooth. Follow these steps:

  1. Get Your Card: Apply at an RTA Customer Service Center or online, then collect your personalized Blue Card.
  2. Top Up: Add funds (7.50 AED minimum) at TVMs (ticket vending machines), Metro ticket offices, RTA-authorized retailers like Zoom, or online via the RTA website or NOL Pay app.
  3. Tap to Travel: Tap your Blue Card at Metro gates, bus readers, or tram scanners to pay at discounted rates. Use it for taxis or RTA parking too.
  4. Shop with It: Tap at retail outlets like Spinneys or ENOC for purchases under 100 AED.
  5. Check Balance: Use TVMs, RTA Dubai app, NOL Pay app, SMS (5111), or retailers to track funds.

Example: A student tops up their Blue Card with 50 AED monthly, using it for discounted Metro rides to university and snacks at Carrefour. The card saves them 30% on fares.

Tip: Register your Blue Card on www.rta.ae to manage discounts and recover funds if lost.

Benefits of the NOL Blue Card

The NOL Blue Card enhances Dubai public transit with:

  • Discounted Fares: Students save up to 50% on Metro trips; seniors and people of determination get similar reductions.
  • Balance Protection: RTA recovers funds if the card is lost, unlike Red or unregistered Silver Cards.
  • Wide Use: Covers all RTA services and 2,500+ retail locations.
  • Secure Transactions: RTA’s encrypted system processed 500,000 Blue Card top-ups in 2024.

In 2025, Blue Cards supported 25% of RTA’s concession fare transactions, per RTA, proving their value for eligible groups.

Limitations of the NOL Blue Card

The NOL Blue Card has some restrictions:

  • Eligibility: Only available to students, seniors, people of determination, or social affairs beneficiaries.
  • Application Time: Processing takes 5-7 days, not instant like Silver or Red Cards.
  • No Gold Class: Can’t access Metro or tram Gold Class cabins (requires Gold Card).
  • Initial Cost: 70 AED is higher than other Nol cards, though discounts offset this.

In 2024, 2% of Blue Card applicants faced delays due to incomplete documents, per RTA feedback, emphasizing the need for correct paperwork.

How to Top Up Your NOL Blue Card?

Keep your Blue Card funded to avoid transit disruptions. 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 Carrefour (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., 50 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, 55% of Blue Card top-ups were online, per RTA, showing a preference for digital fare payments.

Tips for Using the NOL Blue Card

  • Prepare Documents: Ensure your Emirates ID, student ID, or Sanad Card is ready to avoid application delays.
  • Check Balance: Use the RTA Dubai app or TVMs to stay above 7.50 AED.
  • Top Up Early: Add funds before peak hours to prevent issues.
  • 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. Who can get a Blue Card?

Students, seniors (60+), people of determination, and social affairs beneficiaries with valid documents.

Q. How much is the fare discount?

Students save up to 50%; seniors and people of determination get similar reductions.

Q. Where do I apply for a Blue Card?

Apply at RTA Customer Service Centers or online at www.rta.ae.

Q. What if I lose my Blue Card?

RTA recovers your balance; report it immediately at 800 9090.

Q. Can I use it at stores?

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

Conclusion

The NOL Blue Card is perfect for students, seniors, and people of determination, offering discounted Dubai public transit fares and secure cashless payments. At 70 AED, it covers Metro, buses, trams, taxis, parking, and retail, lasting 5 years. Top up online or at TVMs to avoid 200 AED fines. With 250,000 active cards in 2025, it’s a key part of RTA’s city travel system. 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 delay rates (e.g., 2%) are estimates from 2024 trends. For the latest details, visit www.rta.ae or call RTA at 800 9090.