Abu Dhabi Gives High-Achieving Public School Students Free Hafilat Cards for One Year
By Thasmiya
High-achieving students in Abu Dhabi are getting a new reward for their academic performance, with eligible public-school graduates receiving a **free Hafilat public transport card for one year**.
The new benefit applies to high-school graduates from government schools in Abu Dhabi who achieved an average score of **95% or higher during the 2025–2026 academic year**. Eligible students will also receive access to faster service through a dedicated counter, according to Abu Dhabi Mobility.
The initiative gives some of Abu Dhabi’s highest-performing graduates an additional practical benefit as they move into university and the next stage of their education.
## **Who is eligible for the free Hafilat card?**
The newly announced benefit is specifically for high-achieving high-school graduates in Abu Dhabi.
To qualify, students must have studied at a **government school in Abu Dhabi** and achieved an average of **95% or above in the 2025–2026 academic year**.
This means the announcement should not be interpreted as free Hafilat travel for every school student in Abu Dhabi.
## **How long is the benefit valid?**
Eligible high-achieving graduates will receive the Hafilat benefit **free for one year**.
They will also be able to access a dedicated counter offering faster service when completing the relevant process.
Students should follow instructions issued by their schools or Abu Dhabi Mobility regarding the claiming and activation process.
## **What is a Hafilat card?**
Hafilat is Abu Dhabi’s smart-card system for paying public bus fares.
Passengers tap their Hafilat card when boarding and alighting, with the system calculating the applicable fare automatically.
The system is used across Abu Dhabi’s public bus network and offers different cards and permits for regular passengers, students, senior residents and People of Determination.
## **How much does the regular student permit normally cost?**
The standard annual Student Permit listed by Abu Dhabi Mobility currently costs **AED 500 for one year**.
It provides unlimited trips on standard city and suburban bus services across **Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra**. Intercity services are not included in this annual student permit.
Students normally need a valid Emirates ID, a personal photograph and valid proof of student status when applying.
The newly announced benefit therefore represents a potentially useful saving for eligible top-performing graduates.
## **Why 95% is significant**
A score of 95% is also an important benchmark in other Abu Dhabi programmes recognising outstanding students.
For example, Abu Dhabi’s Golden Visa criteria for high-school graduates include a final score of at least **95%**, alongside other requirements and nomination procedures.
In July, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also received top-performing Year 12 students from the 2025–2026 academic year and praised students, families and teachers for their contributions to educational excellence.
## **How can students get the card?**
Full step-by-step claiming instructions for this specific high-achiever benefit were not detailed in the initial announcement.
Eligible students should therefore wait for or check official instructions from **Abu Dhabi Mobility**, their government school or the relevant education authority rather than applying through an unofficial third party.
For standard Hafilat personalised cards and student permits, Abu Dhabi Mobility lists Customer Happiness Offices at bus stations among the available service locations.
## **What documents are normally required?**
For a standard student Hafilat permit, Abu Dhabi Mobility currently requires a **valid Emirates ID, personal photograph and valid document proving student status**.
Whether high-achieving graduates will need additional proof of their 95% result has not yet been detailed in the initial public announcement.
Students should check the latest official requirements before visiting a service centre.
## **More than just free transport**
The initiative is notable because it connects academic achievement with a practical everyday benefit.
Public transport can become particularly useful as students move from school into universities, colleges, internships and other educational opportunities.
A year of free Hafilat access could help eligible students reduce transport expenses while encouraging greater use of Abu Dhabi’s public transportation network.
## **Why this matters**
Abu Dhabi’s new Hafilat benefit gives high-achieving public-school graduates recognition that can be used in everyday life.
Students who achieved **95% or higher during the 2025–2026 academic year** will receive the benefit for one year, alongside access to a dedicated counter for faster service.
For students and families, it provides a practical reward for academic excellence. For Abu Dhabi, it also connects educational achievement with the emirate’s wider push towards accessible and sustainable public transportation.
## **Source Credits**
Information source and resource owners: Abu Dhabi Mobility, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Abu Dhabi Residents Office, Khaleej Times and UAE Government entities.
Image sources are combined from AI-generated visuals and other platforms. For changes email concerns@whatmatters.ae.