Dubai Commuters Can Now Buy RTA nol Travel Cards at Al Ansari Exchange
By Michelle
Getting a nol card in Dubai has become easier.
Residents and visitors can now purchase **RTA nol Travel Cards from selected Al Ansari Exchange branches across Dubai**, giving commuters another convenient way to access the city’s public transport payment system.
The initiative follows a partnership between Al Ansari Exchange and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in association with MDX Technology Solutions ME.
For commuters and tourists, it means there is now another option beyond Metro stations, ticket machines and existing authorised sales channels to get a nol Travel Card.
## **What has changed?**
Under the new partnership, selected Al Ansari Exchange branches in Dubai can sell **nol Travel Cards** directly to customers.
Al Ansari Exchange has an extensive physical branch network, so adding nol Travel Cards to selected locations could make getting a card more convenient for residents and visitors who already use its branches for remittances, currency exchange and other services.
The move also expands RTA’s network of authorised distribution channels for nol.
## **What is a nol Travel Card?**
The nol Travel Card is designed for both tourists and residents and combines Dubai’s transport payment functionality with additional lifestyle benefits.
According to RTA, the card currently costs **AED 100**, which includes an initial **AED 19 balance**.
The card is valid for five years.
Unlike a basic transport ticket, the nol Travel Card also includes access to a range of offers, benefits and discounts.
## **Where can you use a nol card?**
The nol system is used for cashless payments across Dubai’s public transport network.
Depending on the applicable service, it can be used for:
Dubai Metro
Dubai Tram
RTA public buses
Marine transport
Public parking
Selected non-transport services and retail purchases
The nol Travel Card can also be used for applicable transportation and non-transportation services across the nol network.
## **More than just public transport**
The usefulness of nol has expanded considerably beyond simply tapping into the Metro.
According to the latest announcement, nol is accepted at **more than 14,000 retail outlets across the UAE**.
Cardholders can also access more than **200 lifestyle offers and discounts through the nol Pay app**, giving the card additional value outside everyday commuting.
## **Why is RTA expanding where nol cards are sold?**
RTA says expanding the availability of nol Travel Cards through partnerships makes its mobility services more accessible.
Additional distribution points are particularly useful for tourists and new Dubai residents who may need a transport card before reaching a Metro station.
The partnership also supports Dubai’s broader push towards cashless payments and digitally connected transport services.
## **Why Al Ansari Exchange?**
Al Ansari Exchange operates one of the UAE’s largest exchange-house branch networks.
While it is best known for foreign exchange and remittances, its branches increasingly provide additional payment and government-related services.
Customers can already use Al Ansari Exchange for services including selected government payments, Salik reloads and nol card reloads.
Selling nol Travel Cards therefore expands an existing relationship with Dubai’s transport and payment ecosystem.
## **Can you buy one from every Al Ansari Exchange branch?**
No. The announcement specifically says the cards are available at **selected Al Ansari Exchange branches across Dubai**.
Customers should therefore check whether their nearest branch offers nol Travel Cards before visiting specifically to purchase one.
The availability should not be assumed at every Al Ansari Exchange location in the UAE.
## **Can you still buy regular nol cards elsewhere?**
Yes.
RTA’s existing nol sales channels continue to operate.
Anonymous Silver and Gold nol cards can be purchased through Metro ticket vending machines, ticket offices and RTA-authorised sales agents.
RTA currently lists the standard anonymous Silver or Gold nol card at **AED 25**, consisting of an AED 6 issuance fee and AED 19 initial balance.
The nol Travel Card sold through the new Al Ansari partnership is a different product and currently costs AED 100 including AED 19 balance.
## **What about digital nol cards?**
RTA also provides virtual nol functionality through the nol Pay app on compatible devices.
Users can manage several nol services digitally, including checking card information, topping up balances and purchasing travel passes.
Physical cards remain useful for visitors and residents who prefer a traditional card or do not have a compatible device.
## **How long is a nol card valid?**
RTA states that anonymous Silver and Gold nol cards are valid for five years, with additional conditions applying after expiry.
The nol Travel Card is also listed with a **five-year validity period**.
Travellers staying in Dubai for only a few days may want to compare the Travel Card with other nol options before purchasing, depending on how frequently they expect to use public transport and whether they intend to use its lifestyle benefits.
## **Who can use nol?**
RTA’s nol services are available to **UAE citizens, residents and visitors**.
That makes the new Al Ansari Exchange distribution option particularly relevant to tourists who may already be visiting an exchange branch after arriving in Dubai.
They can potentially exchange currency and purchase their transport card as part of the same trip, provided that particular branch participates in the programme.
## **Why this matters**
Dubai’s nol card is already one of the most important tools for moving around the city without cash.
Making nol Travel Cards available through selected Al Ansari Exchange branches adds another convenient point of access for residents and tourists, particularly people who may not be close to a Metro station when they first need a card.
It is a relatively small change, but one that makes Dubai’s increasingly integrated transport and payment system easier to access.
## **Source Credits**
Information source and resource owners: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Al Ansari Exchange, Al Ansari Financial Services and MDX Technology Solutions ME.
Image sources are combined from official and editorial resources belonging to the respective information and resource owners.