In a significant technological advancement, Dubai is set to introduce a pay-by-palm system at its Metro stations, allowing commuters to ride without the need for a Nol card. This innovative payment method is anticipated to be rolled out by 2026, according to officials from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Ongoing Testing and Development
Salah Almarzooqi, Director of the Automated Collection System at the RTA, stated, “We are still testing it in our centre of excellence at RTA, and it needs at least a year and a half of full assurance and full quality check.” He added that only after thorough testing can the system be brought to market, with a target launch date of 2026 or beyond.
The RTA showcased this groundbreaking system during a presentation at the Gitex Global technology exhibition, where attendees witnessed how commuters can link their palms to their Nol cards. By simply scanning their palms at smart gates in Metro stations, passengers will be able to pass through seamlessly, with the fare automatically deducted from their linked Nol card.
Transition to Account-Based Ticketing
Almarzooqi emphasized that the RTA is working on transforming the public transport payment system to an account-based ticketing model. This will enable passengers to pay for rides on the Metro, buses, and any public transport by scanning their palms. Furthermore, he mentioned plans to extend this technology to retail, allowing users to make purchases at participating shops using their palms.
“After this concept is finalized and approved, we are going to work further on the system so that you can also pay at these shops by using your palm,” he said.
Collaboration with Federal Authorities
In a related initiative, an official from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) mentioned that they are developing a solution to provide faster and more seamless services using palm recognition technology. This system will be integrated with public and private sector entities and is being developed in cooperation with the Central Bank of the UAE.
Popularity of Nol Cards
The RTA has also seen a surge in interest in the newly introduced Nol cards for tourists. Launched in June, the tourist card allows visitors to Dubai to access Metro, trams, and buses, along with discounts at over 800 vendors throughout the UAE, particularly in tourism-related sectors such as desert safaris and hotels. The card is available for Dh150 at airport sale counters.
In February, the RTA introduced a new Nol card designed for students, which not only offers exclusive benefits but also serves as an internationally accepted student ID, providing access to thousands of services and discounts worldwide. The student Nol card offers discounts from several vendors, including Emirates, booking.com, Qatar Airways, YouTube, Spotify, and Noon.
With the planned rollout of the pay-by-palm system, Dubai is on the verge of revolutionizing public transport payment methods, making commuting more convenient and efficient for residents and tourists alike. This initiative, combined with ongoing enhancements to Nol cards, underscores the RTA’s commitment to embracing technology for a smarter, more connected city.
