From today (August 17), Dubai commuters need to top up a minimum of Dh50 when recharging their Nol cards at Metro station ticket offices, a significant increase from the previous minimum of Dh20.
The change was announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
This adjustment comes just months after the RTA raised the minimum top-up from Dh5 to Dh20 in January, marking the second increase this year.
It’s important to note that this new minimum only applies to those topping up their Nol cards at Metro stations. Commuters who prefer to recharge their cards online are not affected by this change.
For regular Metro users, the Nol card remains an essential part of daily travel. The card is not only used for Metro rides but also for buses, trams, and waterbuses across Dubai.
Additionally, Nol cards can be used to pay for taxi fares, parking, and entry to public parks and attractions like the Etihad Museum. The card is also accepted at more than 2,000 shops, restaurants, and stores throughout the city.
To cover a round trip on the Metro, commuters must ensure they have a minimum balance of Dh15 on their Nol card. With the new top-up requirement, the RTA aims to make it easier for commuters to maintain the necessary balance for seamless travel across Dubai’s extensive public transport network.