By Staff Reporter
Dubai to Roll Out Pay-by-Palm System Across Metro Stations by 2026
Dubai commuters can look forward to a revolutionary new way to access the Metro system using their palms, thanks to an upcoming technology from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Expected to be rolled out by 2026, this innovative system will allow riders to link their palms to their Nol cards, enabling seamless entry at Metro stations.
Salah Almarzooqi, Director of the Automated Collection System at RTA, shared insights during the Gitex Global technology exhibition.
“We are still testing it in our Centre of Excellence at RTA. It requires at least a year and a half of quality assurance before we can launch it in the market,”
he stated.
Once operational, commuters will simply scan their palms at smart gates, with the cost of their journeys automatically deducted from their linked Nol cards. This initiative is part of RTA’s broader transformation to an account-based ticketing system, allowing passengers to pay for various public transport services by scanning their palms. Furthermore, plans are underway to extend this functionality to retail locations where Nol cards are accepted, making everyday purchases even more convenient.
In addition to this advancement, Almarzooqi highlighted the success of the newly introduced Nol cards for tourists, which have gained significant popularity since their launch in June. Priced at Dh150, these cards provide access to the Metro, tram, and buses, along with discounts at over 800 vendors across the UAE, focusing on popular attractions like desert safaris and hotels.
RTA also introduced a Nol card specifically for students in February, which doubles as an internationally accepted student ID, offering various discounts on services from Emirates to Spotify.
News Source: Khaleej Times
