RTA Launches New Dubai Student Card with Transport and International Benefits

Updated 13 November 2026: The RTA has launched the New Dubai Student Card, integrating transport, identification, and international benefits [3].

What Happened

• The RTA has launched the New Dubai Student Card, which combines Nol public transport services, student identification, and international benefits into a single card [3].
• According to Ahmed Bahrozyan, chief executive of the RTA’s Corporate Technology Services Sector, the card provides three core functions: student identification for educational institutions, Nol transport functionality, and internationally recognised student status through the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC) [3].
• The card offers benefits in four areas: serving as student identification on campus, providing up to 50 per cent fare discounts on RTA public transport in Dubai, offering student discounts and offers across the UAE, and providing access to over 150,000 ISIC benefits in more than 130 countries [3].
• These international benefits include discounts on dining, shopping, travel, accommodation, entertainment, and education [3].
• The initiative was developed by the RTA alongside the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park (part of Tecom Group), and the ISIC Association [3].
• Saeed Kharbash, chief executive of policies, research and programmes at the KHDA, stated the initiative supports the authority’s Education 33 Strategy [3].
• Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, senior vice president of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, said the card provides an integrated solution for identification, transport, and exclusive benefits [3].
• Matthew East, chief executive of GTS Alive Group, which represents the ISIC Association, said the partnership connects students with opportunities and experiences in Dubai and globally [3].
• The initiative is being introduced in phases [3].
• Previously, the RTA announced plans for upgrades to the nol student card starting December 2026 to allow online payments and GCC retail shopping [1].
• The RTA also planned a pilot for new nol-Jaywan cards in November 2026, combining the nol system with the UAE’s national payment scheme [1, 2].
• The RTA is transitioning to account-based ticketing technology to allow for QR code ticketing and payments via digital wallets or bank cards [1].
• Since 2024, the RTA has printed 43,800 cards, with 49,500 cards currently active [1].

Who Is Affected

• The card is intended for students to use for identification on campus and for transport in Dubai [3].
• Holders gain access to discounts and benefits within the UAE and in more than 130 countries [3].

What Students Should Do Next

• Educational institutes are invited to submit applications at the dedicated website [3].
• Students can apply for the card via the RTA website or the Nol pay app [1].
• To apply, students must submit their Emirates ID, a photograph, and an official, stamped ‘Student Confirmation Letter’ from their school, college, or university [1].
• The cost for a student nol card is Dh70, and it remains valid for five years [1].