Dubai Student Card to Enable Online and GCC-wide Shopping from December 2026
Dubai's New Student Card will allow online payments and shopping across GCC starting December 2026, with expanded features beyond transport.
Starting December 2026, students in Dubai will be able to use their Nol cards for online transactions and shopping at outlets throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced.
The card, now renamed the New Dubai Student Card, will carry all the functionalities of a standard Nol Card, according to an RTA spokesperson.
This upgrade will enable students to instantly top up their cards via online platforms, manage their profiles, renew cards digitally, and allow parents to oversee their accounts or cards.
Historically, the Nol Student Card has provided a 50 percent discount on public transport fares in Dubai, benefiting many school and university students. Additionally, students can access retail discounts by enrolling in the Nol Plus loyalty program through RTA's digital services.
Integrated Functions and Partnerships
The New Dubai Student Card was developed through a collaboration between the RTA, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), TECOM Group's Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, and the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC).
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA's Corporate Technology Services Sector, explained that the card combines three main roles: student identification for educational institutions, public transport access with discounted fares, and internationally recognized student status via ISIC.
Bahrozyan outlined the card's benefits across four key areas:
- On campus: serving as student ID at participating institutions
- Around Dubai: providing up to 50% fare discounts on RTA public transport
- Every day: offering various student discounts and benefits within the UAE
- While travelling: granting access to over 150,000 ISIC benefits in more than 130 countries
The rollout will occur in phases, and educational institutions interested in joining can apply through the official Dubai Student Card website.
Background and Usage
Launched in 2009 shortly after the Dubai Metro began operations, the Nol Student Card has seen 43,800 cards printed since 2024, with 49,500 active cards currently in use.
The most frequented metro stations by student cardholders include Burjuman, Stadium, Oud Metha, Dubai Internet City, and City Centre Deira.
Application Process and Costs
Students under 23 enrolled in UAE schools or universities can apply for the card via the RTA website or the Nol pay app. Applicants must provide their Emirates ID, a photograph, and a stamped student confirmation letter from their educational institution.
The card costs AED 70 and remains valid for five years.
Global Recognition and Benefits
Through the ISIC partnership, the card also serves as internationally accepted student identification, offering discounts on travel, accommodation, dining, entertainment, shopping, and education worldwide.
Matthew East, CEO of GTS ALIVE Group at ISIC, highlighted that the card connects students globally, providing access to benefits and opportunities both in Dubai and internationally.
Dr Saeed Mubarak Kharbash, CEO of Policies, Research and Programmes at KHDA, emphasized the card’s role in integrating education, mobility, and services for students.
Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, noted that the initiative supports Dubai’s status as a global hub for higher education.
System Modernisation
The December 2026 update is part of a wider RTA effort to modernize the Nol system by adopting account-based ticketing technology. Future plans include linking Nol cards to digital accounts, QR code ticketing, and fare payments via bank cards and digital wallets.
The RTA will also introduce new Nol-Jaywan cards combining transport and the UAE’s national payment system, with a pilot expected in November 2026. These cards will feature access to over 120 promotional offers and exclusive discounts.
With these enhancements, the Nol Student Card will evolve beyond transport and campus use to become a comprehensive payment tool available online and at physical stores across the GCC.
What this means for you
- Students under 23 studying in UAE schools or universities can apply for the New Dubai Student Card online or via the Nol pay app.
- The card offers a 50% discount on public transport fares within Dubai and access to various student discounts across the UAE.
- From December 2026, the card can be used for online payments and shopping at outlets throughout the GCC.
- Parents will have the option to manage their children's card accounts digitally.