Dubai RTA and Al Etihad Payments Launch Next-Gen nol-Jaywan Cards for Unified Transit

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has partnered with Al Etihad Payments to launch the next generation of nol-Jaywan cards, integrating transit and retail payments. For fintech professionals, this represents a significant convergence of account-based ticketing and national payment schemes, streamlining the digital economy across the UAE’s public and private transport sectors.

What was announced

The partnership centers on the introduction of the next generation of nol-Jaywan cards, which will utilize account-based ticketing (ABT) technology. This upgrade is designed to unify public transport services into a single experience while expanding digital payment options for users. The rollout is scheduled to begin with a pilot phase this November, covering the RTA’s public transport network, alongside private transportation, taxis, and public parking services.

The new cards will allow holders to access the nol system for travel while simultaneously utilizing Jaywan, the UAE’s national card payment scheme, for broader financial transactions. This integration supports a shift toward flexible digital solutions for both residents and visitors. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, and His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the Central Bank of the UAE and Chairman of Al Etihad Payments.

Technologically, the cards will offer digital activation and management through smartphones on both Android and iOS platforms. Beyond transport, the cards will be compatible with online booking platforms across the UAE. To encourage adoption, cardholders will have access to more than 120 promotional offers and exclusive discounts, adding value to the everyday use of the unified card system.

"Integrating the national Jaywan payment scheme with nol cards is a significant leap towards unifying the UAE’s digital payments infrastructure. We are not merely introducing a new payment method; we are establishing a flexible and secure financial environment that connects key sectors and helps accelerate the transition towards a sustainable digital economy."

Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the Central Bank of the UAE and Chairman of Al Etihad Payments

The companies involved

Al Etihad Payments (AEP) is a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), established to manage and develop the national payment infrastructure. The company is responsible for Jaywan, the UAE’s domestic card scheme, which is a central component of the nation's financial inclusion and digital economy strategy. AEP’s role involves creating a secure and efficient financial environment that connects various sectors of the economy through standardized payment solutions that align with international standards.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is the government body responsible for planning and providing the requirements of transport, roads, and traffic in Dubai, and between Dubai and neighboring emirates. It manages the nol card system, which has historically served as a closed-loop payment method for Dubai’s metro, buses, and water transport. By partnering with AEP, the RTA is transitioning its ticketing infrastructure toward an open-loop, account-based model that aligns with national financial standards. This move places the RTA at the intersection of urban mobility and fintech, as it seeks to improve service efficiency and make public transport more attractive through integrated payment technology.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has closely followed the expansion of the Jaywan scheme as it gains traction across the UAE’s financial ecosystem. We previously reported on Botim Launches UAE’s First Jaywan Prepaid Card to Boost Financial Inclusion, which marked the first time a fintech entity issued the national card to the workforce.

The infrastructure supporting Jaywan has also seen significant development from global players. We covered how Checkout.com Boosts UAE Payments with Native Jaywan Card Scheme Integration, providing a boost to local acquiring capabilities. Additionally, the scheme's acceptance has been broadened through partnerships involving traditional networks, as seen when Mastercard and noon payments Launch Jaywan Card Acceptance via Mastercard Gateway. These milestones reflect a concerted effort to embed the national scheme into both digital and physical retail environments.

What this means

This announcement moves the needle by transforming a high-frequency transit card into a versatile financial tool, effectively bridging the gap between urban mobility and daily commerce. By embedding the Jaywan scheme into the nol ecosystem, the UAE is reducing its reliance on international card networks for domestic transactions, putting pressure on global incumbents to justify their fee structures in the region. The shift to account-based ticketing also raises questions for the wider sector about the longevity of traditional closed-loop transit cards. As more cities look to unify transport and retail payments, the success of this integration will be a key benchmark for national payment schemes globally.