The UAE uses dedicated transport cards across its public transit networks. Dubai runs on the Nol card system managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Abu Dhabi uses the Hafilat card for buses. Understanding how to check balances, recharge, and use each card saves time and avoids blocked journeys.
Each section links to a dedicated page with full details.
Nol Card — Dubai Public Transport
The Nol card is the official contactless payment card for all public transport in Dubai, including the Dubai Metro, Dubai Bus, Dubai Tram, Dubai Ferry, and paid RTA parking. It is issued and managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Four Nol card types exist — Red, Silver, Gold, and Blue — each with different usage permissions and purchase requirements. The Silver card is the most commonly used by daily commuters and covers all transport modes.
Nol cards cannot be used on Abu Dhabi or Sharjah public transport networks. Each emirate operates its own separate transit payment system.
Dedicated guides available:
- How to check Nol card balance
- Nol card monthly pass 2 zones price
- How to top up Nol card online
- RTA Nol card balance check
Hafilat Card — Abu Dhabi Bus Network
The Hafilat card is the official transit payment card for the Abu Dhabi public bus network, operated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). It is required for all Abu Dhabi bus journeys — cash payments are not accepted on most routes.
The Hafilat card must be registered to qualify for monthly pass discounts and to allow online balance top-up. An unregistered card functions as a prepaid card only.
Dedicated guides available:
- Hafilat card balance check
- Hafilat card recharge
- How to check Abu Dhabi bus card balance
Ratibi Card — Wage Payment for Workers
The Ratibi card is a prepaid wage card used by employers to pay salaries to workers who do not hold a UAE bank account. It is issued through First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and is particularly common among blue-collar workers in construction, hospitality, and domestic employment sectors.
The Ratibi card is not a transport card — it functions as a salary disbursement tool and can be used at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. It is listed in this section because many users search for Ratibi balance checks alongside transit card queries.
Dedicated guides available:
- Ratibi card balance check
- Ratibi card salary check
- How to transfer money from Ratibi card
RTA-Related Transport Services
Beyond the Nol card, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) manages several services relevant to drivers and transport workers in Dubai — including vehicle registration, taxi driver cards, and the Dubai Metro network guide.
Dedicated guides available:
- Dubai Metro guide
- Dubai Tram map
- How to get RTA card for Uber Dubai
Pro Tip: If your Nol card balance drops below AED 7.50, the metro gates will not open — even if the fare for your journey is lower. Keep a minimum of AED 10 on the card at all times to avoid being blocked during peak hours when top-up queues are longest.
For parking payment methods across the UAE, see the UAE parking timing guide.
Last reviewed: 27 March 2026 Reviewed by: UAE Content Team Source: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai, Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) Abu Dhabi
