Dubai is shining bright as an example of UAE’s sky high ambitions for a smart future, driven by top notch technology in public infrastructure. The city’s futuristic transportation aims with robocops and flying cars have already created a buzz among netizens, and it keeps showing its willingness to achieve those goals by consistently marching towards a digital revolution.
High speed commute via hyperloop may still be a few years ahead, but Dubai’s transport authority is making life easy for residents and tourists with tech-backed initiatives. The emirate has become the first in the gulf to launch nol cards in a digital avatar, which will enable Emiratis to pay for tickets to every public transport facility in the metropolis.
The card has now transformed into an nol Pay app for smartphones, which can also be used to recharge the card and speed up citywide commute via Dubai Metro, waterbus and trams. Continuing the smooth cooperation between public and private players, Dubai’s transport authority has roped in Huawei as a partner to use its e-wallet for supporting the new payment app.
Since contactless payments and social distancing in public transport have become common practices in the new normal, Dubai RTA’s initiative has zoomed in to assist commuters at the right time. The card will also be an instrumental tool for tourists pouring into Dubai for festivities and shopping carnivals, by facilitating swift transportation across the city.
RTA has also collaborated with Emaar for a co-branded nol card which provides 40% discount for visitors to access major tourist attractions including the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall’s VR gaming park.
Non-stop metro services from 5 AM on December 31 and a free bus service for catching NYE fireworks at Burj Khalifa, are among other initiative’s by Dubai’s authorities to ensure convenience for residents and tourists in the festive season.
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