What Is a Virtual Nol Card?
The Virtual Nol Card is the digital counterpart to the physical Nol card, stored securely on your smartphone’s NFC chip. It allows you to pay for Metro, Bus, Tram, and parking by simply tapping your phone at RTA readers.
Introduced through a partnership with Huawei and later Samsung, it uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to transmit payment data instantly without needing a physical card.
The Virtual Nol Card can also be used at over 2,000 retail outlets in Dubai, including grocery stores, cafes, and gas stations, for purchases up to AED 200.
Supported Devices & Apps
Samsung Wallet
Native support for selected models via Nol Pay app integration.
Huawei Wallet
Full support for Huawei phones and selected watches via AppGallery.
iPhone (iOS)
Currently supports management but NOT virtual storage/tapping.
Nol Pay App
Required hub for all users to manage digital cards and recharges.
How to Get Started (Step-by-Step)
Download Nol Pay
Get the official app from Google Play, AppGallery, or Galaxy Store.
Register Account
Sign up using a valid email and UAE mobile number for verification.
Create or Digitise
Choose 'Create virtual Nol' for a new card, or 'Digitise' to transfer a physical card.
Add Funds
Top up instantly using your credit/debit card or supported mobile wallets.
Unlock & Tap
Tap the back of your phone at the gate. No need to open the app (if NFC is on).
Digitisation Note
Once you digitise an existing physical card, the physical plastic card will be permanently deactivated.
Virtual vs Physical Nol Card
| Feature | Virtual Card | Physical Card |
|---|---|---|
| Recharge | Instant (Phone) | Station/Kiosk |
| Balance Check | Real-time | Manual scan |
| Theft Risk | Low (Wipeable) | High (Lost value) |
Advanced Security
Protected by Biometric Authentication (Face ID / Fingerprint) and advanced digital encryption technologies used in banking. Remote freezing is available if your device is lost.
Green Initiative
Eliminates plastic waste and supporting Dubai’s sustainability initiatives for a cleaner, smarter 20-minute city ecosystem.