Blue Nol Card for People of Determination

Dubai residents and visitors alike can enjoy the city’s renowned, cutting-edge public transportation system, which utilizes NOL cards, within its urban fabric. With the Blue Nol Card, you can benefit from concessionary transit services throughout the city. Whether you are out and about or going to work, it’s easy to use a single card to pay for everything. Among the different categories of NOL cards, the blue NOL card offers fare concessions for students, senior citizens, and people of determination.

In this blog, we will discuss how to apply for a Personal Nol Card, what the requirements are, and how it differs from other Nol Cards.

What Is the Blue Nol Card?

The Blue Nol Card is a personalized smart card issued by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority that serves as your gateway to the city’s extensive public transport network. The Blue Nol Card can be used across multiple modes of transportation in Dubai, like Metro, buses, trams, and water buses. Students can get a 50% discount on fares, and people with disabilities can enjoy 100% free travel in the UAE.

Who Are Classified as People of Determination in the UAE?

The term “People of Determination” is used to refer to people with disabilities. This term, used for both citizens and residents, recognizes their potential and achievements rather than focusing on limitations. According to the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination the official categories include: 

• Intellectual disabilities
• Physical disabilities
• Sensory impairments (Visual and Hearing)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Psychiatric/Emotional disabilities
• Communication disorders
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Specific learning disabilities
• Deaf-blind disabilities, multiple disabilities

Types of Blue Nol Cards

The Blue NOL Card (Personal NOL Card) has FOUR categories based on eligibility. All four are the same “Blue” card type, but with different benefits:

Regular Blue NOL Card

This category is open to all residents who want a personalized, secure card with balance protection. This card does NOT offer any fare discounts – you pay regular fares like the Silver card, but your balance is protected if the card is lost or stolen because it’s registered in your name.

Student Blue NOL Card

This category of card is designed for students (ages 5–23) to offer them a 50% discount on fares and 70% off retail offers.

Senior Citizen Blue NOL Card

Another type is resident/senior Blue NOL card that is available for residents and Emiratis aged 60 and above to provide 50% off fares.

People of Determination Blue NOL Card

This category of Blue NOL card provides special, free, or heavily discounted travel for UAE residents with disabilities. 

Note: Tourists with temporary disabilities may be eligible through special temporary programs – contact RTA at 800 9090 or visit their customer service center for specific requirements.

Purpose and Importance of the Blue Nol Card

The main purpose of the Blue NOL card is to make daily travel easier, more affordable, and more accessible for people with disabilities.

Promoting Independent and Accessible Mobility

The Blue Nol Card allows people of determination to use Dubai’s public transport system. You can use Metro, buses, trams, and water transport at an affordable cost. Issued in the user’s name, the card ensures that transport benefits are used only by the eligible cardholder. With free or discounted rides, it supports independent movement of people who travel for work, education, medical appointments, and daily activities. For those requiring additional mobility support, electric wheelchair rental options in Dubai can complement your public transport journeys.

Supporting Social Inclusion and Equal Access

The Nol Card plays an important role in promoting social inclusion by allowing people with disabilities to actively participate in community life. Reliable and affordable public transport reduces stress, boosts confidence, and improves overall quality of life. By supporting Dubai’s vision of an inclusive city, the card helps ensure equal access to public services and opportunities.

How to apply for a Blue Nol Card?

It is easy to apply for Nol Blue Cards for anyone with a phone. 

• First, you need to check the Nol Cards page on the RTA’s website (https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/Nol-Home)
• Then, click on the ‘Nol Blue Card‘ button.
• Choose “new NOL card”.
• Select from four categories: Regular, Student, Senior Citizen, or People of Determination.
• Pick a specific design you want and click on the next button. (30 AED for special designs).
• Enter your full name, mobile number, date of birth, and email address.
• Upload a recent photo with a white background and your Emirates ID card. If you are a student, your student ID or Sanad card may be required.
• You can make an issuance fee of AED 70 online using a debit or credit card.
• In a few clicks, you can submit your Blue NOL card application.

Benefits of a Blue Nol Card

The Blue Nol Card offers a range of advantages that make daily travel across Dubai more convenient, affordable, and secure for different people.

Free Public Transport for People of Determination

The Blue Nol Card provides zero-fare travel benefits for people of determination. People with disabilities can access multiple RTA transport modes for free.

Balance Protection and Recovery

Unlike anonymous Silver or Red cards, if you lose your Blue NOL Card, you can recover your remaining balance because the card is registered in your name and linked to your Emirates ID. This is the key advantage of having a personalized card.

Priority Access and Reserved Seating

With the Blue Nol Card, you can enjoy priority access and use reserved seating areas on public transport.  

Transport Services and Accessibility Features

Dubai Metro – Fully Accessible Stations

Dubai Metro stations have elevators, ramps, and tactile paths to help people in wheelchairs move safely and easily. You can travel with comfort in dedicated spaces for wheelchair users. Learn more about accessible transportation options for seniors and wheelchair users to maximize your mobility throughout the city.

Public Buses – Low-Floor Access and Assistance

Public buses in Dubai are wheelchair-friendly. All public buses in the UAE have low-floor or wheelchair lifts for easy entry and exit of wheelchair users. To ensure easy access for all passengers, drivers are trained to give extra help. If you’re considering which types of wheelchairs work best for elderly users, understanding public transport accessibility can help inform your choice.

Tram and Marine Transport – Step-Free Boarding

Dubai trams and water buses offer step-free boarding to ensure easy access for people in wheelchairs and those with mobility challenges. 

Eligibility Criteria for Blue NOL Card

You can apply for a Blue NOL Card based on your personal status and travel needs. The four categories are:

1. Regular Blue NOL Card: Open to all residents – no specific eligibility requirements, but NO fare discounts (regular fares apply).
2. Student Blue NOL Card: For students between ages 5-23 with valid student ID – 50% fare discount.
3. Senior Citizen Blue NOL Card: For residents aged 60+ years – 50% fare discount.
4. People of Determination Blue NOL Card: For UAE residents with disabilities – 100% free travel.

Required Documentation by Category

• Students need proof of study like a student card.
• People of Determination need a copy of both sides of the Emirates ID and a valid People of Determination (POD) card or Sanad card.
• Seniors require an Emirates ID.

Rules, Usage Guidelines and Limitations of Blue Nol Card

Where and How the Card Can Be Used

The Blue NOL Card can be used on all RTA public transport services including Metro, buses, trams, and water buses. The card is personalized and should only be used by the registered cardholder.

Misuse, Penalties, and Compliance

Using the Blue NOL Card by anyone other than the registered cardholder is not allowed. Misuse of the card, such as lending it to others, can result in fines ranging from AED 200-300, card confiscation, or cancellation of benefits. First-time offenders may receive a warning, but repeat violations lead to permanent card revocation.

Traveling with Companions or Caregivers

The Blue Nol Card does not cover companions or caregivers of the cardholder. Companions must use their own valid Nol cards.

Practical Tips for Using the Blue Nol Card Effectively

Best Travel Times for Comfort and Ease

For comfortable travel, it’s best to avoid peak hours of public transport. Peak hours are typically 7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM on weekdays. You should opt for traveling during mid-morning (10:00 AM-12:00 PM), early afternoon (2:00-4:00 PM), or late evening (after 8:00 PM).

Planning Routes Using Accessible Stations

It is better to plan routes that include accessible Metro stations and bus stops with elevators, ramps, and step-free access. Use the RTA Dubai app or S’hail app to check real-time accessibility features, elevator status, and plan your journey with accessible route options. Once you arrive at your destination, you can explore the many wheelchair-accessible attractions in Dubai that welcome people of determination.

Recharging Your Blue Nol Card

Even though People of Determination can travel for free on RTA services, it is important to keep a balance on your Blue Nol Card. You can top up your balance using:

• Self-service ticket machines at any Metro or tram station
• RTA Customer Service Centers
• Selected retail outlets and supermarkets across Dubai including Carrefour, Spinneys, Waitrose, ENOC, and EPPCO stations
• Online through the RTA website or mobile app

Important: Maintain a minimum balance of AED 7.50 on your card to avoid any service interruptions.

Cost of Blue NOL Card 2026

The Blue Nol Card has an upfront cost of 70 AED, which includes 20 AED as a preloaded travel credit. 

Fare Structure:

• Regular Blue NOL Card holders: Pay standard fares (same as Silver card rates)
• Students and Senior Citizens: 50% discount applies
  • 1.5 AED for travel within one zone
  • 2.5 AED for two zones
  • 3.75 AED for travel across three or more zones
• People of Determination: 100% free travel on all RTA services

Replacement Card Cost: If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement card costs AED 20. Any remaining balance can be transferred to your new card by contacting RTA customer service within 30 days of reporting the loss.

Conclusion

Visiting and exploring Dubai is becoming more comfortable with NOL cards. During your visit to Dubai, you can apply online for a personal card and take advantage of its benefits. By following the instructions mentioned above, you can enjoy discounts while travelling in Dubai. Blue NOL cards are a welcome gift for everyone, whether you are a student, a senior, or disabled person. Combined with Dubai’s growing infrastructure of accessible attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Blue Nol Card opens up countless possibilities for exploration and independence.

For those seeking additional transportation flexibility beyond public transport, consider learning about how to choose the right wheelchair-accessible taxi in Dubai for door-to-door convenience. If you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, you might also find it helpful to explore wheelchair rental options for medical recovery in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions