Dubai and the Central Bank forge seamless mobility through next generation nol–Jaywan cards

A strategic partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority and Al Etihad Payments merges public transport ticketing with national payment infrastructure, creating an integrated digital experience for residents and visitors across the Emirates.

The integration of mobility and payment has long been an aspiration of progressive cities, a vision of fluidity where the mechanics of travel dissolve into the background of daily life. That vision moves closer to realisation this month as Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, usher in the next generation of nol–Jaywan cards, a convergence of transport and finance that speaks to the sophistication of the UAE’s digital ambitions.

The partnership, signed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, and 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, represents a significant step forward in account-based ticketing technology. Beginning with a pilot this November, the initiative will encompass RTA’s public transport services, public and private transportation including taxis, and public parking, with successive phases to follow.

What distinguishes this initiative is its elegance in design. The new cards enable users to travel seamlessly across the nol system whilst simultaneously accessing payment services through Jaywan, the UAE’s national card payment scheme. The cards support digital activation and management through Android and iOS platforms, allowing cardholders to manage their journeys and finances through their smartphones. Beyond the operational convenience, the scheme offers more than 120 promotional offers and exclusive discounts, enhancing the value proposition for everyday users.

The significance of this integration extends beyond Dubai’s borders. As we reported in a recent story on the UAE’s Wage Protection System transforming into a seamless digital platform, the Emirates continues its methodical approach to connecting financial infrastructure with essential services, making digital transactions more reliable and accessible for residents. This nol–Jaywan initiative follows that same philosophy, embedding payment capability into the systems that shape daily life.

Al Dhaheri noted that the integration represents more than a new payment method; it establishes a flexible and secure financial environment connecting key sectors and accelerating the transition towards a sustainable digital economy. The gradual expansion of Jaywan’s acceptance both within the UAE and internationally reflects a commitment to building innovative financial solutions whilst supporting the nation’s financial inclusion strategy. For cardholders, this means access to public and private transport, online booking platforms across the UAE, and seamless payment integration that reflects the highest international standards.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Though centred on Dubai’s transport infrastructure, this partnership carries significance for the broader UAE digital ecosystem. The integration of Jaywan with nol systems establishes a blueprint for how national payment schemes can unify financial services across Emirates, strengthening the connectivity of digital payments infrastructure across the federation. The phased rollout and emphasis on account-based ticketing position the UAE as a leader in frictionless mobility solutions, setting benchmarks that extend beyond the capital.

For residents and visitors throughout Abu Dhabi, this partnership signals the maturation of the UAE’s approach to financial technology and public services. By embedding payment capability directly into transport systems and extending acceptance across public and private services, the Emirates continues its trajectory toward an interconnected digital economy where convenience, security and efficiency converge around the everyday experiences of its people.

Source: WAM