Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a digital nol ticket with a QR code for travel on the Dubai Metro, Tram and public buses, offering occasional passengers a digital alternative to the red nol paper ticket.

Passengers can purchase the QR ticket before travelling through the nol Pay or S’hail apps. Once purchased, the code appears in the app and must be scanned at a nol gate or validator when entering and exiting.

The ticket can be used on the Dubai Metro, Tram and buses, but is not accepted in taxis, on the Dubai Ferry, at car parks, or for retail and other non-transport services.

Digital QR tickets are available in two main types. Single-journey tickets can be purchased for one zone, two adjacent zones or all zones. The one-day ticket covers all zones by default.

If a purchased ticket has not yet been used, it remains valid for first use for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. A one-day ticket is activated upon the first scan and remains valid until 23:59 on the same day, meaning it is not a 24-hour ticket. Even if first used at 11pm, it will expire at midnight.

The RTA also said an internet connection is required to access the digital ticket within the app. Wi-Fi is available at Metro and Tram stations. The digital QR code refreshes automatically and cannot be downloaded.

The service offers a simpler way to travel without purchasing a red paper ticket, particularly for tourists and people who use Dubai’s public transport temporarily or occasionally.