Getting around Dubai just got simpler. Since October 9, 2026, passengers on the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and public buses can travel with a QR code on their smartphone instead of a paper red nol ticket.
The new digital ticketing service from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) lets riders buy a ticket in an app, receive a QR code instantly and scan it at the gate or on the bus.
For residents, visitors and anyone weighing where to live or invest in Dubai, it is another sign of how connected - and how convenient - the city's public transport network is becoming.
How QR code tickets work
QR tickets are sold through two apps: nol Pay and S'hail. The process takes less than a minute:
Open the nol Pay or S'hail app.
Choose a single-trip ticket or a one-day pass.
Select your travel zone or destination and pay.
Your QR code appears in the app straight away.
Scanning your ticket:
Dubai Metro and Tram - hold the QR code over the reader at the blue entry gate until it is accepted.
Public buses - hold your phone over the red nol reader near the bus entrance.
Good to know:
A single ride within one zone costs AED 6 when paid by QR code.
Unused QR tickets stay valid for up to 90 days from purchase, so you can buy ahead of time.
Once activated, a one-day pass expires at midnight that same day - not 24 hours later.
The QR code refreshes automatically, so screenshots will not work. Your phone needs to be charged and online.
Each ticket is for one passenger only.
Unused tickets can be refunded at Ticket Office Machines within 30 days, minus an AED 2 fee.
QR tickets work only on the Metro, Tram and public buses - not on other RTA services.
Nol cards are not going anywhere. Silver, Gold and personal Blue nol cards remain fully supported, so regular commuters can keep using their cards as usual.
Why it matters for life in Dubai
The biggest winners are occasional riders, new arrivals and visitors - the people who used to queue at a machine for a paper ticket. Now the whole journey can be planned and paid for from the sofa.
No more queues at ticket machines during rush hour.
One ticket across three modes - Metro, Tram and bus - which makes mixed journeys easier.
Easier for guests. Family and friends visiting you can get around the city without buying a card first.
Less paper, more digital - part of Dubai's wider push toward smart, paperless government services.
For anyone living near a Metro or Tram station, it removes one more small hassle from daily life - and makes car-free living even more practical.
What it means for property buyers, tenants and investors
In Dubai, access to public transport has long been one of the strongest drivers of property demand.
Every upgrade that makes the Metro and Tram easier to use adds to the appeal of homes within walking distance of a station.
For tenants and end-users
Homes near a Metro or Tram station mean shorter commutes, lower transport costs and less dependence on a car.
Smarter ticketing makes that lifestyle even more attractive to young professionals, families and new residents.
For investors
Transit-connected communities tend to attract a wider pool of tenants, which supports steady occupancy and rental demand.
Popular examples include Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay, Al Barsha and Downtown Dubai on the Red Line, as well as Al Jaddaf and Dubai Healthcare City on the Green Line.
For short-term rental owners
Tourists now have one less barrier to using public transport. A holiday home close to a station - where guests can buy a ticket on their phone and be at the beach, the mall or the airport within minutes - becomes an easier sell.
Looking ahead
With the Dubai Metro Blue Line under construction and RTA continuing to modernise ticketing, areas along current and future lines are worth watching closely.
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Find a well-connected home with Azora Property
Location is still the first rule of real estate, and in Dubai, being close to the Metro or Tram is one of the smartest location choices you can make.
Whether you’re buying your first home, looking for a rental near your office, or building an investment portfolio, Azora Property’s investment consultants can help you identify the best-connected communities based on your budget and goals, analyze rental yields, and explore both ready and off-plan properties near existing stations and the upcoming Blue Line.
From shortlisting and viewings to transfer, our team provides end-to-end support to help you invest with confidence. Contact us today to book your free investment consultation and explore opportunities near Dubai’s Metro and Tram network.
FAQs
What is the new QR code ticket in Dubai?
It is a digital ticket you buy on your phone and scan instead of a paper red nol ticket. It works on the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and public buses.
Which apps can I use to buy a QR ticket? You can buy QR tickets through the nol Pay app or the S'hail app.
How much does a QR ticket cost? A single ride within one zone costs AED 6. Fares rise with the number of zones you travel through.
How long is a QR ticket valid?
Unused tickets are valid for up to 90 days from purchase. A one-day pass expires at midnight on the day it is first used.
Do I still need a nol card?
Not for occasional trips. Regular commuters can keep using their Silver, Gold or Blue nol cards, which are still fully supported.