Efficient transport from point A (e.g. hotel, airport, ... ) to point B (shopping center, various attractions, ...) in a world metropolis like Dubai is really a necessity. Don't worry, the city as if cut out of the future is excellently prepared for moving masses of people going out for work, entertainment, families, or holiday adventures. Everything works like clockwork.
In this article, we will look together at efficient travel and using the benefits of the "nol" card. Imagine the situation: you are on holiday in a beautiful beach resort, but with your family you have decided to get to know Dubai a bit more and that on your own (unorganized
trip). What type of transport to choose?
- In case you are heading for attractions outside metro routes, beaches or various cultural events – we recommend using taxis, which are the simplest choice of transport. The advantage of such transport is that you get almost to the gates of your destination. You won't have to count on the journey from the metro station, plan transfers and measure longer distances to the destination, if the outside temperatures are really high.
- In Dubai you can encounter several companies operating taxi services. From private Lexus to classic taxis with colored roofs. You will feel the difference in price. However, we will talk about those in more detail next time.)
If you want to really enjoy Dubai with everything that goes with it and for a moment you want to blend in with the local crowd, get the so-called "nol" card. You can buy it at any metro station. Traveling by automatically controlled metro across all of Dubai is among the most popular, fastest and most ecological transport solutions for locals, as well as tourists. Metro routes are designed to intersect the most famous city attractions. Ladies even have a separate carriage reserved for themselves, where men are not allowed.
However, if a woman decides to board carriages with men, of course it is accepted. Children under 5 years and the disabled travel by public transport for free.
golden "nol" card
Traveling with "nol" card
After purchasing the "nol" card, you just need to charge it with sufficient credit and off to public transport (valid for metro, trams, buses, selected water taxis). SMART solution enthusiasts will appreciate the option to download an app to their phone, through which they can
recharge the card online, as well as at machines around the city or at metro stations. The fare depends on the number of zones traveled.
Attention, the color of the card matters
You can choose from four colors: red, silver, gold and blue.
Red – buy a one-time card for 2 AED, it has no credit. Card validity is 90 days (10 rides).
Silver – credit card that can be recharged repeatedly. Price 25 AED of which 6 AED is the card price and 19 AED serves as credit. Card validity is 5 years.
Gold – has the same use as silver card with permission to use also carriages marked Gold Class "first class".
Blue – serves only for UAE residents for daily travel. Price 70 AED, of which 20 AED is credit.
Red – buy a one-time card for 2 AED, it has no credit. Card validity is 90 days (10 rides).
Silver – credit card that can be recharged repeatedly. Price 25 AED of which 6 AED is the card price and 19 AED serves as credit. Card validity is 5 years.
Gold – has the same use as silver card with permission to use also carriages marked Gold Class "first class".
Blue – serves only for UAE residents for daily travel. Price 70 AED, of which 20 AED is credit.
Let's go to the metro
At each metro station you need to pass through a turnstile, which records the starting stop on the card – you can check your current credit on the card on the turnstile display. At the exit station you will pass through the turnstile again - the fare will be automatically deducted from the credit. Simple however?
Dubai metro
Where else can I use the "nol" card
The "nol" card can of course also be used for bus transport, just attach it to the reader when boarding the bus and the fare amount will be automatically deducted according to the current carrier's price list. Similarly, selected water taxis and Dubai tram work
(on the palm).
MONORAIL on the palm
The news of the year in transport was the information that the "nol" card can now also be used on the "MONORAIL" (single-track with 6 stations), running only on the palm. Great news for everyone who wants to see the palm from a different perspective and the destination stop is in the popular water park Aquaventure of Atlantis The Palm 5* hotel. One of the monorail stops is located in the Nakheel shopping center, through which the track elements pass. Tip for you: If you go for a ride, don't forget to stop at The Pointe station (opened in October 2022) and take the amazing view from the 52nd floor of the entire palm and the sparkling Arabian Gulf. Price: a one-way ticket on the monorail starts at 5 AED. If you wanted to travel the entire single-track route from Palm Gateway to Atlantis, it would cost you 20 AED for a one-way trip and 30 AED for a return trip.
Palm Jumeirah Monorail
Use the card for shopping or attractions
Another novelty is that this card is now also accepted by several stores throughout Dubai (more than 2,000). As an example we can mention: Mr. Baker, Burger King, Cravia, 800 Degrees pizza, ... . Among the attractions where you can also pay with the "nol" card
is the Etihad Museum and IMG World of Adventure. If you need to run to the pharmacy during your holiday – Aster, Medcom and MEDICINA pharmacies accept "nol" cards. For a quick purchase of refreshments for your Dubai wanderings, you don't have to worry about cash payments. In supermarkets like Carrefour, Zoom, Lulu, Al Maya, Aswaaq, or All Day stores you can pay with this versatile card.
Do you have additional questions about traveling around Dubai? Would you like advice on choosing the right hotel for you or do you have specific needs for your holiday? We will advise you at [email protected] or by phone at 02/526
241 44.
