Not everyone pays the same price to ride Dubai’s Metro, buses, and trams. RTA’s nol concession fares give specific groups of residents reduced or fully free travel, provided they hold the right type of nol card and meet the eligibility rules.
This article explains who qualifies for nol concession fares, how much they cost, how to apply, and how the discount is applied at the gate.
What Are NOL Concession Fares?
Nol concession fares are reduced public transport rates offered through the personalised Blue nol card, rather than the standard Silver or Gold cards. Instead of paying full price, eligible passengers get a percentage off, or in one category, free travel entirely.
These fares apply across the Dubai Metro, public buses, and Dubai Tram. They don’t extend to intercity or seasonal bus routes.
Who Qualifies for NOL Concession Fares?
RTA defines three main eligibility categories for concession fares, each tied to a specific type of Blue nol card.
Students Aged 5 to 23
Full-time students enrolled at an accredited school, college, or university in the UAE qualify for a 50% discount on standard fares. The card links to the student’s Emirates ID and must be renewed annually to keep the discount active.
Senior Emiratis and Residents Aged 60 and Above
Senior citizens, both UAE nationals and residents, aged 60 and above receive a 50% discount on standard fares with a valid Emirates ID. Like the student concession, this discount requires annual renewal.
People of Determination
People of Determination, both residents and tourists, receive a 100% fare discount, meaning travel is completely free. Eligibility requires a valid Sanad card for residents, or a Tourist Sanad card for visitors.
How Much Do NOL Concession Fares Cost?
For students and seniors, concession fares are calculated at 50% of the standard Silver card rate, depending on the number of zones travelled.
| Zones Travelled | Standard Fare (AED) | Concession Fare (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Within 1 zone | 3.00 | 1.50 |
| 2 adjacent zones | 5.00 | 2.50 |
| More than 2 zones | 7.50 | 3.75 |
People of Determination pay nothing regardless of the number of zones travelled, since their concession covers 100% of the fare.
How to Apply for a Concession Card
Applying for the Blue nol card that carries these discounts involves proving eligibility for your specific category.
Documents Needed for Students
Applicants need a letter or enrolment confirmation from their school, college, or university, along with a valid Emirates ID and a recent photograph.
Documents Needed for Senior Citizens
A valid Emirates ID showing the applicant is 60 or above is generally sufficient to apply for the senior concession.
Documents Needed for People of Determination
Residents need an active Sanad card issued by the relevant community development authority. Tourists need a Tourist Sanad card, which is valid for two months from activation.
How the Discount Applies at the Gate
Once a concession card is issued, the discount applies automatically every time the card is tapped. There’s no need to select a discount option manually or show ID at the gate, since the card itself stores the concession status.
For students and seniors, the reduced fare is deducted from the card’s balance based on the zones travelled. For People of Determination, no fare is deducted at all.
Renewing NOL Concession Fares
Student and senior concessions must be renewed annually to keep receiving the discount. If a card lapses without renewal, RTA will charge the standard fare until the concession is renewed.
The concession for resident People of Determination remains valid until their Sanad card expires, while the concession for tourists follows the Tourist Sanad card’s two-month validity period.
What NOL Concession Fares Don’t Cover
Concession fares apply to the Dubai Metro, public buses, and Dubai Tram only. They don’t extend to intercity buses, seasonal routes, or services outside RTA’s standard public transport network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for nol concession fares?
Students aged 5 to 23, senior Emiratis and residents aged 60 and above, and People of Determination are eligible, each through a personalised Blue nol card.
How much discount do nol concession fares give?
Students and seniors receive a 50% discount on standard fares. People of Determination receive a 100% discount, meaning free travel.
Do I need to renew my concession card every year?
Student and senior concessions need annual renewal. People of Determination concessions remain valid until their Sanad card or Tourist Sanad card expires.
What documents do I need to apply for a concession fare card?
Students need proof of enrolment, seniors need a valid Emirates ID showing their age, and People of Determination need an active Sanad card or Tourist Sanad card.
Does the discount apply automatically when I tap my card?
Yes. The concession status is stored on the card itself, so the correct discount is applied automatically without any manual selection at the gate.
Can tourists get a People of Determination concession?
Yes. Tourists with a valid Tourist Sanad card can access free travel under the People of Determination concession for up to two months from activation.
Do nol concession fares apply to intercity buses?
No. Concession fares apply to the Dubai Metro, public buses, and Dubai Tram, but not to intercity or seasonal bus services.
Conclusion
Nol concession fares give students, senior residents, and People of Determination reduced or fully free access to Dubai’s public transport through the personalised Blue nol card. The discount is applied automatically once the card is issued, though students and seniors need to renew their eligibility annually to keep the reduced fares active.