H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, alongside H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, observed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Roads and Transport Authority RTA and Etihad Rail. This significant agreement solidifies the collaboration between the two entities, aiming to enhance and operate the UAE’s national railway network.
In a momentous development during the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) represents the inaugural phase of a collaborative effort between the RTA and Etihad Rail. This partnership is set to usher in innovative ticket booking and fare payment solutions, seamlessly integrated into the RTA’s nol system.
Aligned with the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025 and the Dubai Digital Strategy, the MoU underscores a commitment to digital transformation in Dubai. The strategic collaboration between the RTA and Etihad Rail is poised to significantly contribute to the advancement of digital initiatives, enhancing the overall efficiency and accessibility of transportation services in the UAE.
In a statement, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), stating, “This MoU marks a pivotal moment in fostering collaboration among federal and local entities. It represents a crucial step towards implementing advanced ticket reservation and payment systems that will be accessible to passengers using Etihad Rail services across the UAE. The agreement signifies a milestone in aligning the transportation modes of RTA with Etihad Rail, presenting a substantial enhancement to the UAE’s mass transportation infrastructure.”
Sheikh Maktoum further highlighted the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. These directives underscore the importance of strengthening coordination and collaboration among government institutions, sharing pioneering expertise, establishing a unified digital platform, and developing collective digital capabilities. The overarching goal is to provide integrated, user-friendly, and efficient digital services that align with the vision of enhancing the overall digital landscape and connectivity within the UAE.
In his remarks regarding the agreement, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the significance of the collaborative partnership between RTA and Etihad Rail. He highlighted the value of uniting their collective efforts, with a particular focus on Etihad Rail benefiting from the RTA’s expertise in deploying smart technologies and solutions. This collaboration aims to support Etihad Rail in its endeavors to operate passenger trains nationwide, ensuring safety, reliability, convenience, and adherence to global standards. The shared commitment reflects a strategic synergy that leverages the strengths of both entities to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of passenger rail services in the UAE.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan further highlighted that these initiatives are integral components of the comprehensive framework of the national railway network. In a remarkably short span, and guided by the directives of the country’s visionary leadership, the national railway network has emerged as a frontrunner in the dynamic transportation and infrastructure sectors in the UAE.
This strategic positioning contributes significantly to economic development, fostering growth through a diverse and inclusive workforce. This aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s esteemed status as a pivotal regional and global transportation hub, solidifying its role in advancing connectivity and driving progress on both national and international scales.
The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. The agreement itself was formalized through the signatures of Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, and Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail. This significant moment solidifies the commitment and collaboration between the two entities in advancing digital transformation and enhancing transportation services across the UAE.
The collaboration between RTA and Etihad Rail geared towards fortifying Etihad Rail’s initiatives in crafting top-tier passenger trains, prioritizing safety, reliability, and convenience throughout the national railway network. Guided by the visionary leadership of the UAE, this network has rapidly ascended to a prominent position, exerting a substantial impact on the augmentation of the country’s transportation and infrastructure landscape.
Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in fostering a diversified and comprehensive national economy, aligning seamlessly with the UAE’s distinguished standing as a central regional and global transportation hub. This partnership signifies a strategic commitment to advancing the standards of transportation services and promoting economic development on both domestic and international fronts.
The NOL card stands as a versatile smart card, extensively utilized for seamless fare payments across the RTA’s expansive public transport networks in Dubai. Beyond transportation, it serves as a convenient method for settling parking fees at designated RTA parking zones. The utility of the NOL card extends to covering entry fees at various attractions, including the Etihad and Shindagha museums, as well as the Dubai Ladies Club. Moreover, it facilitates secure transactions at select retail stores.
In the year 2023, the NOL card witnessed a substantial daily average usage, amounting to 2.5 million payment transactions, totaling more than AED 2 billion in value. The number of active NOL card users has surpassed five million, marking a significant milestone since the introduction of the system in September 2009. With over 30 million cards sold, the NOL card has seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of Dubai residents and visitors, offering a comprehensive and efficient solution for diverse payment needs.
The RTA and Etihad Rail has recently undertaken a significant project aimed at enhancing the existing NOL system. This initiative involves a transformative shift from traditional plastic card technology to a more advanced system supported by digital payment technologies, known as Account Based Ticketing. Aligned with leading international practices, this upgrade is estimated to cost AED 350 million, showcasing the commitment to adopting cutting-edge solutions and ensuring the NOL system remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the realm of public transportation.
The overarching goal of the project is to implement a state-of-the-art digital payment system utilizing central transportation tariff wallet technology. This initiative seeks to establish seamless integration among diverse transportation modes in Dubai, delivering a host of advantages and benefits. Key among these is the comprehensive advancement of payment system technologies, ensuring they meet stringent standards of electronic and financial security.
Furthermore, the project emphasizes operational enhancements, aiming to maximize the benefits derived from system-generated data. It also prioritizes customization of services and products to align with individual customer needs. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and strategic operational improvements, the project not only modernizes the payment infrastructure but also enhances the overall user experience for the residents and visitors relying on Dubai’s extensive transportation network.
The introduction of the Nol Card by RTA and Etihad Rail on September 9, 2009, aligned with the inaugural launch of the Dubai Metro, marked a significant milestone. Since its inception, the card has played a pivotal role in facilitating the seamless movement of public transportation users and simplifying the payment process for public parking fees in Dubai.
In a strategic move in 2017, RTA and Etihad Rail expanded the utility of the card, extending its uses to encompass payment services at retail stores and admission fees for various public and private facilities across Dubai. This expansion is in harmony with RTA’s overarching digital strategy, aiming to enhance and diversify the services offered through the Nol Card, ensuring its continual evolution to meet the dynamic needs of residents and visitors in the vibrant city of Dubai.
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