RTA Dubai stands for the Roads and Transport Authority, the government authority responsible for roads, public transport, and traffic-related services across Dubai. The authority was established under Decree No. 17 of 2005 and now handles a wide range of services covering public transport, drivers, vehicles, parking, NOL cards, traffic fines, and other mobility services.
For most people, RTA comes into the picture when they need to use the Dubai Metro, bus, tram, or taxi, check a Nol card, pay a fine, renew a vehicle, manage a driving licence, or find a route across the city. RTA also provides digital services through its website and apps, so many routine tasks no longer require a visit to a service centre.
What Is RTA Dubai?
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) manages Dubai’s transport and road system. Its work covers both the physical network, such as roads and public transport, and the services people use to manage vehicles, licences and transport payments.
RTA’s current service system includes areas such as public transport, Nol, vehicles, drivers, traffic, parking, commercial transport, right-of-way services, infrastructure, and shared mobility. That makes RTA relevant to residents, tourists, drivers, and daily public transport users.
RTA Dubai Services
You can find the main RTA services in these categories:
| Service Category | Common Services |
| Public Transport | Metro, bus, tram, taxi and marine transport |
| nol Card | Balance, top-up, registration, replacement and Travel Pass |
| Vehicles | Registration, renewal, inspection and ownership services |
| Drivers | Driving licence, learning permit and test-related services |
| Traffic | Fine inquiry and payment |
| Parking | Paid parking and seasonal parking services |
| Commercial Transport | Commercial vehicle and transport services |
| Right of Way | Road and access-related applications |
| Shared Mobility | E-scooter and other mobility services |
RTA also provides customer support, smart applications, and online service channels for many of these tasks.
RTA Public Transport
RTA operates Dubai’s main public transport network, which includes Metro, Tram, Bus, Taxi, and marine transport. Its public transport portal also provides journey planning, timetables, NOL services, and lost-and-found information.
Dubai Metro
Dubai Metro has two routes: the Red Line and Green Line. The fully automated system connects major areas of Dubai and links with other forms of public transport.
Metro remains the busiest part of Dubai’s public transport system. RTA reported about 136.5 million Metro riders during the first half of 2026, with BurJuman and Union recording the highest passenger numbers among Metro stations during that period.
Dubai Tram
The Dubai Tram network covers 10.6 kilometres and has 11 stations. It connects with Dubai Metro and the Palm Monorail and serves areas along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road.
Dubai Bus
RTA’s current public transport information lists a fleet of 1,518 buses, covering about 87% of Dubai’s urban area. The bus network also connects with Metro and other transport services, allowing passengers to combine different modes during a journey.
Dubai Taxi
RTA manages Dubai’s taxi system and provides several taxi categories for different passenger needs. People can book taxis through RTA channels and approved booking platforms.
Taxi fares depend on the applicable booking and journey conditions, so passengers should check the current RTA fare information before relying on figures published on older websites.
Marine Transport
RTA also operates marine transport services in Dubai. These include Abra, Ferry and Water Taxi services, giving passengers another way to travel between waterfront locations.
Nol Card: What You Need to Know
The Nol card lets passengers pay for several RTA transport services with one card. You can use it on the Dubai Metro, buses, tram, and marine transport, and RTA also accepts Nol cards for paid parking and selected retail purchases.
RTA provides different card options for different users, including Silver, Gold, and Persona Nol cards as well as the Red Ticket. Each option has different features and conditions.
Minimum Nol Card Balance
Passengers need enough balance to cover their journey before using public transport. RTA’s current information states that the minimum balance required for public transport use is AED 7.50.
Nol Card Fares and Zones
Dubai’s public transport system uses a zonal fare system. The amount you pay depends on the zones covered during your journey and the type of Nol product you use.
RTA also allows passengers to transfer between transport modes under its fare rules, so a Metro journey followed by a bus trip can count as one journey when the transfer conditions are met.
Nol Card Balance Check
RTA currently provides direct options for managing and checking nol cards through its digital services. The nol Pay app lets users check card information, while RTA’s website and other official channels provide additional card-management functions.
If you only need to know your remaining balance, using an official RTA channel makes more sense than entering your card details on an unrelated third-party website.
Nol Card Top-Up
RTA provides several ways to add money to a nol card. Users can top up through nol Pay, RTA Dubai, S’hail, RTA’s website, ticket machines, and other approved channels.
For top-ups made through the RTA Dubai or S’hail apps, NFC can activate the balance immediately after the required card tap. If you enter the Tag ID instead, RTA states that you may need to wait 45 minutes to four hours before activating the balance through an approved channel.
RTA currently sets the top-up range through the referenced digital service at AED 5 to AED 150.
RTA Apps
RTA provides several official apps, each with a different focus.
RTA Dubai App
The RTA Dubai app brings many transport, driver, and vehicle services into one place. Users can access selected RTA transactions without visiting a customer centre.
S’hail
S’hail focuses on getting around Dubai. It helps users plan journeys and access transport-related services across different mobility options. RTA lists S’hail among its official mobile applications.
nol Pay
nol Pay focuses on nol-card services. Users can manage compatible cards, check card information, top up balances, and access other nol functions through the app.
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RTA Journey Planner
RTA’s journey-planning service helps passengers work out how to travel between locations in Dubai. It can be useful when a trip requires more than one transport mode.
Instead of checking separate Metro and bus routes, you can use RTA’s transport tools to plan the complete journey and review the available options. RTA places journey planning among its main public transport services.
RTA Driving Licence Services
RTA handles driving-licence services for Dubai motorists. These include applications, renewals, replacements, learning permits and services connected with driving tests.
Before applying for a driving licence, applicants need to meet the applicable training, testing and eye-test requirements. RTA also provides the official Dubai Drivers’ Handbook, which covers road rules, traffic offences, black points, signs and road markings.
Because licence requirements can vary according to age, licence category and applicant circumstances, check the specific RTA service before starting an application.
RTA Vehicle Registration
Vehicle owners can use RTA services for registration, renewal, ownership-related transactions and other vehicle records.
RTA provides digital channels for many vehicle services, while some transactions still require inspection or another physical step. The exact process depends on the vehicle and the service you select.
For that reason, vehicle owners should check the individual RTA transaction rather than rely on a general registration checklist found on another website.
RTA Vehicle Inspection
RTA uses vehicle inspection as part of several vehicle transactions, including applicable registration, renewal, transfer and export procedures.
The inspection requirement depends on the transaction and vehicle. Checking the specific RTA service before visiting an inspection centre can save a trip if your transaction does not require the same procedure as another type of vehicle service.
RTA Traffic Fines
RTA provides online services for checking and paying fines connected with its transport network.
Public transport users can also receive fines for breaking Metro and Tram rules. RTA’s current service information states that users can pay these fines without logging in and can identify the fine using details such as the fine number, Emirates ID, or passport number, depending on the service.
Not every traffic penalty in Dubai follows the same process, so check the authority shown on your fine before making a payment.
RTA Parking
RTA manages Dubai’s paid parking system and offers several parking-related services.
A Nol card can also pay for RTA paid parking. RTA states that users can use their Nol card at RTA parking machines, alongside its other accepted transport and payment uses.
RTA also provides seasonal parking cards for eligible users through its services portal.
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RTA E-Scooter Permit
RTA also regulates selected forms of shared and personal mobility, including e-scooters.
The authority provides an electric scooter driving permit service for eligible users. Current RTA requirements state that applicants must be 16 or older, while people who already hold a driving licence do not need a separate e-scooter permit.
Users should check the current RTA rules before riding because permitted areas, safety requirements, and other operating conditions can change.
RTA Travel Pass
RTA offers Travel Pass products for passengers who use Dubai public transport regularly. Current RTA information lists Travel Pass periods of 1, 7, 30, 9,0 and 365 days, depending on the applicable Nol card and product.
A Travel Pass can make sense for someone who expects to use public transport repeatedly instead of paying for every journey separately. Check the applicable zones and card conditions before purchasing one.
RTA Customer Service and Contact
You can contact RTA through several official channels.
RTA Call Centre: 800 90 90
International callers: +971 4 605 1414
WhatsApp: +971 58 800 9090
Email: ask@rta.ae
P.O. Box: 118899, Dubai, UAE
RTA’s current contact page lists these channels and provides information about Customer Happiness Centres across Dubai.
RTA’s listed general operating hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Individual Customer Happiness Centres can have their own service arrangements, so check the centre before visiting.
What Can You Do Through RTA Online?
RTA has moved many routine transactions online.
Depending on the service, you can use the official website or apps to:
- Check and manage nol cards
- Top up a nol card
- Add or renew a Travel Pass
- Check or pay selected fines
- Manage vehicle services
- Handle driving-licence services
- Plan public transport journeys
- Access parking services
- Apply for selected permits
- Request refunds and other card services
RTA’s current service catalogue also lets users search for individual transactions instead of relying on one general process for every vehicle, driver or transport request.
RTA in 2026: What’s Changing?
RTA continues to add new transport technology while expanding existing services.
During the first half of 2026, Dubai recorded 348 million riders across public transport, shared mobility and taxis. Dubai Metro accounted for 39.2% of that total, followed by taxis at 25.5% and public buses at 24.4%.
RTA also reported that it started operating driverless taxis at the beginning of 2026 and plans to begin commercial Air Taxi operations by the end of the year. The authority also continues work on the Dubai Loop project.
Another long-term target will change Dubai’s bus fleet. RTA plans to convert 100% of public transport buses to electric and hydrogen-powered buses by 2050.
Which RTA Service Do You Need?
| Your Need | RTA Service |
| Check NOL balance | nol / nol Pay |
| Top up NOL card | NOL/PNOL RTA website or approved channels |
| Find a Metro route | Journey Planner |
| Find a bus route | Journey Planner |
| Travel by tram | Public Transport |
| Pay a transport fine | RTA fine services |
| Renew a vehicle | Vehicle Services |
| Register a vehicle | Vehicle Services |
| Book or manage driving services | Drivers |
| Pay for parking | Parking / NOL |
| Get an e-scooter permit | Shared Mobility |
| Contact RTA | Customer Service |
Final Answer
RTA Dubai is the main government authority behind Dubai’s roads, public transport, and many driver, vehicle,e and mobility services. It covers everyday needs such as Metro and bus travel, Nol cards, parking, fines, driving licences, vehicle registration, and journey planning, while its digital services let users handle many transactions online.
For the most accurate information, use the official RTA website or its official apps before paying a fee, visiting a centre, or starting an application. RTA updates individual service requirements, so the exact transaction page matters more than a general checklist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does RTA stand for in Dubai?
RTA stands for Roads and Transport Authority. It manages roads, public transport, and a wide range of driver, vehicle, and mobility services in Dubai.
What services does RTA provide?
RTA provides services for public transport, NOL cards, vehicles, driving licences, traffic fines, parking, commercial transport, infrastructure and shared mobility.
How can I check my NOL card balance?
You can use official RTA digital services, including NOL Pay, to check your card information and manage your balance.
What is the minimum NOL card balance?
RTA’s current information sets the required minimum public-transport balance at AED 7.50.
What is the RTA customer service number?
The RTA Call Centre number is 800 90 90. International callers can use +971 4 605 1414.
How many Dubai Metro lines are there?
Dubai Metro has two main lines: Red and Green.
Can I use a nol card for parking?
Yes. RTA states that nol cards can pay for RTA paid parking as well as several public transport services.
Can I manage my nol card online?
Yes. RTA lets users register, top up, replace or renew eligible cards, manage Travel Passes and access other nol services through its website and official apps.
Who can apply for an e-scooter permit?
RTA’s current service requires applicants to be 16 or older. A person who already holds a driving licence does not need a separate e-scooter permit.
What is the RTA WhatsApp number?
RTA lists +971 58 800 9090 as its WhatsApp contact.
