Students in Dubai are getting a single card that works as a campus ID, a Nol travel card and an internationally recognised student pass. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the new Dubai Student Card on Wednesday, saying it will be introduced in phases through participating schools, colleges and universities.
The card was developed with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, both part of Tecom Group, and the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC).
What the Dubai Student Card does
According to the RTA, the card brings together three functions that students previously needed separate cards for. Ahmed Bahrozyan, chief executive of the RTA’s Corporate Technology Services Sector, said it combines student identification, Nol public transport use and international student status through ISIC.
- On campus: it serves as an official student ID.
- Around Dubai: it works as a Nol card on RTA public transport, with fare discounts of up to 50 per cent.
- Across the UAE: it gives access to student offers on shopping, dining, entertainment, travel and accommodation.
- Abroad: through ISIC, it links to more than 150,000 benefits in over 130 countries, according to Gulf News and Time Out Dubai.
Who qualifies for cheaper fares
Time Out Dubai reports that the 50 per cent fare discount applies to eligible students aged five to 23 who are enrolled at a school, college or university, and covers eligible RTA services such as the Metro, tram, buses and taxis. Students older than 23 do not receive the discounted fares but can still use the card’s global benefits, the outlet said.
Examples of current partner deals listed by Time Out Dubai include up to 10 per cent off Emirates flights and 50 per cent off YouTube Premium. Eligibility for individual offers depends on the student’s institution and the service provider.
The RTA has not published a price for the card, and no official start date has been given for individual students. Students will be told by their institution when their card is ready to collect, according to Time Out Dubai.
How schools and universities can sign up
For now, applications come from institutions rather than individual students. Educational institutions interested in taking part are invited to apply through the official Dubai Student Card website, the RTA said. The physical cards are issued by the RTA.
Officials from the partner bodies linked the project to wider education goals. Saeed Kharbash, chief executive of policies, research and programmes at the KHDA, said the initiative supports the authority’s Education 33 Strategy. Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, senior vice president of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, described it as “an integrated solution for student identification, transport and access to exclusive benefits”.
What it means for students and parents in the UAE
For students who commute daily, a single card could mean fewer cards to carry and lower fares on the Metro, tram and buses. For international students, the ISIC element also adds discounts that can be used when travelling abroad.
The launch comes as the emirate continues to expand its public transport network. Dubai recently announced plans to extend the Dubai Metro to Al Maktoum International Airport by 2031, which would widen the areas students can reach by rail.
What to know
- The card combines a student ID, a Nol card and ISIC membership.
- Fare discounts are up to 50 per cent on eligible RTA services.
- More than 150,000 ISIC offers are available in over 130 countries.
- Roll-out is phased and goes through participating institutions.
- No card price or individual start date has been announced yet.
Parents and students who want to know when the card will reach their campus are advised to check with their school or university, which will handle the roll-out.
Sources: The National, Gulf News, Time Out Dubai
