Dubai student card to combine fare savings and worldwide benefits
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the new Dubai student card on November 11, 2026, combining transport payments, student identification and international benefits. The card will be introduced across Dubai in stages, with public transport fare reductions reaching 50 per cent.
According to Gulf News, the initiative brings nol services together with recognition through the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC). Its benefits network includes more than 150,000 offers and benefits in over 130 countries.
Key facts
What: One card combining nol functionality, student identification and ISIC benefits
Announced: November 11, 2026
Rollout: Phased introduction in Dubai
Transport savings: Up to 50 per cent on RTA public transport fares
International reach: More than 150,000 benefits in over 130 countries
Participation: Educational institutions can apply to join the initiative
What will the card do in Dubai?
The card will support student identification at participating educational institutions and provide access to discounted RTA transport fares through its nol functionality.
It also brings together student offers across the UAE, covering areas such as shopping, dining and entertainment. The transport reduction is described as up to 50 per cent, so the announcement does not establish a uniform half-price fare for every journey.
For planning trips around the city, our guide to reaching Dubai Frame by Metro provides a separate transport resource.
What benefits extend beyond the UAE?
ISIC integration will provide internationally recognised evidence of student status alongside access to its worldwide benefits network.
The categories include education, shopping, entertainment, dining, accommodation and travel. This gives the card a role beyond journeys to campus, with benefits available both within the UAE and overseas.
The announcement does not identify individual participating businesses or set out the terms of specific offers. Students planning purchases can also consult our Dubai discount shopping guide, while checking separately which offers apply to their card.
When will students be able to get it?
The card will arrive in phases, but the announcement does not provide a detailed schedule or a date for individual student applications.
Educational institutions can submit applications to participate through the initiative’s dedicated website. The source does not specify a card price or explain the process students will follow to obtain one.
RTA developed the initiative with KHDA, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Knowledge Park and ISIC. Students should check with their educational institution about participation and availability before planning around the benefits.
What does this mean for visitors?
The announcement concerns students studying in Dubai, and it does not establish eligibility for tourists visiting from overseas.
Visitors should therefore confirm eligibility before including student fare savings in a travel budget. Those comparing transport options can consult our Dubai car rental page separately.
For students preparing to study in the emirate, the practical next step is to ask their institution when participation begins and how to obtain the card.
Details can change; check the official announcement before you travel.
Prepared by Yasin Toktaş with AI assistance for drafting, corrections and proofreading.