Dubai Unveils New Student Card: Merging Public Transport, Campus ID, and Global Discounts

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced the New Dubai Student Card, a comprehensive solution that combines Nol public transport services, student identification, and international benefits into a single, convenient card. This innovative card offers advantages across four primary domains.

On educational campuses, it will function as official student identification. Throughout Dubai, cardholders can utilize it for RTA public transport, enjoying fare discounts of up to 50 percent. Furthermore, the card grants access to a wide array of student benefits, discounts, and offers across the United Arab Emirates. For international travel, it provides access to over 150,000 International Student Identity Card (ISIC) benefits in more than 130 countries.

The development of this card was a collaborative effort involving the RTA, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Tecom Group's Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, and the International Student Identity Card Association.

Ahmed Bahrozyan, chief executive of the RTA’s Corporate Technology Services Sector, stated, "The New Dubai Student Card brings together three core functions: student identification for engaging educational institutions, Nol public transport functionality, and internationally recognised student status through ISIC, providing access to a wide range of benefits and discounts in Dubai and around the world."

The initiative will be rolled out in phases, with educational institutions encouraged to submit applications. Saeed Kharbash, chief executive of policies, research and programmes at the KHDA, highlighted that this initiative aligns with the authority's Education 33 Strategy, reinforcing its goal to foster a future-ready education system conducive to student learning and growth in Dubai and beyond.

Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, senior vice president of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, part of Tecom Group, commented that the card offers an integrated solution for student identification, transportation, and access to exclusive benefits, underscoring Dubai's commitment to cultivating a world-class higher education environment and attracting global talent.

Through the ISIC partnership, the New Dubai Student Card serves as internationally recognized proof of student status, unlocking discounts and benefits both within the UAE and internationally. These benefits span areas such as travel, accommodation, dining, entertainment, shopping, and education. Matthew East, chief executive of GTS Alive Group, representing the International Student Identity Card Association, added that the partnership connects students with valuable benefits, experiences, and opportunities globally.