Dubai’s Revolutionary Palm Payment System Set for 2026 Launch

In an exciting leap into the future, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is gearing up to introduce an innovative palm payment system by 2026. Following successful trials of autonomous vehicles and robotic patrols, this new technology aims to enhance the efficiency and convenience of public transport in the emirate. Imagine simply hovering your hand over a sensor at the Dubai Metro platform, and in an instant, you’re aboard the train, ready to embark on your journey.

This groundbreaking technology was unveiled at the 44th GITEX Global conference held at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. When fully implemented, the palm payment system will be seamlessly linked to your existing nol card. So, how does this palm payment technology actually work?

During your initial use, you’ll need to scan your nol card at a designated ticket machine, just like you normally would. After this, you simply place your palms on the scanning screen. The system will read your unique palm prints and vein patterns, enabling it to function just as your nol card does. This means that as long as you maintain sufficient funds in your account, you won’t need to rely on a physical card or even the mobile app to access the extensive RTA public transport network.

Initially, this cutting-edge payment method will be available for use on various modes of transport, including buses, the metro, and trams. Eventually, it will extend to other services currently accessible via the nol card, such as popular shopping destinations like Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket.

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While the news of this palm payment technology is exhilarating, the RTA emphasizes that what was showcased at GITEX Global is still a proof of concept. We are in the preliminary stages of this technology’s rollout across the emirate. Currently, it takes about half a second for a nol card to be scanned, and the new palm payment system must at least match this speed before it can be widely adopted.

Salah Al Marzouqi, the Director of Automated Collection at the RTA, highlighted the importance of ensuring a seamless boarding experience. He stated, “On a transport system like the Metro, it’s crucial that passengers do not experience delays in queuing due to scanning issues. That’s one of the primary factors we are considering as we test this technology. We need to ensure it meets this criterion before we introduce it.” He further mentioned, “When we launch this system, it should take half a second or less for the machine to scan the palm.”

Before the technology is fully integrated, the RTA is collaborating with multiple companies to fine-tune the palm scanning system, ensuring reliability and accuracy in reading palm patterns. It’s worth noting that palm payment will serve as an additional option alongside traditional nol cards and app scanning, paving the way for a more flexible and innovative public transport experience.

This initiative is part of Dubai’s broader vision to transition towards a cashless society, enhancing the overall efficiency and accessibility of urban transportation.

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