Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the signing of three significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in collaboration with GTS Alive Middle East—representing the International Student Identity Card Association in the Middle East—as well as with Parkin PJSC and PayPal. The agreements were finalized on the sidelines of RTA’s participation in GITEX Global, held from October 13 to 17, 2025.
The MoUs were signed on behalf of RTA by Mohammed Al Mudharreb, CEO of the Corporate Technology Support Services Sector. Representing KHDA and the International Student Identity Card Association were Dr. Saeed Mubarak Kharbash, CEO of Policies, Research, and Programmes Sector at KHDA, and Michal Lezo, Managing Director of GTS Alive Middle East. The memorandum with Parkin was signed by Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, while Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head, and General Manager of PayPal Middle East and Africa, signed on behalf of PayPal.
According to Xpats.ae, these agreements aim to broaden and enhance nol card usage by achieving strategic objectives such as integrating services, enabling companies and institutions to connect their systems with the nol network, and allowing users to utilize the card across a wide range of services beyond traditional public transport. The initiative focuses on expanding acceptance of nol across various sectors, including retail outlets, dining venues, car parks, events, and leisure destinations. It also supports Dubai’s smart city vision by advancing digital transformation, reducing cash dependency, and encouraging the adoption of intelligent payment systems.
The MoUs also emphasize building robust partnerships with private-sector entities to create new pathways for innovation in developing nol-linked services and products. Other objectives include improving customer satisfaction through a unified, streamlined experience using a single smart card for everyday transactions, diversifying revenue streams through partnership fees and value-added services, and reinforcing environmental sustainability by minimizing the use of cash and paper tickets.
Commenting on the agreements, Mohammed Al Mudharreb noted that RTA takes pride in collaborating with KHDA, GTS Alive Middle East, Parkin, and PayPal to advance the nol ecosystem and elevate services offered to the community. He emphasized that RTA remains committed to working closely with local, regional, and international private-sector partners to exchange knowledge and expertise, aiming to enhance services for residents, visitors, and tourists alike.
Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Policies, Research, and Programmes Sector at KHDA, highlighted that Dubai’s education strategy prioritizes delivering high-quality, innovative, and secure services that cater to student needs. He expressed appreciation for KHDA’s collaboration with RTA and GTS Alive Middle East in introducing the ‘Study in Dubai – nol ISIC’ card, which will be recognized by universities and colleges across Dubai. The card will provide students with access to numerous lifestyle benefits and discounts, enriching their overall experience and supporting Dubai’s vision as a global hub for education and innovation.
Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, described the partnership with RTA as a milestone in strengthening strategic cooperation between both organizations and advancing the integration of smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban services. He noted that interoperability between nol and Parkin’s digital payment systems will enable customers to access a wider range of payment options. This initiative reflects the shared commitment to developing innovative mobility solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support Dubai’s smart city goals.
Otto Williams, Senior Vice President and Head of Partnerships for PayPal in the Middle East and Africa, said that the collaboration with RTA underscores a shared vision for seamless, innovation-driven mobility that combines trust, efficiency, and digital integration. He added that embedding payments into Dubai’s transportation ecosystem will contribute to positioning the city as a global leader in smart, connected urban living while unlocking new opportunities for businesses and consumers across the digital economy.
