GCC Transit Card Comparison 2026
GCC Transit Card Comparison 2026
Nol Card (UAE) vs Darb / Mahafiz (KSA) vs Karwa (Qatar)
📅 Updated: June 2026 | 🇦🇪 UAE | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | 🇶🇦 Qatar | 🚇 Fares & Top-ups
✅ GCC Transit Networks: Each GCC country has its own contactless transit card ecosystem. This guide provides a side-by-side comparison of fares, top-up locations, tourist passes, and network validity for the Nol Card (Dubai), Darb / Mahafiz Card (Riyadh), and Karwa Smart Card (Doha).
💳 Card Overview
📋 Network Details at a Glance
🇦🇪 Nol Card (Dubai / UAE)
Issued by: RTA (Roads & Transport Authority)
Networks: Dubai Metro, Bus, Tram, Water Bus, Park & Ride
Card Types: Red (basic), Silver, Gold, Blue (concession)
Costs: AED 25 issue fee (Silver) | Min balance: AED 7.50 | Max value: AED 500
Validity: 5 years from last use (~35% discount vs cash)
🇸🇦 Darb / Mahafiz Card (Saudi Arabia)
Issued by: Riyadh Metro (Darb) / Mawasalat (Mahafiz)
Networks: Riyadh Metro (6 lines), Mawasalat city buses
Card Types: Standard, Premium (Gold), Female-only cars supported
Costs: SAR 20 issue fee | Min balance: SAR 5 | Max value: SAR 500
Validity: 4 years from issue (~20–30% discount on metro)
🇶🇦 Karwa Smart Card (Qatar)
Issued by: Mowasalat / Qatar Rail
Networks: Doha Metro, Karwa Bus, Lusail Tram
Card Types: Standard, Silver, Gold
Costs: QAR 10 issue fee | Min balance: QAR 5 | Max value: QAR 500
Validity: 5 years from last use (~25% discount vs cash)
📊 Side-by-Side Fare Comparison
| Journey Type | 🇦🇪 Dubai (Nol) | 🇸🇦 Riyadh (Darb) | 🇶🇦 Doha (Karwa) |
| Airport to city centre | AED 5.00 (Silver) DXB → Union Metro |
SAR 4.00 (2 zones) King Khalid Airport |
QAR 3.00 (Standard) Hamad Intl → Al Bidda |
| Short trip (1–3 stops) | AED 3.00 | SAR 3.00 | QAR 2.00 |
| Cross-city (8–10 stops) | AED 5.80 (3 zones) | SAR 6.00 (3+ zones) | QAR 3.00 (Standard) |
| Bus (local route) | AED 2.00 | SAR 2.00 | QAR 2.00 |
| Daily cap | AED 18.00 (Silver) | None (as of 2026) | None |
| Monthly unlimited | AED 350 (All network) | SAR 215 (Metro only) | QAR 300 (Metro+Bus) |
| Tram | AED 3.00 (Dubai Tram) | N/A | QAR 2.00 (Lusail Tram) |
💡 Cash/token fares are higher. Fares subject to change.
🎫 Tourist Passes (Short Stays)
- 🇦🇪 Dubai (Nol Red): 1-day pass (AED 22) | 3-day pass (AED 45). Unlimited metro, bus, tram.
- 🇸🇦 Riyadh (Darb): No dedicated tourist pass yet. Buy standard card (SAR 20) and load SAR 50-100. Card is refundable minus SAR 5 fee.
- 🇶🇦 Doha (Qatar Rail): 1-day pass (QAR 25) | 3-day pass (QAR 55). Unlimited metro, includes Gold class access.
📍 Where to Top Up
- 🇦🇪 Nol (Dubai): Metro TVMs, RTA app, Carrefour, ENOC, Emirates NBD/DIB ATMs, Dubai Mall.
- 🇸🇦 Darb (Riyadh): Metro TVMs, Mawasalat terminals, Darb app (contactless), Saudi Payments (Mada) ATMs, Panda, Lulu.
- 🇶🇦 Karwa (Doha): Metro TVMs, Qatar Rail app, Lusail Tram stations, Qatar Post, LuLu, Carrefour.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No. Each country requires its own card (Nol, Darb, or Karwa). There is no GCC-wide transit card.
Doha (Qatar) is the cheapest (QAR 2–4 per trip). Dubai is the most expensive (AED 3–8.50) but offers the largest network.
Yes. TVMs are available at Dubai (DXB), Riyadh (King Khalid), and Doha (Hamad Intl) metro stations.
Yes. Dubai charges an AED 10 handling fee, Riyadh charges SAR 5, and Qatar refunds the full remaining balance at customer service points.
🌐 Find Routes in Dubai, Riyadh & Doha
Use BusUpdate’s route finder to plan your journey on metro, bus, and tram across the GCC.
ℹ️ Content Verification
Last Updated: June 2026 | Sources: RTA Dubai, Riyadh Metro, Qatar Rail official websites. Data cross-verified for 2026 fare structures.
