The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park (part of TECOM Group), and the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC), has announced the launch of the new Dubai Student Card, an integrated initiative aimed at enhancing the student experience by combining student identity verification, public transport services and exclusive benefits in a single card.
Ahmed Hashim Bahroozian, Executive Director of Corporate Technical Support Services at the Roads and Transport Authority, said: “The new Dubai Student Card combines three essential functions: proving student identity at participating educational institutions, benefiting from public transport services through the Nol card, and obtaining internationally recognised student status through the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This enables access to a wide range of benefits and discounts in Dubai and around the world.”
Bahroozian said the new card was developed in partnership with educational institutions in Dubai to meet students’ needs throughout their educational journey and provide benefits across four main areas:
- On university and school campuses: Use the card to verify student identity at participating educational institutions.
- Across Dubai: Use RTA public transport services and benefit from student fare discounts of up to 50%.
- In daily life: Access a variety of student-focused benefits, discounts and offers across the UAE.
- While travelling: Access more than 150,000 benefits and offers through the International Student Identity Card network in over 130 countries worldwide.
“The new Dubai Student Card embodies the RTA’s commitment to enhancing access to public transport services and making them more convenient and attractive for students. By integrating the functions of the Nol card, student ID and a wide range of benefits into a single solution, we are facilitating students’ mobility in Dubai, improving access to educational institutions and encouraging them to explore the emirate.
“This initiative also supports our efforts to encourage future generations to make public transport an integral part of their daily lives, contributing to a more connected and sustainable urban transport system.”
The initiative is being rolled out in phases. Educational institutions wishing to participate can submit applications through the website: www.dubaistudentcard.ae
Enhancing student mobility and improving the educational experience
The launch of the Dubai Student Card forms part of the RTA’s commitment to developing integrated and accessible mobility solutions that prioritise students’ needs and support Dubai’s education sector. By combining public transport services, student identity verification and a wide range of benefits, the initiative aims to simplify daily commutes, improve access to educational institutions and encourage students to make public transport a key part of their daily lives.
Supporting Dubai’s vision for an interconnected education system
Developed in collaboration with the KHDA, the initiative supports efforts to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for education and talent. By facilitating access to transport services and student benefits, the card contributes to a smoother and more enriching experience for students studying in the emirate.
Dr Saeed Mubarak Kharbash, Executive Director of Policy, Research and Programmes at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, said: “The new Dubai Student Pass places the learner at the centre of the student experience by combining education, mobility, services and opportunities in a single pass.
“This closely aligns with the Education 33 strategy and our ambition to build a future-ready education system that enables students to learn, explore and achieve excellence in Dubai and beyond. By simplifying daily experiences and expanding access to opportunities, the pass contributes to a more connected and enriching educational journey and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global destination for education and talent.”
Marwan Abdul Aziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of TECOM Group, Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, said: “The new Dubai Student Pass reflects our commitment to providing an integrated education ecosystem in line with the highest international standards. It supports higher education institutions while helping develop talent and unlock potential.
“This initiative provides an integrated solution for student identity verification, mobility and access to an exclusive range of benefits in Dubai and around the world. It enhances the student experience and reinforces Dubai’s position as a global centre for higher education and a leading destination for the world’s brightest minds.”
Extending student benefits beyond Dubai
Through its partnership with the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC), the Dubai Student Card enables students to verify their student status through internationally recognised accreditation while accessing a broad network of benefits and discounts covering travel, accommodation, dining, entertainment, shopping and education.
The integration of ISIC benefits will allow students to access opportunities both within and outside the UAE, extending the value of their student identity beyond the campus and enriching their educational and personal experiences.
Matthew East, CEO of GTS ALIVE Group and the International Student Identity Card Association, said: “Today’s students belong to a world that extends beyond the campus, and it is important that their student identity reflects that global reach. Through the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), Dubai’s new student card provides internationally recognised proof of student status, connecting students to a wide network of benefits, experiences and opportunities in Dubai and around the world.”
Source: Emirates 24|7