Dubai Student Card offers up to 50% off RTA transport

Dubai has announced a Student Card that offers discounted public transport and access to an international student discount network. According to Arabian Business, the card was unveiled on 11 November 2026 and will be introduced in phases.

Who is behind it

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) developed the scheme with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), International Academic City and Knowledge Park, both part of TECOM Group, and the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC).

What the card offers

Arabian Business reports that the card gives students up to 50% off RTA public transport fares, with the discount accessed through the nol system. It also provides recognition as a student at participating educational institutions, a set of offers within the UAE, and access to more than 150,000 ISIC benefits in over 130 countries. Those benefits cover areas such as travel, accommodation, dining, entertainment, shopping and education.

How institutions join

Based on the report, it is educational institutions rather than individual students that apply to take part, using the official website dubaistudentcard.ae. The card will roll out in phases, so not every school or university will offer it from the start.

What is not yet clear

The published details do not state a fee for the card, specific eligibility criteria for students, or the dates on which individual institutions will begin issuing it. Families and students should wait for confirmation from their own school or university before assuming they qualify.

Why it matters

Transport is a regular cost for students who commute across Dubai, and the ISIC link extends the card's offers to travel abroad. Further details are expected from the RTA and participating institutions as the phased rollout begins.