Where can you buy a Nol card for the Dubai Metro, and what minimum balance do you need to enter?

Be aware that ticket counters (especially at the Al Maktoum station) may not have change for large bills. It's better to have smaller notes or the exact amount ready when buying or topping up a Nol card at the counter.

Besides the staffed ticket counter, you can also buy and top up a Nol card at vending machines located right at metro and tram stations.

You can get a Nol card directly at the station ticket counter before the metro gates. This is the standard option for travelers who need a physical transit card.

Your Nol card needs at least AED 7.5 to enter the metro, even if the actual ride costs less. The system temporarily holds the maximum fare at entry, then recalculates the real fare on exit and releases the remainder back to the card.

A physical Nol card is valid for about 5 years, so you can keep it and reuse it on future trips to Dubai as long as it has not expired.