Which Dubai metro card (Nol card) should tourists buy and how to top it up

Any remaining Nol balance can be refunded: metro stations have service counters where the card can be returned and its balance refunded, subject to a small deduction. This means short-term visitors can top up without worrying about losing the entire leftover amount.

The Silver Nol card costs 25 AED, with 19 AED already loaded on the balance. It's valid for 3 years. Metro stations are usually right at the entrance of malls and districts, and fares range from 3 to 7 AED depending on distance (e.g., to Dubai Marina).

One card per person. Loading 100 AED onto each card was enough for a week of active use in May, another week on a separate trip, and the current week too — with about 20 AED left over. If you plan to return to Dubai, you can keep the leftover balance for your next visit.

If you're visiting just once and won't need the card again, it's smarter to top up only 25-30 AED so you don't mind losing it or leaving an unused balance behind.

Besides the standard Silver card, there's also a red Nol card — apparently a single-use ticket for a one-time ride rather than long-term use (details are unclear, sold at metro ticket machines).