Can my child travel alone on the Dubai Metro?
Find out more about the RTA's 'Unaccompanied minor policy'
Dubai: For some students in Dubai, using the Dubai Metro or public buses is the most affordable and convenient to reach their schools or universities.
If you are a parent planning to let your child use public transport for their commute to school, you may be wondering if your child can navigate Dubai’s public transport network independently.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has a clear unaccompanied minor policy to ensure a safe and smooth journey for both young travellers and parents. Here’s a breakdown of the RTA's age policy and permission process for children.
How old do I have to be to use public transport unaccompanied?
As per the RTA's unaccompanied minor policy, it is not recommended for passengers below the age of eight years to use public transport unless accompanied by adults.
For children between the ages of eight and 11 years, while they can travel alone, they would require a permit from their parents in order to do so.
As per the RTA website, the child's nol card must be issued by one of the parents to allow the child to travel alone, with the exception of intercity buses.
The RTA call centre also advised parents to provide a permission slip for this age group (8 to 11 years old). The permission slip should clearly state the child's full name, the parent's full name and the fact that the parent has provided permission to the child to travel alone. The parent must also provide a copy of his or her Emirates ID as well as the child's Emirates ID, which can be provided to an inspection officer, if asked.
Children above the age of 12 are allowed to use public transport without being accompanied by adults.
Between 8-11 years old: Permission slip must be issued by one of the parents to allow the child to travel alone.
12 years old and above: Allowed to use public transport without being accompanied by adults.
Student nol card
It is also advisable for parents to apply for a student nol card in case their child travels regularly using public transport. The nol card provides a 50 per cent discount when used to travel on Dubai bus, Metro and Tram.
To apply for a student nol card, you will need to apply for the blue nol card, which is a personalised nol card, linked to the user's Emirates ID.
Documents required
Students between the ages of 5 and 23 are eligible for student nol cards, and these are the documents that need to be submitted in order to apply for it:
• Copy of the valid Emirates ID (front and back)
• Personal photograph with a white background
• An official document proving that the applicant is a student at a school or university in the UAE.
The student card is valid for one year, and can be renewed every year, as long as the valid documents are submitted.
This article was originally published on August 29, 2023 and has been updated since.