Several public parks in Dubai have recently stopped accepting Nol cards for entry, as confirmed by reports from residents across different localities. This significant change is attributed to a partnership signed between Du and Dubai Municipality in October of the preceding year.
Innovative Solutions for Seamless Access: The Du-Dubai Municipality Collaboration
The collaborative effort between Du and Dubai Municipality is focused on introducing innovative solutions to enhance the park experience. The key objectives include implementing ticketless entry, seamless identity management, boosting worker satisfaction and technical skills, and promoting sustainability in public parks.
Exception at Quranic Park: Nol Card System Retained for Ticketing: Nol cards
While most parks have transitioned away from the Nol card system, an exception has been made for Dubai’s Quranic Park, where the Nol card system for ticketing remains in operation.
Resident Reactions: Surprise and Inconvenience
Residents have expressed surprise and inconvenience at the sudden change, noting the need to purchase tickets with barcodes for entry instead of using the familiar Nol cards. Additionally, the removal of Nol card top-up and balance-checking machines has been observed, with clear indications of their non-operational status.
Zabeel Park’s Early Adoption: Implementation Since October Last Year
Zabeel Park took the lead in implementing the new ticketing system, discontinuing the use of Nol cards in October of the previous year. Now, park-goers can purchase tickets using cash or credit cards, which are then scanned at entrance machines that were once occupied by Nol card machines.
Smart Payment Options: Safa Park Leads the Way
Some parks, like Safa Park, are taking a step further by offering smart payment options through smartphones. Visitors can use Samsung Pay, Google Pay, or Apple Pay for a ticketless entry process. However, the full implementation of this smart system is still in progress, with not all parks having adopted it yet.
Unchanged Ticket Prices: Shift in Transaction Mode Only
Despite the changes in the mode of transaction, the ticket prices at each park remain unchanged. This shift marks the end of an era for residents accustomed to using Nol cards for park visits. In 2017, Dubai Municipality had made it mandatory for park-goers to own a Nol card, with special gates and mobile applications facilitating entry.
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