Different Types of Hafilat Cards:
Which One Do You Need?
Complete Guide β All 7 Card Types
A Hafilat card is a smart travel card used to pay for public buses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and other parts of the UAE. Tap it when you board and again when you get off. The system calculates the fare and deducts it automatically.
But here’s the thing. Not every Hafilat card works the same way. There are different types of Hafilat cards based on who you are and how much you travel.
Every card has its own price, how long it lasts, and how to get it. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for Hafilat card registration and complete information on different types of Hafilat cards.
Jump to Any Card Type: Click any button below to go straight to that section.
Not sure which card fits best? Scroll down to the comparison table at the end of this guide.
Different Types of Hafilat Cards
Find the right card for your situation. Every type explained step by step.
An anonymous Hafilat card is a prepaid smart card that requires no personal information or ID to purchase. Buy it, add credit, and start riding. No name. No registration. No paperwork. It works for 16 years, but if lost, the balance cannot be recovered unless linked to the Emirates ID later.
π Where to buy
- Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) at bus stations, open 24/7
- Lulu Hypermarket customer service counters
- Online at hafilat.darb.ae (card collected later)
- Airport arrival halls
- Marina Mall
- Yas Mall
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
π§ How to get one from a machine
- Find any ticket vending machine.
- Tap the screen. Pick English or Arabic.
- Select “Buy New Card.”
- Choose “Anonymous Hafilat Card.”
- Pay AED 10 for the card.
- Add some credit. AED 10 to AED 100 is a good start. AED 20 to AED 30 is even better; it covers several trips before needing to recharge again.
- Take the card. Ready to use.
β What’s good about it
- No ID needed. No forms.
- Lasts 16 years.
- Can be linked to Emirate ID (for anonymous cardholders only) later for balance protection.
β οΈ What’s not so good
- Lose the card? Balance is gone unless linked to ID.
- No online account access unless registered.
- Cannot buy student or senior passes.
A Personalized Hafilat Card is linked directly to your Emirates ID. Your name, photo, and contact details are stored on the card. If lost or damaged, the balance can be transferred to a new card. You also get online account access to check your balance, view your trip history, and recharge. The card itself is free.
What’s different about this card?
It’s linked to your Emirates ID. Lose the card? No problem. The balance moves to a new one. You also get an online account to check your balance, see past trips, and add credit.
π What you need to bring
- Emirates ID (original and a copy)
- One passport-sized photo
- Residence visa copy (if you’re not a UAE citizen)
- Something with your address (a lease contract or a utility bill)
π Where to pick it up
- Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station
- Baniyas Bus Station
- Mussafah Bus Station
- Shahama Bus Station
- Al Ain Bus Station
- Abu Dhabi Airport (Arrivals area)
How to apply online
Open the website
Go to hafilat.darb.ae. Make sure you see the padlock icon. That’s how you know it’s the real site.
Click Register
Look for the “Register” or “Sign Up” button. Tap it.
Fill in your info
Type in: your full name (exactly how it looks on Emirates ID), email address, mobile number, Emirates ID number, where you live. Pick a password. Write it down somewhere.
Upload your documents
You’ll need to upload: a clear picture of your Emirates ID (front and back), a recent passport-sized photo (white background works best), your visa copy (if you’re an expat), a lease contract or utility bill (to prove your address). Make sure the pictures aren’t blurry. If they can’t read them, they’ll send it back.
Send it in
Click “Submit.” That’s it. Now you wait. Takes about 1 to 3 days for them to check everything.
Check if you’re approved
Log back into your account. Go to “My Applications.” Or just wait for an SMS or email saying you’re good to go.
Pick up your card
Once approved, head to any Customer Happiness Center. Bring: the confirmation (printed or on your phone) and your original Emirates ID. The card is free. Takes about 15 to 30 minutes to get it.
β Why get a personalized card?
- Lose it? Get your balance back on a new card.
- Check everything online.
- Can buy student or senior passes.
- Recharge without typing your card number every time.
- Lasts 16 years.
π How to log in later
Go to hafilat.darb.ae. Click “Login.” Enter your email and password. You’ll see your balance and trip history and can add credit.
π¨ Lost your card?
Log in and report it lost. Or call 800 850. Then go to a Customer Happiness Center with your Emirates ID. Pay AED 10 for a replacement. They move your balance to the new card.
A student Hafilat card is a special card for students enrolled in UAE schools, colleges, or universities. Students can buy an annual unlimited travel pass.
π What you need
- Emirates ID
- Student ID card
- A letter from your school or uni saying you’re enrolled
- One photo
- Visa copy (if not a citizen)
π Where to get it
Only at Customer Happiness Centers. Not online. Not from machines. Go to any bus station counter in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Baniyas, Mussafah, Shahama, or the airport.
How to get it
Walk in with your documents. Kindly inform them that you would like to obtain a card. Pay AED 5. Wait about 15 minutes. They hand it over.
π« The annual pass (AED 500)
Once you have the card, you can buy an annual pass for AED 500. Ride as much as you want for a full year. City buses, regional routes, and even 50% off intercity trips to Al Ain or other emirates. That’s about AED 1.37 per day. Way cheaper than paying per trip. The annual pass costs AED 500, but if you do not ride that often, passes or monthly subscriptions might suit you better.
A few things to know
- The pass is optional. You can still add regular credit if you don’t ride often.
- Renew the pass every year with new enrollment papers.
- The card itself lasts five years.
π¨ Lost the card?
Go to any Customer Happiness Center. Bring your Emirates ID. Pay AED 5 for a replacement. They’ll move your balance and pass it to the new card.
A Senior Citizen Hafilat Card is a free card for UAE residents aged 55 and above. It comes with a free annual pass that provides unlimited bus travel during off-peak hours and a 50% discount during peak hours. The card must be renewed every year with updated documents.
π What you need
- Emirates ID showing age 55 or older
- Residence visa copy
- Lease contract or tenancy agreement (proof of address)
- One passport-sized photo
π Where to get it
Only at Customer Happiness Centers. Not online. Go to any bus station counter in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Baniyas, Mussafah, Shahama, or the airport.
How to get it
Walk in with your documents. Tell them you want a senior citizen card. They check everything and issue the card. Takes about 15 minutes. No fee.
π« The free annual pass
Once you have the card, you get a free annual pass. Unlimited travel on city and regional buses. Plus 50% off intercity trips. Worth over AED 1,200 per year. Free for you.
β° Peak vs off-peak
- Off-peak hours: Free
- Peak hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM): 50% discount
- Still very cheap.
π Renewal
The pass and card expire after 1 year. Go back to any Customer Happiness Center with the same documents. They renew it for free.
π¨ Lost the card?
Go to a Customer Happiness Center with your Emirates ID. Pay AED 5 for a replacement. They transfer your free pass to the new card.
A People of Determination Hafilat Card is a free card for individuals with approved physical or mental disabilities. It includes a free annual pass for unlimited travel. A companion can travel for free with the cardholder on every trip. Requires a medical certificate from a government-approved facility.
π What you need
- Emirates ID
- Medical certificate from a government facility
- A recent medical report from an approved doctor or hospital
- One passport-sized photo (white background)
- Passport copy (if applicable)
- For intellectual disabilities, they also need an educational or psychological report.
π Where to get it
Only at Customer Happiness Centers. Not online. Go to any bus station counter in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Baniyas, Mussafah, Shahama, or the airport.
How to get it
Walk in with your documents. Tell them you want a People of Determination Card. Staff will help you through the process. Takes about 15-20 minutes. No fee.
π« The free annual pass
- You travel free on all city and regional buses.
- One companion also travels free with you.
- 50% off intercity bus fares.
π₯ Companion benefit
This is a big one. Whoever travels with you rides for free. No extra cost. Just tap your card, and both board the bus.
π Renewal
The pass and card expire after 1 year. Go back to any Customer Happiness Center with updated medical documents. They renew it for free.
π¨ Lost the card?
Go to a Customer Happiness Center with your Emirates ID. Pay AED 5 for a replacement. They transfer your free pass and companion benefit to the new card.
A temporary Hafilat Card (CST) is a short-term card for tourists and visitors. It’s free and works for 30 days. No ID or registration needed.
π Where to pick one up
- Ticket Vending Machines at bus stations
- Abu Dhabi Airport arrival halls (right after you get off the plane)
- Customer Happiness Centers
π§ How to get it
- Find a Ticket Vending Machine. Tap the screen. Pick English or Arabic.
- Select “Buy New Card.” Choose “Temporary Card” or “CST Card.”
- The machine gives you the card for free. No payment needed.
- Now add some credit. Put at least AED 10. AED 30 to AED 50 is better if you’re staying for a while.
π³ Hafilat temporary card balance check
Same as any other Hafilat card:
- Tap it on a bus reader. The balance shows up on screen.
- Use a ticket vending machine. Select “Balance Inquiry.”
- Send a text: BAL followed by the card number to 3009.
A few things to know
- No ID needed. No registration.
- Works on all Abu Dhabi city buses and ]intercity buses.
- Can’t add credit after 30 days. Card dies.
- Any money left when it expires? Gone. So use it up.
- Can’t buy weekly or monthly passes with this card.
A corporate Hafilat card is designed for companies to manage bus travel for their employees. Businesses can get multiple cards under one account, track usage, and receive a single bill. Pricing and validity are arranged directly with ITC based on the company’s needs.
β Why a company would want this
- One account controls all employee cards.
- See who’s riding and how much is being spent.
- Add or remove cards without hassle.
- One bill. Not 50 separate ones.
π What documents to bring
- Company trade license copy
- A stamped letter from the company with contact info
- TCN (Traffic Code Number)
- An Excel sheet with employee names or vehicle details
How to set it up
Gather your documents
Collect all the documents listed above. Make sure the company letter is on official letterhead and stamped.
Contact ITC
Call 800 850 and ask to speak with someone about corporate Hafilat cards. They will explain the pricing options and may schedule an appointment.
Visit a Customer Happiness Center (optional)
If you prefer in-person, walk into any Customer Happiness Center at a major bus station with your company papers. Ask for the corporate services desk.
Submit your application
Provide your documents to the ITC representative. They will review everything and check your company’s eligibility.
Receive a quote
The ITC will provide a pricing quote based on: number of employees, type of travel (city, intercity, or both), duration of passes needed.
Sign the agreement
Once you agree to the pricing, sign the service agreement. This will outline the number of cards, validity period, and billing terms.
Receive your cards
The ITC will issue the corporate Hafilat cards. Delivery time varies based on the number of cards ordered.
Manage your account
After setup, you can manage all employee cards through a single online account. Add or remove employees, track usage, and receive one monthly bill.
All Hafilat Card Types at a Glance
Here’s how all the cards compare side by side.
| Card Type | Cost | Min. Balance | Replacement Cost | Validity | Documents | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anonymous | AED 10 | AED 2 (city) / AED 4 (airport) | AED 10 | 16 years | None | Tourists |
| Personalized | Free | AED 2 (city) / AED 4 (airport) | AED 10 | 16 years | Emirates ID, photo, visa | Residents |
| Student | AED 5 | AED 2 (city) / AED 4 (airport) | AED 5 | 5 years | Emirates ID, student ID, letter | Students |
| Senior | Free | AED 2 (city) / AED 4 (airport) | Free | 1 year | Emirates ID (55+), visa, lease | Seniors |
| POD | Free | AED 2 (city) / AED 4 (airport) | Free | 1 year | Emirates ID, medical certificate | POD |
| Temporary | Free | N/A | Cannot replace | 30 days | None | Tourists |
| Corporate | Varies | Varies | Varies | Custom | Trade license | Companies |
What is a Nol Card?
A Nol card is what people use to pay for public transport in Dubai. Think of it as the Dubai version of Hafilat. It works on the metro, buses, trams, water buses, and even taxis. You can also use it to pay for parking in some areas.
The word “Nol” comes from Arabic and basically means “fare” or “payment.”
Hafilat Card vs. Nol Card: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Hafilat (Abu Dhabi) | Nol (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | Abu Dhabi buses only | Dubai metro, buses, tram, taxis, ferry |
| Can you use it in the other city? | No | No |
| Intercity buses | Yes (Abu Dhabi to Dubai) | Yes (Dubai to Abu Dhabi) |
| Anonymous card cost | AED 10 | AED 25 |
| Card validity | Up to 16 years | 5 years |
| Weekly pass | AED 35 | Limited |
| Monthly pass | AED 95 | Yes (via app) |
| Senior travel | Free | Reduced fare (not free) |
Bottom line: Get Hafilat for Abu Dhabi. Get Nol for Dubai. For intercity buses between the cities, both work.
Can I Use Nol Card In Abu Dhabi?
No. Nol cards do not work on Abu Dhabi buses. And Hafilat cards do not work on Dubai metro or buses.
If you travel between both cities regularly, you need both cards. The only exception is intercity buses that run between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. On those specific buses, both cards work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of Hafilat cards?
Seven types: Anonymous, Personalized, Student, Senior, People of Determination, Temporary (CST), and Corporate.
How much does a Hafilat card cost?
Anonymous: AED 10; Personalized: Free; Student: AED 5; Senior: Free; POD: Free; Temporary: Free; Corporate: Varies.
How long does a Hafilat card last?
Anonymous: 16 years; Personalized: 16 years; Student: 5 years; Senior: 1 year (renewable); POD: 1 year (renewable); Temporary: 30 days.
Can tourists get a Hafilat card?
Yes. Get a temporary card (CST) from any ticket vending machine or at the airport. Free. Valid for 30 days. No ID needed.
What’s the difference between an anonymous and a personalized card?
Anonymous: No ID needed. Buy and use right away. If lost, balance is gone. Personalized: Linked to Emirates ID. Balance can be recovered if lost. Online account access.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Minimum age is 5 years old for all card types.
Can I apply for a student card online?
You can pre-register online, but you must visit a Customer Happiness Center to collect the physical card. Bring your documents. Some document verifications can also be done through the TAMM platform, Abu Dhabi’s unified government services portal.
Conclusion
Picking the right Hafilat card comes down to who you are and how often you ride.
- Tourists or short-term visitors? Grab a temporary card (CST) or an anonymous card.
- Live in Abu Dhabi and ride daily? Get a Personalized Card. Free. Balance protection.
- A student? A student card costs AED 5. Add the AED 500 annual pass.
- Age 55 or older? The Senior Citizen Card is free. Free annual pass.
- Need extra support? The People of Determination Card is free. Companion rides free.
- Running a company? Corporate Cards let you manage employee travel.
In Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and across the UAE, the Hafilat system makes bus travel simple. No cash. No coins. Just tap and go.