Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced the New Dubai Student Card, which combines student identification, public transport access, and international discounts. Announced on 11 November 2026, this initiative aims to enhance student mobility and simplify access to educational institutions in the emirate.
New Card Offers Transport Discounts and Benefits
The New Dubai Student Card allows students to use one card for campus identification, access to RTA public transport services, and internationally recognized student status. The card provides eligible students with fare discounts of up to 50 percent on public transport journeys within Dubai, helping them manage commuting costs between campuses and other locations.
In addition to transport benefits, the card offers access to student discounts and promotional offers across the UAE, extending to shopping, dining, and entertainment. The RTA aims to encourage increased public transport use among students, aligning with its broader goals of enhancing accessibility and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
Collaboration with Educational Institutions and International Bodies
The RTA developed the card in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), TECOM Group’s Dubai International Academic City, and the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC). This partnership allows cardholders to benefit from over 150,000 offers across more than 130 countries, making the card valuable for students traveling abroad.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technology Services Sector, emphasized the card’s role in integrating identification, mobility, and international benefits, making daily student journeys more convenient. Matthew East, CEO of GTS ALIVE Group, which represents the ISIC Association, noted the importance of connecting students with global opportunities through this initiative.
The phased rollout of the New Dubai Student Card will see educational institutions across Dubai invited to participate via an official registration platform. This project supports Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy, which aims to create a future-ready education ecosystem. Dr. Saeed Mubarak Kharbash, CEO of Policies, Research and Programmes at KHDA, stated that the initiative connects education, mobility, and opportunities into a single service.
As the rollout progresses, participating institutions will play a crucial role in expanding the card’s reach within Dubai’s education community, further enhancing the emirate’s appeal to international students and contributing to the development of its education sector.
Filed under
