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Discover what makes Expo 2020 Dubai unique and how RTA took up a leading role as an important partner in organizing this global event and in preparation for Expo 2020 exhibition. The Roads and Transport Authority went through an integrated plan for the implementation of as many as 16 mega projects, all to facilitate the people getting to the Expo 2020.
Countdown to Expo 2020
RTA has laid out a comprehensive transportation plan to serve visitors of Expo 2020 from all around the UAE.
RTA's integrated public transport services ensure a seamless journey to Expo 2020 – no matter what mode of transport you choose.
RTA strives to make you happy. It aims to support Dubai's transformation into a smart city and foster its strategic goals. To achieve that, RTA provides a fast and easy access to its services via smart applications designed to meet your needs.
Buy your Expo 2020 Tickets nowEnjoy Dubai’s seamless public transport system and travel to Expo 2020 on the Expo Rider bus or Dubai Metro. Pay with the all-access nol card on public transport and save time by planning your journey across Dubai and the Expo 2020 using the S'hail app.
RTA has laid out a comprehensive transportation plan to serve visitors of Expo 2020 from around the United Arab Emirates. Whether you're traveling via Metro, bus, taxi or car, the journey to Expo 2020 is as seamless as it can be.
Expo 2020 site is easily accessible from all major roads of Dubai. You just need to follow the signs for any of the below designated parking zones:
Before reaching the expo site you can check through the number of available public parking via RTA Dubai App.
*Parking is free of charge.
Entry time:
08:30 am to 01:30 am Saturday to Wednesday
08:30 am to 02:30 am Thursday to Friday and special days
Standard car park shuttles will operate from each of the four car parks ensuring that you don't need to walk more from your vehicle to the gate.
Car park colours will correspond to the gate:
Below is the list of useful services and information, which visitors may need while using the car:
The below three parking zones have been dedicated for the people of determination at Expo 2020.
Note: A valid United Arab Emirates people of determination parking permit will be required. International visitors need to Apply for a Tourist Parking Permit for People of Determination.
Deployment of 126 public buses “Expo Rider”, is announced, to serve Expo 2020 Dubai visitors for free from 9 locations across Dubai. Additionally, two routes will be launched to lift Expo visitors from hotels directly to the site of Expo.
From within Dubai:
A plan for 11 Expo Rider Dubai Routes, 8 intercity, 9 Parking Shuttle routes and 1 People mover routes has been incorporated in the system.
From Abu Dhabi and Al Ain:
The plan specified 4 stations in Abu Dhabi for transporting Expo 2020 visitors:
The service frequency at the four locations is every 20 minutes.
From Sharjah:
RTA has specified 2 locations for transporting Expo 2020 visitors from Sharjah.
From Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman:
RTA has identified one location to transport Expo 2020 visitors from Ras Al Khaimah, which will be Ras Al Khaimah Bus Station. Similarly, visitors from Ajman will be served from Ajman Bus Station. The RTA will deploy 7 buses to serve both locations and the service will start from Ras Al Khaimah and head to Expo via Ajman. The RTA will run 17 daily trips in both directions from Saturday to Wednesday, and 18 daily trips in both directions on Thursday and Friday. The service frequency at both locations is every 60 minutes
Fujairah:
RTA will deploy 4 buses to serve Expo 2020 visitors from Fujairah, which will be nearby City Centre Fujairah. RTA will run 9 daily trips in both directions from Saturday to Wednesday, and 10 daily trips in both directions on Thursday and Friday. The service frequency at this location will be every 2 hours.
From Umm Al Quwain:
RTA has deployed 2 buses, taking visitors to Expo 2020 Opportunity Rider Gate from Umm Al Quwain (near Mohammed Bin Rashid Wedding Hall), via Ajman Rider Bus Station. The bus schedule comprises of 5 trips in both directions, every day. The service frequency at this location is every 2.5 hours.
Below is the list of useful services and information, which visitors may need while using the Dubai Bus network:
Payment method: RTA nol card
Note: The bus service is free for the Expo Bus Rider and Direct Expo Routes. The nol card is required only for Metro and the regular bus network.
Dubai metro is the most convenient and fastest way to reach to the Expo 2020. Through the Dubai Metro Red Line, you can easily get from anywhere in Dubai to the entrance of Expo 2020.
The first trains arrive at Expo 2020 approximately 06:15am from Saturday to Thursday, and 09:15am on Fridays. The last trains depart Expo 2020 station at 12:00 (midnight) from Saturday to Wednesday, and 01:00 (after midnight) on Thursday and Friday. Convenient park and ride facilities are also available at select Metro stations.
Sunday to Wednesday
05:00 AM - 01:15 AM (Next day)
Thursday
05:00 AM - 02:15 AM (Next day)
Friday
08:00 AM - 02:15 AM (Next day)
Saturday
05:00 AM - 01:15 AM (Next day)
Below is the list of useful services and information, which visitors may need while using the Dubai Metro:
Payment method: RTA nol card
You can easily book a Taxi to get to the Expo 2020 via our S'hail or RTA Dubai mobile application. Alternatively, you can book a Hala Taxi via Careem App. There will be a starting flat fee of AED 20 for rides originating from the Expo site.
The customer can pay in cash, credit cards, nol card or through Careem application or Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
Below is the list of useful services and information, which visitors may need while using the Taxi:
Dubai Government has announced a unified directory of safety and etiquette signage in public transport and other public spaces aimed at raising awareness about essential health and safety procedures to combat the outbreak of COVID-19.
The below signage directory is aligned with the highest global practices in indicative icons.
Red indicates mandatory compliance to avoid violations and penalties:
Yellow cautions against certain conducts and practices:
Select below to filter questions
Are multiple pickups and drop-offs allowed?
The passenger has the right to take whoever he wants during the trip and from the place he desires, with one fare, and it is prohibited to restart the counter.
Can 2 customers with 2 different drop off destinations or locations share the same taxi?
If the 2 customers are friends or family, they can use the vehicle for more than one location, with one fare.
Can I plan my trip?
Yes you can plan your trip by visiting RTA website, S'hail, or with Mahboub.
Can I use the nol Gold Card on all transport Means?
Yes. The Gold Card can be used on all public transport means. It can also be used to pay for RTA paid parking at a parking machine.
Can holders of anonymous nol cards apply for refund through RTA website?
Anonymous card holders cannot apply for refund through online channels. Customers should personalise their cards to use the online channels.
Note: Customers cannot personalise their anonymous card in case it was lost, stolen, faulty or damaged; as the personalisation won't be activated.
Can the customer drive the hourly vehicle rental outside Dubai?
No, this service is available only within the emirate of Dubai.
Can the customer exchange his driving licence in Dubai if he has a visa from other emirates and a tenancy agreement in Dubai?
The customer can exchange his driving licence even if his visa is from other emirates . He must be living and working in Dubai and the company must have a branch in Dubai.
Can the customer exchange the driving licence issued from the exempted countries if he holds a residence from other emirates with personal sponsorship?
The licence can be exchanged from the emirate where the residence was issued.
Can the customer refund the remaining balance in case of a lost nol card?
In case of a lost or stolen card, the customer should apply for a refund through the application channels. Please check the link to review Refund Terms and conditions
Do tourists need to Purchase a Salik tag?
If you’re visiting from another country with your own vehicle then you must purchase a Salik tag.
How can I purchase a nol Gold Card and what is the cost?
You can purchase the card from the Metro ticket offices.
nol Gold Card Price is AED 25 including AED 19 card balance.
How can the customer cancel a lost nol card?
The customer can cancel the card through the website. The customer must provide the card number and its PIN code that he received by SMS when receiving the approval.
The customer can also cancel the card through the IVR system by contacting the call centre on 8009090.
How do I activate my Salik tag?
You should activate your tag through one of the channels below: Smart Salik mobile Application Salik website: www.salik.rta.ae Or call our 24-hr Salik self-service on 800 Salik (72545) then: Choose the language: 1 for Arabic or 2 for English Press 4 for Activation and follow the instructions
How do I recharge my Salik account?
There are multiple channels to recharge your account:
If you have a recharge card or e-voucher you can recharge your account through 24-hr Self Service Contact Centre on 800 Salik (72545), SMS, Smart Salik App and Salik website.
Auto top ups through banks.
You can recharge using your credit card through Smart Salik app or Salik website. You can use Kiosk machines and CDM (EmiratesNBD and DIB banks) to recharge by cash.
How is the balance activated after the nol card is topped up?
Through website or mobile application
The customer settles the top-up fees by credit card or debit card.
The customer waits 45 minutes to 4 hours.
The customer should use the card at any entrance gate at the metro stations or can insert the card at any online parking machine for a few seconds and then remove it.
Through Solar-Powered nol Top Up Machines
The customer should place the card on the card reader to be updated.
Through TOM offices or Banks
The customer presents the card.
The customer settles the top-up fees and the service fees, if any, by credit card or through one of the banks below:
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Emirates NBD
The balance is topped up instantly.
Through nol Pay application
The customer settles the top-up fees by credit or debit card.
The balance is topped up instantly.
How long will it take to receive the Salik tag ordered online?
You should receive your Salik tag within five (5) working days after receiving a SMS confirmation of the successful payment.
I live in Abu Dhabi; how do I get to the Expo 2020 site?
There are 4 stations in Abu Dhabi for Expo 2020 visitors:
• The first is at Abu Dhabi International Airport
• The second is Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station.
• The third is the Marina Mall Station.
• The fourth is Al Ain Bus Station
If the customer is from GCC countries and has a driving licence, does he need to exchange it or can he use it to drive in Dubai?
A GCC national is allowed to drive with his own driving licence as long as he is on a visit trip but if he is working and living in the UAE, then he must exchange the driving licence.
If the customer is on a visit visa and has an expired Dubai driving licence, can he renew the driving licence?
No, the customer must have a valid Emirates ID card.
If the customer is on a visit visa with a driving licence from GCC countries, but his nationality is not from GCC countries nor from the exception countries, can he drive in Dubai or does he need an international licence? What are the vehicles that he can drive using his GCC licence?
The customer can drive light vehicles and motorcycles if he has a driving licence from the exception or GCC countries if he is on a visit visa.
If the customer submits the photo to the optician and does the renewal online, which photo will appear on the new driving licence?
As per the policy, only the Emirates ID photo will be used. However, if the said photo was not extracted for a certain reason, the customer can use a photo from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, a picture from the camera or can even scan any other photo.
If the driving licence is issued in Dubai and the visa is from another emirate, can the customer renew the driving licence online?
Yes, the customer can renew the licence online after making sure that all the details of the traffic file are updated on the traffic system according to the new residence visa.
Is it easy for people of determination to use the metro to reach expo 2020
All metro stations and trains are equipped with the following accessibility features:
• For visually-impaired: All metro stations have tactile paving for smooth access.
• Wheelchair access: All metro stations have wheelchair access either through step free pathways or lifts.
The customer has a UK driving licence (exception countries) and he is on a visit visa, can he drive a vehicle registered under KSA plate number in the UAE?
The customer cannot drive even if he is holding a UK driving licence and a UK passport. He can only drive it in the UAE in case he crosses the border while driving it.
The customer is a USA national with an investment visa, and a US driving licence, and he comes in and out of the country. Does he have to exchange his driving licence in Dubai or he can use his US licence in Dubai?
No, the customer is not allowed to drive with the US driving licence.
What are the acceptable payment methods for Transport Using Taxi Vehicles service?
The customer can pay in cash, credit cards, nol card or through Careem application or Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
What are the features of nol Silver Card?
nol Silver Card is a smart card with a balance that can be loaded up to AED 1000 for non-registered users and AED 5000 after registration in the system. The card can be purchased instantly from any ticket office or a number of ticket vending machines for only AED 25 including AED 19 card balance.
What are the features of nol cards?
The features of nol cards are:
• Easy to get.
• Easy to use and top up.
• The customer can use it for Dubai metro, public buses, Dubai water bus and RTA paid parking.
• Automatically calculates the cost of the trip and deducts it from the customer’s e-wallet.
• Low fare and easy transport through the different means of transportation.
What are the features of the identified Personal nol Card?
nol Personal Card is a personalised smart card with a balance that can be loaded with up to 5,000 AED. It can be used on all modes of transport, some retail shops, and to access museums and public gardens, etc.
It has a secure card balance in case of loss or theft, and a variety of secure and personalised online services. Customers receive SMS and email notifications to keep them posted on their daily transactions.
With this new card the people of determination can move freely in Dubai using buses and metro, and social affairs beneficiaries, students of all nationalities and Senior Emiratis can use public transport at half price.
What are the types of parking permits?
There are 6 types of parking permits:
1. Permit for people of determination: this permit does not require a medical report if the customer has a special needs card
2. Temporary permit
3. Permit for senior emiratis: this permit does not require a medical report
4. Permit for people with special medical cases: this permit is specialised for people who periodically visit a hospital. The customer must wait 5 days to receive the approval of the medical committee on the presented medical report. The customer must also have a registered vehicle in Dubai, or a proof of residence or work
5. Special permits for schools, companies and taxis (people of determination): there is no need for a medical report
6. Special permit for tourists valid for 3 months: the customer must present the special needs card issued in the country of origin in Arabic and English or must present a medical report.
Note: Customers can apply to receive a lost or damaged permit for all types. All permits can be renewed except that of the tourists.
What happens after the customer requests to cancel a personal silver or gold card?
The card will be added to the blacklist and will be cancelled upon the customer's request.
What happens if I don’t have a Salik tag and I drive through a Salik toll gate?
If you drive through a Salik toll gate without a Salik tag on your vehicle, you have a grace period of 10 working days from the date and time of your firsttrip to purchase and install a Salik tag on your vehicle (or add the new tag to your existing Salik account, if you have already bought one). Failure to do that, violations will be imposed as follows:
• AED 100 for the first trip you drive through Salik toll gates (after the 10 working days grace period)
• AED 200 for the second trip (after the 10 working days grace period)
• AED 400 for each subsequent trip (after the10 working days grace period)
• All the above mentioned violations are limited to one violation per day
What happens if the customer exceeded the allowed time while he was still on the bus?
He will be subject to a fine of 200 AED, excluding fees, if a valid message is not shown during inspection.
What if the customer already has a handbook?
The customer must purchase a copy of the handbook to make sure that everyone has his own updated copy.
What is a nol Gold Card, and what is the difference between it and other nol Cards?
nol Gold Card is an anonymous card with the same features as the Silver Card, but it gives you the privileged access to the Metro’s Gold Class seats for premium charges.
What is the fastest way to get to expo 2020?
Dubai metro is the most convenient and fastest way to reach to the Expo 2020. Through the Dubai Metro Red Line, you can easily get from anywhere in Dubai to the entrance of Expo 2020.
What is the procedure if the customer has a driving licence from Dubai and he has exchanged it for a GCC licence? If the customer wants to come back to Dubai on a residence visa, how can he get the Dubai licence back?
For any nationality, if the original driving licence was issued in Dubai, the customer can have it back by presenting his valid Emirates ID.
What is the procedure if the customer has dual passport and he wants to convert his driving licence to a Dubai driving licence but the visa is stamped on the passport which is not from the exception countries?
The customer cannot replace it, and he should refer to the driving institutes to open a training file.
What is the procedure if the customer loses his belongings in the bus or finds someone else belongings?
For lost and found items, the customer must provide the details of the item as well as the details of the trip and a contact number when presenting a request to RTAs call centre. In case of finding someone else belongings, the customer must give them to the customer service centre or to the driver.
What payment method shall I use to pay for the transportation?
You need to have an RTA nol card for the bus and metro trips.
What’s the procedure if the customer wants to activate the registered personal nol card if it is not working?
The customer should be guided to the nearest TOM (Ticket Office Machine) in order to activate the card. If the card is not working, the customer can swipe it at any metro gate to activate it.
When does the first metro train reaches and last metro train departs the Expo Station?
Metro timings are as per below:
Arrivals to the Expo station:
06:15 am Saturday to Thursday
09:15 am on Friday
Last departures from Expo Station:
12:00 am (Mid night) Saturday to Wednesday
01:00 am Thursday to Friday
Where and how to use nol cards?
Transportation Usage:
Metro: nol cards should be tapped on the card reader at the metro gates before going in and out of the station.
Tram: nol cards should be tapped on the card reader machine prior to boarding and after getting-off the train.
Bus: nol cards must be tapped on the bus validator before boarding and alighting the bus.
Parking: nol cards must be inserted in RTA parking meter machines to pay and get a ticket. Virtual nol cards cannot be used on parking meter machines.
Non-Transport Usage:
Parks and Museums: nol card must be tapped on the card reader machine located at the entrance gates.
Micro-Payment: nol cards can be used as a payment method at the authorised sales agents by tapping the card on the card reader.
Where can I top-up a Silver Card?
The Silver nol Card can be topped-up at ticket offices, ticketing vending machines, and authorized sales agents.
Where can the customer purchase driving licence the handbook?
The handbook is available at all RTA outlets, and expected to be available at other outlets. The customer can also purchase it through the SDDI system. An application to purchase 1 book only may be filled online. There is a handbook for each level of the licence (5 available handbooks). They are issued in Arabic, English and Urdu.
Which franchise companies are in charge of hourly vehicle rental?
There are 2 companies for this service, Udrive and Ekar.
Will I pay Gold Class premium fares even if there were no available seats in the Gold Class Metro cars?
Yes, if you use your Gold Card on Metro or Tram, you will always be charged the Gold Class premium fare, even if there were no seats available in the designated Gold Class car. But if you use it on Bus or any other transport means like taxis, that don't offer a Gold Class service, you will be charged the regular fare.
Where can I park my car?
You can use the free public parking spots. You just need to follow the signs for one of the four designated parking zones.
Is purchasing the handbook compulsory with overseas licence transfer?
Yes, all clients who transfer their overseas licence to a Dubai licence must purchase a copy of the Light Vehicle handbook. The handbook purchase is automatically calculated by e-Traffic and added to the payment receipt.
Important events of Expo 2020 Dubai UAE videos are listed here
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