Abu Dhabi ITC Joins Hands with Lulu Group to Ease Hafilat Card Access
May 3, 2026 12:05 pm
In a significant move to enhance public convenience and promote sustainable commuting, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of Abu Dhabi has officially partnered with Lulu Group International. This strategic collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to make Hafilat smart cards more accessible to bus users across the Emirate.
Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
The MoU was signed by Mohammed Hamad Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Public Transport Sector at ITC, and Abu Baker T.P., Regional Director of Lulu Group. This partnership underscores the commitment of the Abu Dhabi government to work alongside the private sector to upgrade public service standards.
According to Al Muhairi, this cooperation is a vital step in meeting public demand and encouraging the use of the extensive bus network available in Abu Dhabi.
Key Details: Price and Availability
Starting from Wednesday, July 3, 2019, residents and visitors can purchase Hafilat cards at all Lulu Hypermarkets and stores located in:
- Abu Dhabi City
- Al Ain
- Al Dhafra Region
Cost Breakdown: The cards are available for a total of AED 40. This includes a one-time card fee of AED 10 and an immediate starting balance of AED 30, allowing users to start commuting right away.
How the Hafilat Smart Card Works
Hafilat cards are designed to provide a seamless “tap-and-go” experience.
- Payment: Users must swipe their card upon boarding and descending from the bus. The fare is automatically deducted based on the distance traveled.
- Balance Limit: For security and convenience, the cards can be topped up to a maximum balance of AED 150.
Easy Recharge Options
To ensure that commuters never run out of balance, the ITC offers multiple recharge channels:
- Online Portals: Users can top up via the Department of Transport’s official website or the Darb platform (hafilat.darb.ae).
- Physical Locations: Recharge is available at ticket sale offices, ticket vending machines (TVMs), and Swift reloader machines located at bus stations, shelters, and major shopping malls.
- On-Board: For those traveling between cities, recharge facilities are also available on intercity buses.
Why This Matters for Commuters
By bringing Hafilat cards to Lulu Group’s vast retail network, the ITC has effectively integrated public transport services into the daily shopping routine of thousands of residents. This move is expected to significantly reduce the time spent searching for vending machines and make public transport a more attractive option for everyone in the UAE capital.
