If you regularly use public buses in Abu Dhabi, having a Hafilat card makes travelling easier and more convenient. The Hafilat Smart Card is an electronic payment card that lets passengers pay bus fares without carrying cash. However, not everyone needs the same type of card. Abu Dhabi offers different Hafilat card options to accommodate residents, visitors, students, senior citizens, and People of Determination.
Understanding the types of Hafilat cards helps you choose the right option for your travel needs. Some cards are available without registration, while others provide additional benefits, including balance transfer facilities and access to subsidized transport permits.
What Is a Hafilat Card?
The ‘Hafilat’ card is a contactless smart card used to pay for public bus fares across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi—including Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
Passengers tap their card on an electronic reader when boarding and alighting from the bus. The system automatically calculates the fare based on the distance traveled and deducts the corresponding amount from the card’s balance.
Hafilat cards are managed by Abu Dhabi Mobility and are designed to make public transport payments faster and more convenient. Passengers can add funds to their cards, purchase eligible public transport passes, and check their remaining balance before traveling.
Types of Hafilat Card in Abu Dhabi
There are two main types of Hafilat Smart Cards available through the official Hafilat system:
- Anonymous Hafilat Card
- Personalized Hafilat Card
Both cards allow passengers to pay bus fares electronically. However, they differ in registration requirements, personal identification, and the additional services available to cardholders.
1. Anonymous Hafilat Card
‘Anonymous’ Hafilat cards are a convenient option for passengers who wish to travel on Abu Dhabi’s public buses without registering their personal details.
No Emirates ID or other identification document is required to purchase one. For this reason, they are well-suited for tourists, visitors, occasional travelers, and residents who prefer a simple method for paying their travel fares.
Key Features of the Anonymous Hafilat Card:
- Price: AED 10
- Validity: 16 years
- No registration requirements
- No personal identification required for purchase
- Supports balance top-ups
- Supports eligible 7-day and 30-day public transport passes
- Can be purchased from selected sales and recharge machines and authorized outlets
Important Limitation
One important disadvantage of the Anonymous Hafilat Card is that it does not normally support balance transfer if the card is lost or damaged. However, Abu Dhabi Mobility provides an option to link an anonymous card to a UAE identity card, subject to the applicable requirements.
Passengers should consider this limitation before opting for an anonymous card, especially if they regularly maintain a high balance on it.
Who Should Choose an Anonymous Card?
This card is suitable for:
- Tourists visiting Abu Dhabi
- Short-term visitors
- People who use public buses occasionally
- Passengers who do not want to register their personal information
- Anyone looking for a straightforward bus payment option
2. Personalized Hafilat Card
The Personalized Hafilat Card is designed for passengers who want additional features and access to services linked to their identity.
Unlike an anonymous card, this card is associated with the cardholder’s personal information. It also provides access to special transport benefits for eligible groups, including students, senior citizens, and People of Determination.
Key Features of the Personalized Hafilat Card:
- Price: Free
- Validity: 16 years
- Linked to the cardholder’s identity
- Supports balance top-ups
- Supports 7-day and 30-day public transport passes
- Allows eligible subsidized annual permits
- Supports balance and pass transfer to a replacement personalized card in case of loss or damage
Required Documents
To obtain a Personalized Hafilat Card, applicants generally need:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Personal photograph
- Passport and visa details for visitors, where applicable
A photograph can also be taken at designated Customer Happiness Offices.
Who Should Choose a Personalized Card?
This option is suitable for:
- Regular bus passengers
- Residents of Abu Dhabi
- Eligible students
- Senior citizens
- People of Determination
- Passengers who want balanced protection through the transfer facility
Special Hafilat Card Benefits for Students, Senior Citizens, and People of Determination
Although Anonymous and Personalized are the two main card categories, Abu Dhabi Mobility also provides special annual permits for eligible passengers.
These permits are added to a Personalized Hafilat Card and provide additional transport benefits.
1. Student Hafilat Permit
The Student Permit is designed for eligible students who regularly travel using public buses in Abu Dhabi.
It provides unlimited free trips within the covered city and suburban bus network in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
Student Permit Details:
- Annual permit price: AED 500
- Validity: 1 year
- Unlimited eligible city and suburban bus trips
- Available exclusively with a Personalized Hafilat Card
Requirements:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Recent personal photograph
- Valid document proving student status
Students must provide the required documents when applying for the permit. The permit can be renewed by submitting the necessary documents before its expiry.
2. Senior Citizen Hafilat Permit
Abu Dhabi provides special public transport benefits for eligible senior citizens aged 55 and above.
The Senior Permit allows eligible residents and citizens to travel on covered city and suburban bus services without paying regular fares during the permit’s validity period.
Senior Permit Details:
- Price: Free
- Eligibility: 55 years and above
- Validity: 1 year
- Unlimited eligible city and suburban bus trips
- Available with a Personalized Hafilat Card
Requirements:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Personal photograph
Eligible passengers can apply through designated Customer Happiness Offices.
3. People of Determination Hafilat Permit
People of Determination can also receive special transportation benefits through the Personalized Hafilat Card.
This permit is designed to make public transportation more accessible and affordable for eligible passengers.
People of Determination Permit Details:
- Price: Free
- Validity: 1 year
- Unlimited eligible city and suburban bus trips
- Includes a free permit for one companion
- Available with a Personalized Hafilat Card
Requirements:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Personal photograph
- Aounak Card or relevant People of Determination identification
- Medical report for temporary cases, where applicable
The companion must also hold a Personalized Hafilat Card.
Difference Between Anonymous and Personalized Hafilat Cards
Both card types serve the same basic purpose: paying public bus fares electronically. However, their additional features make them suitable for different passengers.
| Features | Anonymous Card | Personalized Card |
| Card price | AED 10 | Free |
| Validity | 16 years | 16 years |
| Emirates ID required | No | Yes |
| Personal photograph | No | Yes |
| Balance top-up | Yes | Yes |
| 7-day pass | Yes | Yes |
| 30-day pass | Yes | Yes |
| Special annual permits | No | Yes |
| Balance transfer | Limited | Yes |
| Suitable for tourists | Yes | Yes |
The main difference is that the Personalized Card provides additional identity-linked services and access to eligible subsidized annual permits. The Anonymous Card is easier to obtain and does not require personal registration.
Hafilat Public Transport Passes
In addition to choosing between the two basic card types, travelers can also purchase public transport passes to make their regular travel more convenient.
Abu Dhabi Mobility offers the following standard public transport passes:
7-Day Public Transport Pass
- Price: AED 35
- Validity: 7 days from purchase
- Unlimited eligible local trips
- Available for Anonymous and Personalized Hafilat Card holders
30-Day Public Transport Pass
- Price: AED 95
- Validity: 30 days from purchase
- Unlimited eligible local trips
- Available for Anonymous and Personalized Hafilat Card holders
These passes cover eligible local bus journeys in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. They do not include intercity services.
Frequent travelers might consider a 30-day pass, while a 7-day option may be more suitable for occasional travelers.
Where Can You Buy Different Types of Hafilat Cards?
Passengers can purchase Hafilat cards from several authorized locations across Abu Dhabi.
Anonymous Hafilat Card Purchase Locations:
- Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)
- Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society (SPAR)
- Al Ain Cooperative Society
- Lulu Hypermarket branches
- Lulu Exchange branches
- Customer Happiness Offices at bus stations and the airport
Personalized Hafilat Card Purchase Locations:
- Customer Happiness Offices at bus stations
- Zayed International Airport Customer Happiness Office
The availability of specific services may vary by location. It is advisable to check the official Abu Dhabi Mobility website before visiting.
How to Check Your Hafilat Card Balance Online
After purchasing a ‘Hafilat’ card, it is important to keep track of your remaining balance to avoid running out of credit while traveling. In Abu Dhabi, passengers can check their ‘Hafilat’ card balance online by using the available balance-checking facility.
To check your remaining credit, you generally need your 16-digit ‘Hafilat’ card number. Enter the card number into the balance-checking tool and follow the instructions to view your available balance. For a convenient way to check your card credit, visit Hafilat Balance Check.
Checking your balance regularly is particularly useful for daily commuters, students, and travelers who frequently use Abu Dhabi’s public buses. It helps you plan your top-ups and ensures you avoid any unexpected payment-related issues when boarding the bus.
How to Choose the Right Hafilat Card?
Choosing the right Hafilat card depends on how frequently you travel and whether you qualify for additional transport benefits.
Here is a simple guide:
- For tourists: An Anonymous Hafilat Card is a convenient option because it does not require personal registration.
- For occasional passengers: An Anonymous Card is suitable if you only need a basic electronic payment method.
- For regular commuters: A Personalized Card offers additional services and balance transfer protection.
- For students: A Personalized Card is necessary to access the eligible Student Permit.
- For senior citizens: Eligible passengers aged 55 and above can apply for the free Senior Permit.
- For People of Determination: A Personalized Card provides access to the relevant annual transport permit and companion benefits.
Before applying, always check the latest eligibility requirements and permit conditions through Abu Dhabi Mobility.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different types of ‘Hafilat’ cards can help you choose the right payment method for traveling on public buses in Abu Dhabi. The ‘Anonymous Card’ is a simple and convenient option for tourists and occasional travelers, while the ‘Personalized Card’ offers access to additional services, balance transfer facilities, and special annual permits.
Before purchasing a card, consider the frequency of your travel, your eligibility for subsidized transport benefits, and whether you require the additional security of a personal account. For the latest information on cards, pricing, and eligibility requirements, always refer to the official Abu Dhabi Mobility website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of Hafilat cards are available?
There are two primary types of ‘Hafilat’ smart cards: anonymous and personalized. Through personalized cards, special annual permits are also available for eligible students, senior citizens, and People of Determination.
What is the price of an Anonymous Hafilat Card?
An Anonymous Hafilat Card costs AED 10 and has a validity of 16 years according to the current Abu Dhabi Mobility information.
Is the Personalized Hafilat Card free?
Yes. Abu Dhabi Mobility currently lists the Personalized Hafilat Card as free of charge. Applicants must provide the required identification and personal photograph.
Which Hafilat card is best for tourists?
The Anonymous Hafilat Card is generally a convenient choice for tourists because it does not require Emirates ID registration at the time of purchase.
Can I transfer my balance from an Anonymous Hafilat Card?
The facility to transfer a balance from one ‘anonymous card’ to another ‘anonymous card’ is not available. However, under official terms, it is permitted to transfer a balance to a ‘personalized card’ belonging to the same user.
Can students get free bus travel in Abu Dhabi?
Eligible students can apply for a Student Annual Permit through a Personalized Hafilat Card. The permit currently costs AED 500 and provides unlimited eligible city and suburban bus trips for one year.
Can senior citizens travel for free using Hafilat?
Eligible UAE residents and citizens aged 55 and above can apply for a free Senior Annual Permit through a Personalized Hafilat Card.
Can I use one Hafilat card for weekly and monthly passes?
Yes. Both Anonymous and Personalized Hafilat Cards support eligible 7-day and 30-day public transport passes.
Do Hafilat cards expire?
Yes. Both main card categories currently have a validity period of 16 years. However, transport passes and special annual permits have their own separate validity periods.
