Hafilat Card Guide 2025: Recharge, Use & Benefits Abu Dhabi

Hafilat, with the Arabic meaning “buses,” hence the name Hafilat Card, suggests it is to be used when traveling with a bus in Abu Dhabi. Just like other emirates, Abu Dhabi has decided to discontinue paying for a ride in cash or with a bank card, but the riders will now have the option to purchase a Hafilat Card that is to be tapped before every boarding and exiting a bus. 

What is the Hafilat Card?

Introduced by the DMT (Department of Municipalities and Transport) in Abu Dhabi, the Hafilat Card is a rechargeable smart card that serves as a digital wallet for public bus fares, enabling cashless transactions and improving efficiency in the transportation network.   

What types of Hafilat Cards are available?

The riders will have the option to purchase two types of Hafilat cards: 

Personalized:

This type of Hafilat card is free of charge and allows users to top up the balance when needed. Personalized Hafilat card offers subsidized rates for the following categories: 

• Seniors
• People of determination
• Students

The requirements to obtain a personalized Hafilat card are as follows: 

• Valid Emirates ID or Passport and visa copy for visitors
• Personal photo
• Copy of web application (if available) and a payment receipt

Hafilat Anonymous Card:

This card will cost you 10 AED and has a validity of 16 years. Not being a personal card means you won’t be able to transfer your balance in case of damage or loss unless your card is linked to your Emirates ID. 

The anonymous card does not have any pre-requirements to fulfill besides the online application (if you have made an online request) along with the payment receipt. 

Where to buy a Hafilat Card? 

Regardless of the type of Hafilat card you are looking for, they are very easy to obtain. However, there are some slight differences in the locations since the Anonymous card is available in several more places compared to the Personalized Hafilat card. 

Where to buy an Anonymous Hafilat card: 

To buy an Anonymous Hafilat card, you may visit: 

• Any sales or recharge machine (for a list of locations, visit DARB website)

Partner offices, including: 

• SPAR (Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society)
• Al Ain Cooperative Society
• Any branch of LuLu Hypermarket and LuLu Exchange in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra
• Customer Happiness Offices at the bus stations and the Airport
• The official website

Where to buy a Personal Hafilat card:

To buy a Personalized Hafilat card, you may visit: 

• Customer Happiness Offices at bus stations
• Zayed International Airport Office
• The official website

How to Recharge Your Hafilat Card? 

There are many convenient options to recharge your Hafilat card. 

Here are the following ways and locations for recharging: 

• Sales and recharge machines, which are available at bus stations and bus stops (balance reflects immediately)
• Recharge machines, available at bus stations, bus stops, and shopping centers (balance reflects immediately)
• Customer Happiness Center, available at bus stations (balance reflects immediately)
• MBME Recharge machines, available at commercial buildings and centers (balance reflects after two hours)
• DARB website (balance reflects after two hours)
• Via DARB mobile app

The maximum amount that can be recharged at once is 150 AED, and the validity period lasts 3 months from the day the card has been recharged. 

Once recharged, you will need to activate the balance by either using the card for travel or tapping the card on the sales and recharge machine. 

The minimum balance to maintain on a Hafilat card is 10 AED. 

How to Use the Hafilat Card for Travel? 

Just like any other transportation card, the Hafilat card is used when entering and leaving the bus. Follow these steps to ensure the correct usage of your transportation card: 

• Ensure the validity before boarding the bus
• Ensure enough balance for at least one trip
• Tap the card on the card reader when entering and leaving the bus
• Check the remaining balance after disembarking

Hafilat Card Zones and Fares

The table below summarizes information about Hafilat card zones and according fares: 

How to Check Hafilat Card Balance? 

You have the option to check your Hafilat card balance online and through the ticket machines. 

The steps for checking the balance online are simple and easy: 

• Visit the DARB website
• Click on the “Recharge Card” option
• Enter the card’s serial number and press “Ok”
• The new screen will open, showing the remaining balance

You may also use your DARB mobile app to conveniently check your balance, access history and recharge the account. 

For the machines, a simple tap into a vending ticket machine will display your current balance and provide options to recharge on the spot. 

What are the Benefits of a Personalized Hafilat Card?

Personalized Hafilat card offers better benefits compared to the Anonymous card, such as: 

• Card replacement: In case of loss or damage to the card, for a 5 AED fee, you will receive a card replacement, which will allow you to continue usage. 
• Balance Transfer: You may easily transfer the card balance and public transport passes to a new Personalized Hafilat card at no additional charge. 

Conclusion

There are many advantages to having and using a Hafilat card when in Abu Dhabi, either visiting or residing. It is a convenient and cost-effective solution for public transport needs, which allows users to travel with ease. The card is intended for many categories of the public, with the Personalized Hafilat card option providing slightly more benefits compared to the Anonymous one. 

If you use public transport methods to get around the city or are visiting Abu Dhabi and wish to move with ease, a Hafilat card is your best option. Visit the nearest Customer Service Office or DARB website to get yours today.