Public transportation across the Middle East is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, with cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha leading the shift toward contactless and open-loop fare collection systems. Traditional methods of cash payments and ticket machines are being replaced by seamless tap-and-go experiences using smartphones and digital wallets. This transition is part of a broader push to modernize urban mobility and enhance commuter convenience. According to HID’s Mass Transit Ticketing Hardware Report 2025, 43% of global transit agencies plan to implement contactless ticketing within five years, with 88% aiming to do so in just two, highlighting a significant global momentum. In the Middle East, these advancements are being integrated into wider smart city strategies, positioning transit networks at the forefront of technological innovation.

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