Hello Readers, Navigating Abu Dhabi’s public transport system is a breeze with the Hafilat Card, a smart card that makes paying for bus fares quick and cashless. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional traveler, keeping your Hafilat Card topped up and checking its balance is key to avoiding travel disruptions. In 2025, Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) offers multiple ways to check your Hafilat Card balance and recharge it, from online platforms to offline methods. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each option, share tips to make the process smooth, and help you stay on the move. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Hafilat Card?
The Hafilat Card is a rechargeable smart card introduced by the ITC in Abu Dhabi to simplify public transport payments. The word “Hafilat” means “buses” in Arabic, reflecting its primary use for bus fares across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. It’s available for regular commuters, students, seniors, and tourists, with special discounted cards for eligible groups. Checking your balance and recharging regularly ensures uninterrupted travel.
Why Check and Recharge Your Hafilat Card?
Monitoring your Hafilat Card balance prevents unexpected low funds, which could lead to fines or denied boarding. Recharging your card keeps it ready for use, whether you’re catching a bus to work or exploring the city. With options like online portals, mobile apps, and ticket vending machines, managing your card in 2025 is easier than ever. Below, I’ll explain the best methods to check your balance and top up your card.
How to Check Hafilat Card Balance
There are several ways to check your Hafilat Card balance, both online and offline. Here’s a breakdown of the most reliable methods in 2025.
1. Hafilat Website
The official Hafilat website offers a quick way to check your balance online.
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Visit the Website: Go to hafilat.darb.ae.
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Find Balance Inquiry: Navigate to the “Balance Check” or “Card Services” section.
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Enter Card Number: Input the 10-digit number on the back of your Hafilat Card.
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Click Submit: Press the “Check Balance” button to view your current balance and recent transactions.
Why Use the Website?
It’s secure, accessible from any device, and shows detailed transaction history.
2. Darb Mobile App
The Darb app, developed by the ITC, is a mobile-friendly option for balance checks.
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Download the App: Get it from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
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Log In or Register: Use your Hafilat Card details or create an account.
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Check Balance: Go to the “Hafilat Card” section to view your balance instantly.
Why Use the App?
It’s perfect for on-the-go checks and offers additional features like route planning.
3. SMS Balance Check
You can check your balance via SMS for quick updates without internet.
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Open Your Messaging App: Use any phone with an Etisalat, du, or Virgin Mobile SIM.
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Send SMS: Text your 10-digit Hafilat Card number to the ITC’s designated number (check hafilat.darb.ae for the latest number).
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Receive Balance: You’ll get an SMS with your current balance.
Why Use SMS?
It’s fast and works without internet, ideal for areas with poor connectivity.
4. Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)
TVMs at bus stations allow you to check your balance offline.
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Locate a TVM: Find one at major bus stops or stations.
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Insert Card: Place your Hafilat Card in the machine’s reader.
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Select Balance Inquiry: Choose the option to view your balance on the screen.
Why Use TVMs?
They’re convenient for commuters already at bus stops and require no internet.
5. Bus Validators
Some bus validators display your balance when you tap your card.
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Tap Your Card: Use your Hafilat Card to board a bus.
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Check the Screen: The validator may show your remaining balance after deducting the fare.
Why Use Validators?
It’s a quick way to check while boarding, but not all validators display balances.
How to Recharge Your Hafilat Card
Keeping your Hafilat Card topped up ensures seamless travel. Here are the top ways to recharge in 2025.
1. Hafilat Website
You can add funds online using a credit or debit card.
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Visit hafilat.darb.ae: Go to the “Recharge Card” section.
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Enter Card Details: Input your 10-digit Hafilat Card number.
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Choose Amount: Select the top-up amount (e.g., AED 10, 20, or more).
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Pay Securely: Use a credit/debit card to complete the payment.
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Confirm Recharge: You’ll receive a confirmation via SMS or email.
Why Recharge Online?
It’s secure, convenient, and lets you top up from anywhere.
2. Darb Mobile App
The Darb app also supports recharges.
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Open the App: Log in to your account.
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Select Recharge: Navigate to the “Hafilat Card” section and choose “Top Up.”
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Enter Amount and Pay: Add funds using a linked card.
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Get Confirmation: Your balance updates instantly.
Why Use the App?
It’s mobile-friendly and integrates with other transport features.
3. Ticket Vending Machines
TVMs allow cash or card recharges at bus stations.
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Insert Card: Place your Hafilat Card in the TVM.
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Select Recharge: Choose the top-up option and enter the amount.
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Pay: Use cash or a card to complete the transaction.
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Confirm: The machine updates your card balance immediately.
Why Use TVMs?
They’re ideal for cash payments and don’t need internet.
4. Customer Service Centres
Visit an ITC centre for in-person recharges.
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Locate a Centre: Find one via the ITC website or Darb app.
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Bring Your Card: Present your Hafilat Card and ID.
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Pay: Use cash or card to top up.
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Get Receipt: Confirm the recharge with a receipt.
Why Use Centres?
Great for those who prefer face-to-face assistance or have issues with their card.
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Comparison of Hafilat Card Balance Check and Recharge Methods
Here’s a table comparing the methods for checking and recharging your Hafilat Card:
|
Method |
Accessibility |
Internet Required |
Speed |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hafilat Website |
Computer/Smartphone |
Yes |
Very Fast |
Online checks, detailed history |
|
Darb Mobile App |
iOS/Android devices |
Yes |
Fast |
Mobile users, route planning |
|
SMS Balance Check |
Any phone |
No |
Moderate |
No internet, quick updates |
|
Ticket Vending Machines |
Bus stations |
No |
Fast |
Cash payments, no internet |
|
Bus Validators |
On buses |
No |
Fast |
Quick checks while boarding |
|
Customer Service Centres |
ITC centres |
No |
Moderate |
In-person support, complex issues |
Tips for Managing Your Hafilat Card
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Check Before Travel: Always verify your balance to avoid boarding issues.
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Keep Card Details Safe: Don’t share your card number with anyone.
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Use Official Channels: Stick to hafilat.darb.ae or the Darb app to avoid scams.
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Save Confirmation: Keep SMS or email confirmations for recharges.
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Report Lost Cards: Contact ITC immediately if your card is lost or stolen.
Common Issues and Solutions
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No Balance Displayed: Double-check your card number or try another method (e.g., TVM).
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Recharge Not Reflected: Wait a few minutes or contact ITC support.
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Invalid Card: Visit an ITC centre to check for deactivation or damage.
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SMS Not Working: Ensure your mobile has credit and the number is correct.
Final Thoughts
The Hafilat Card makes commuting in Abu Dhabi simple and convenient, but keeping it topped up and checking your balance regularly is essential. With options like the Hafilat website, Darb app, SMS, TVMs, and customer service centres, managing your card in 2025 is effortless. Choose the method that fits your lifestyle, and you’ll never be caught short on funds during your travels.
For more details, visit hafilat.darb.ae or download the Darb app. Stay prepared, keep your Hafilat Card ready, and enjoy hassle-free commuting in Abu Dhabi!
