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The roads in Dubai are going through some significant changes that you should know about. Earlier this January, the Dubai RTA announced that there would be 2 new Salik toll gates that are expected to be fully operational around November of this year. 

The Salik new toll gates are placed strategically to help manage traffic, reduce congestion, and streamline travel across the city. If you are someone who commutes regularly through Dubai keeping this information in mind could come in handy.

Salik gates

Salik is the company with the sole rights to create, operate, and maintain the toll gates in Dubai, and the Salik gates are an automatic toll collection system that deducts an amount when vehicles pass through them. 

They were first introduced in 2007 and have played a crucial role in improving the road network in Dubai. The company also holds the rights to the maintenance and operation of toll gates till the end of June 2071.

What is the Salik tag?

The Salik toll system works thanks to a sticker with an electric sim in it called ‘Salik Tag’ which is placed on the vehicle’s windshield. It lets the toll gates recognize and deduct toll fees as the vehicle passes through.

You can get a detailed instruction on how to register and the Salik recharge guide from their official website. 

Where are the new Salik toll gates located?

The Salik new toll gates are located at certain points on Al Khail and Sheikh Zayed Road.

The first one among the 2 new Salik toll gates will be placed at the Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road. If you often travel through this area, you might want to consider changes to your expenses. The second gate, which as of now known as the Al Safa South Toll Gate, is to be located on Sheikh Zayed Road between Al Meydan and Umm Al Sheif Streets. The toll fee is similar to that of other Salik toll gates, which is AED 4. 

The good news is that If you pass through both the Safa North and South toll gates within an hour, you'll only be charged once. This is the same as with the Al Mamzar gates, So if you are already familiar with the system this shouldn’t be a problem.

The addition of new toll gates is part of Dubai RTA’s efforts to improve traffic management and maintain road infrastructure.

With the inclusion of these two toll gates, the number of operational Salik toll gates in the city reaches 10. 

Possible price change

Even though currently the toll fee is fixed at 4 AED there has been an indication of a price increase in the future with the RTA hinting at the idea of implementing “Dynamic Pricing”. 

Dynamic pricing is the concept of having different charges based on time. That is, toll fees would be higher during the peak hours to prevent people from relying on private transportation during these hours and rather use public transportation for their travels. This helps to ease traffic congestion and improve the overall flow of vehicles.

How do the Salik toll gates benefit Dubai?

• Reduction in traffic congestion:

The implementation of dynamic pricing and encouraging the use of public transportation, along with drivers seeking alternative routes, can help reduce traffic congestion in the city.

• Improvement in travel time:

The smoother the travel is, the better it is for the commuters, according to the RTA the new Salik tolls can help reduce traffic by up to 16%. 

• Investment towards infrastructure:

The RTA also suggested that a part of the revenue from these toll gates would be reinvested into various other road and public transport projects leading to the creation of an efficient and sustainable transportation infrastructure in Dubai. 

Whether you're a resident or a visitor, getting a better knowledge of the new Dubai Salik gate system and adjusting to these changes will help you have a smooth and hassle-free driving experience in the city.