Salik, an electronic toll collection system, was introduced in Dubai in 2007.
The name ‘Salik’ is derived from the Arabic word for ‘clear’ or ‘open’, reflecting the system’s goal to provide a hassle-free driving experience to commuters in Dubai.
Salik is a fully automated system that uses radio-frequency identification technology to deduct toll fees from a prepaid account linked to a vehicle’s license plate.
The system has revolutionised the way tolls are collected in Dubai, reducing traffic congestion and providing a smoother and more efficient commute for motorists.
That being said, here is all you need to know about Salik in Dubai:
Salik toll gates in Dubai
There are total of eight Salik toll gates in Dubai. These include:
- Al Maktoum Bridge (Umm Hurair Road)
- Al Garhoud Bridge (Sheikh Rashid Road)
- Al Mamzar North (Al Ittihad Road)
- Al Mamzar South (Al Ittihad Road)
- Al Safa (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Al Barsha (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Airport Tunnel (Beirut Street)
- Jebel Ali (Sheikh Zayed Road)
Salik timings
Salik toll gates operate 24/7.
Cost
There is a toll fee of AED4, each time a motorist drives through a Salik toll gate. Drivers will need to attach a Salik tag to their vehicle’s windshield for the toll gate to deduct the money automatically.
If you want to purchase a Salik tag for the first time, the total cost when purchased through the website is AED120. This includes:
- AED50 Salik tag
- AED50 for the prepaid toll balance added to the customer’s Salik account upon tag activation
- AED20 for delivery charges
The total cost of a Salik tag purchased at one of Salik authorised sales agents is AED100. This includes:
- AED50 Salik tag
- AED50 for the prepaid toll balance added to the customer’s Salik account upon tag activation.
When purchasing a Salik tag you will need your:
- Mobile number (to be used for all Salik-related communication)
- Vehicle registration card details (not required through Partners and Service Providers / Gas Stations).
Motorists can purchase a Salik tag via the official website, or through any of the listed gas stations – Emarat, EPPCO, ENOC or ADNOC.
Free Salik toll gates
From 10 PM to 6 AM, the Al Maktoum Bridge toll gate is free during weekdays. However, during the weekend it is toll-free from 10 PM on Saturday until 6 AM on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Mamzar toll gate on Al Ittihad Road has two gates. These are namely the Al Mamzar North and Al Mamzar South.
A motorist will be charged once if they drive through both the North and South Mamzar toll gates in the same direction within an hour.
Salik fines
According to the official Roads and Transport Authority website, Salik fines include:
| VIOLATION | COST |
|---|---|
| When you pass through a Salik toll gate with insufficient funds in your Salik account to cover the toll fee and no Salik account recharge has been made within 5 Business Days after the toll trip. | AED50 each time you pass through a Salik toll gate. There is a maximum of one violation per day |
| When you pass through a Salik toll gate with no registered Salik tag on your vehicle and no tag is purchased and registered within 10 Business Days after the toll trip. | AED100 the first day time pass, AED200 the second time you pass, AED400 each subsequent time you pass. There is a maximum of one violation per day. |
Salik fines can be through the website, smart apps, customer happiness centres or via vehicle registration and inspection centres.
Military vehicles, ambulances, police vehicles, RTA public buses, college/school buses and those under the category ‘Determined Ones’, are exempt from Salik fines.
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