travel

What is Salik: Dubai’s Automated Toll System

By Naseema Akthar

May 13, 2025

Salik is Dubai's electronic toll system designed to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion on the city's major roads. Launched by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on July 1, 2007, Salik utilizes RFID technology to automatically deduct toll fees as vehicles pass through designated gates.

How Salik Works

Each vehicle is equipped with a Salik tag, a passive RFID sticker affixed to the windshield. (it is not mandatory to fix a Salik tag to your vehicle's windshield in Dubai. The system primarily utilizes Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, which reads your vehicle's license plate to deduct toll fees. This means that as long as your Salik account is linked to your vehicle's plate number, the toll charges will be applied automatically when you pass through a Salik gate.)

Salik Gate Locations

Dubai currently operates several Salik gates strategically placed to manage traffic efficiently:

Al Garhoud Bridge
Al Maktoum Bridge
Al Safa
Al Barsha
Airport Tunnel
Al Mamzar North and South
Jebel Ali

In addition to these, as of January 2024, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) introduced two new Salik toll gates:

Business Bay Crossing (Al Khail Road): This gate targets traffic flowing from Jebel Ali towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.
Sheikh Rashid Street (near Dubai Mall): Located near the Dubai Mall, this gate aims to manage congestion on this key artery.

Variable Salik Charges

In addition to the standard Salik toll fee of AED 4, the RTA has introduced a variable pricing system for specific toll gates. The goal of this system is to help manage traffic congestion during peak times by adjusting toll fees according to demand

How Variable Pricing Works:

Peak Hours (Higher Rates):
- Morning Rush (6 AM – 10 AM): AED 6 per crossing
- Evening Rush (4 PM – 8 PM): AED 6 per crossing
Off-Peak (Lower Rates):
- Midday (10 AM – 4 PM): AED 4 per crossing
- Late Evening (8 PM – 1 AM): AED 4 per crossing
Flat Rate on Sundays & Public Holidays: AED 4 all day
Toll-Free Hours: 1 AM – 6 AM (No charges for late-night/early-morning travel)

Managing Your Salik Account

To use Salik, drivers must purchase a Salik tag for AED 100, which includes AED 50 as credit. The tag is registered to the vehicle's license plate and can be recharged online.

Even in a rental, you can check your toll usage via: