Dubai is adding two new Salik toll gates at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road, increasing the total number of toll gates in the emirate to 10. These new gates will start operating on Sunday.
Toll Details and Purpose
As announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in January, each vehicle passing through the gates will be charged the standard Dh4 fee. These gates aim to reduce traffic congestion by 12–15% in the Business Bay area and around 15% in Al Safa.
The locations were chosen after traffic studies to address congestion issues effectively, according to Salik Company, the toll gate operator.
Sustainability and Green Energy Plans
For the first time, the new Salik gates will be solar-powered, supporting Dubai’s commitment to sustainable growth and green energy initiatives. Salik CEO Ibrahim Al Haddad shared plans to power all gates with solar energy in the future.
Mr. Al Haddad also highlighted the system’s overall benefits, such as reducing annual travel time by around 6 million hours and increasing public transport use by 9 million passengers annually.
Features of the New Gates
The Al Safa South gate will be connected to the older Al Safa North gate. Similar to the Mamzar gates, a single charge will apply if both gates are crossed within an hour.
Dynamic Pricing Plans
During Salik’s 2022 IPO, the company hinted at future plans for dynamic pricing, where toll rates might vary depending on the time of day or lane usage. This system could charge higher fees during peak hours, inspired by models in cities like Dallas and Stockholm.
Locations Enhanced by the New Gates
The new gates will improve accessibility to popular areas, including:
- Jumeirah
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Water Canal
- Al Safa
Why Salik Toll Gates Were Introduced
The Salik system began in 2007 to ease congestion, raise revenue, and encourage public transport use. The initial gates at Al Garhoud and Al Barsha were followed by others at Al Safa, Al Maktoum Bridge, Airport Tunnel, Mamzar, and Jebel Ali.
Current Toll Gate Locations:
- Al Barsha
- Al Garhoud
- Al Maktoum
- Al Mamzar South
- Al Mamzar North
- Al Safa
- Al Safa (South)
- Airport Tunnel
- Jebel Ali
- Business Bay
Penalties for Violations
- Every vehicle must have a Salik tag, with a 10-day grace period for new vehicle owners.
- Fines for crossing gates without a tag:
- Dh100 for the first offence
- Dh200 for the second
- Dh400 for subsequent violations
Maktoum Bridge Closure
The Al Maktoum Bridge, which houses one of the toll gates, will remain partially closed until January 16, 2025. The closure schedule is:
- Monday to Saturday: Closed 11 PM–5 AM
- Sunday: Closed all day
Toll fees will be waived during these times. Drivers are advised to use alternative routes like:
- Al Shindagha Tunnel
- Infinity Bridge
- Business Bay Crossing Bridge
- Al Garhoud Bridge
