For the first time, Dubai is increasing the Salik toll fee, raising it from Dh4 ($1.10) to Dh6 ($1.60) during rush hours. Drivers will continue to pay Dh4 during non-peak hours.
Peak Hours Defined
- Morning peak: 6am to 10am
- Evening peak: 4pm to 8pm
Non-Peak and Free Hours
- Off-peak: 10am to 4pm, 8pm to 1am
- Free passage: 1am to 6am
- Sundays: Toll charges remain Dh4, excluding public holidays, special occasions, or major events.
This decision follows the opening of two new Salik gates and is set to begin by the end of January 2025. The changes are part of a larger plan to improve traffic flow, as announced by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Parking Rate Adjustments
Dubai will also increase parking fees starting at the end of March. Premium parking spaces will cost Dh6 per hour, while regular public slots will be Dh4 per hour during peak hours:
- Morning: 8am to 10am
- Evening: 4pm to 8pm
Parking rates during non-peak hours (10am to 4pm and 8pm to 10pm) will remain unchanged. Parking will also stay free between 10pm and 8am and on Sundays. Around event zones, such as the Dubai World Trade Centre, the new rate will be Dh25 per hour starting February.
Salik’s Financial Performance
Salik reported a strong financial performance for 2024, with net profits climbing nearly 9% in the third quarter. Key highlights:
- Q3 Net Profit: Dh277.3 million ($75.5 million), up 8.8% annually
- Revenue Growth: 7.3% increase to Dh546.1 million
- EBITDA: Jumped 14% to Dh376.7 million
- Toll Revenue: Increased 5.7% annually to Dh468.4 million
- Fines and Penalties: Rose nearly 8% to Dh58.7 million
For the first nine months of 2024:
- Net Profit: Dh822 million, up 2.4% annually
- Total Revenue: Dh1.64 billion, a 6.2% increase
- Toll Revenue: Grew 5.1% to Dh1.42 billion
- Fines and Penalties: Up 7.6% to Dh174.8 million
The increased toll and parking charges aim to ease traffic congestion while ensuring a steady revenue flow for infrastructure development.
