Dubai has updated the rules of the Salik system - now the fare depends on the time of day, and failure to pay can result in fines of up to 400 dirhams.

How Salik Works

The Salik system is an automated toll collection system for toll roads in Dubai, introduced in 2007 to optimize traffic flow. From 31 January 2025, variable pricing was introduced, with the cost of travel depending on the time of day:

• Peak hours (Monday to Saturday): 6:00am to 10:00am and 4:00pm to 8:00pm - AED 6.
• Off-peak hours: 10:00am to 4:00pm and 8:00pm to 1:00am - AED 4.
• From 1:00 to 6:00 daily: travel is free.
• Sunday: Flat rate of AED 4 all day.

There are currently 10 Salik toll booths in Dubai, located on key highways including Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Creek Bridges. To use the system, you need to purchase a special RFID sticker (Salik tag) for 100 dirhams, of which 50 dirhams are credited to the user's account. The sticker should be attached to the windshield of the car under the rear-view mirror.

You can update your Salik account through the official website, the Smart Salik mobile app, ATMs and terminals, and in some banks. For convenience, you can set up automatic account replenishment when the balance drops below a certain level.

Failure to display a valid sticker or insufficient balance will result in fines of AED 100 for the first violation, AED 200 for the second and AED 400 for each subsequent violation. It is important to note that only one fee will be charged for transiting through Al Mamzar North and South or Al Safa North and South in one direction within an hour.

To reduce travel costs, it is recommended to use alternative routes such as Al Khail Road, Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, and to plan trips outside of peak hours. In addition, using public transport such as the metro and buses can be a cost-effective alternative to traveling by private car.