Well, this one hurts. Fresh on the heels of the news that Dubai Mall will soon wind up with free parking and introduce a Salik payment, 2024 will be taking more toll on us. Two new Salik toll gates (Dubai’s electronic toll system) will be installed on two major Dubai roads by November 2024. One of them is Al Khail Road, the favourite toll-free alternative route of Dubai drivers attempting to save some dirhams.
The new toll gates will take the total number of Salik gates in Dubai to 10 from the eight currently in place on Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR). One of the new toll gates will be located on Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road. The other one will be on SZR at Al Safa South between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street, making it the 9th toll gate on the E11 highway.
Why is the RTA installing new Salik gates in Dubai?
To reduce the chokehold of traffic on Dubai’s arterial roads, dear Dubaiians. RTA’s Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executives, His Excellency Matter Al Tayer underlined that the Business Bay Crossing Gate will reduce Al Khail Road traffic by up to 15% and cut down congestion on Al Rebat Street by 16%.
Meanwhile, the Al Safa South Gate would ease traffic flow from Al Meydan and Al Safa Streets to Sheikh Zayed Road by 42%. It would also see a sharp drop in the traffic towards the right-side exit from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Meydan Street by 15%. The good news is that the Al Safa South gate will only record a single payment by a vehicle if you travel back via the same toll gate within a one-hour window, similar to the Al Mamzar toll gate.
These toll gates are part of the wider upgrade project called the Al Khail Road Improvement Project which includes the construction of five intersections and braided ramps at two key points on Al Khail Road. A similar road improvement project on Hessa Street is also underway.
What are alternative Salik-free routes to use in Dubai?
The RTA has recommended substitute routes for drivers – traffic corridors such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, the Dubai – Al Ain Road, Ras Al Khor Road, and Al Manama Street are encouraged. Dubai Creek crossings such as the Infinity Bridge and Al Shindagha Tunnel are also less crowded and toll-free routes residents can use.
How much do Salik toll gates cost per crossing?
The electronic toll gate system automatically deducts AED 4 per crossing at all toll gates placed throughout the city. The amount is charged on your prepaid Salik tag that is affixed to the windscreen of your car. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology on the Salik gates detects your vehicle and scans the sticker tag. Find more Salik information here.