Understanding Dubai's Salik System: A Complete Guide

If you are a driver in Dubai, you are aware of what Salik is. But are you also in the knowhow of what it entails and how to navigate through these toll gates? Since its launch in July 2007, the Salik system has greatly enhanced Dubai's road networks. Here's a detailed guide on Salik in Dubai.

Salik is Dubai's electronic toll gate system, introduced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on 1 July 2007 to streamline traffic on major roads.

How to Purchase a Salik Tag Online

A Salik tag is a sticker with an electronic sim placed on your car's windscreen. But not anymore for many who have registered their cars recently. What this tag does is to allow toll gates in Dubai to recognise your vehicle as it passes, deducting the toll fee directly from your account balance.

Purchasing a new Salik tag online is straightforward. The RTA has made the process paperless, taking only a few minutes to complete. Tags can be bought, registered, and activated online via Salik's official website or the Smart Salik App.

When buying a Salik tag through authorised dealers or the website, you need to provide your traffic file number, mobile phone number, and vehicle registration card. After submitting this information, you'll receive an SMS confirming successful registration or activation of the tag.

Salik Toll Gates in Dubai

Dubai has eight Salik gates located across major highways and bridges. These include:

• Jebel Ali (Sheikh Zayed Road)
• Al Mamzar South (Al Ittihad Road)
• Al Mamzar North (Al Ittihad Road)
• Al Safa (Sheikh Zayed Road)
• Airport Tunnel (Beirut Street)
• Al Barsha (Sheikh Zayed Road)
• Al Garhoud Bridge (Sheikh Zayed Road)
• Al Maktoum Bridge (Umm Hurair Road)

New Salik Toll Gates in 2024

The RTA plans to add two new toll gates by November 2024 at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road. These locations were selected after thorough traffic analysis.

The Al Safa South gate will work alongside the existing Al Safa gate. Drivers crossing both within an hour in the same direction will pay only once, similar to the system at Al Mamzar North and South.

Salik Charges in Dubai

Each Salik gate charges Dh4 per passage regardless of daily trips. However, if you pass both Al Mamzar gates within an hour in the same direction, you are charged only once. Additionally, there are no charges at Al Maktoum Gate from Monday to Friday between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am and from Saturday 10:00 pm until Monday 6:00 am.

Cost of a Salik Tag

A new Salik tag costs Dh100 when purchased offline at petrol stations like Emarat, EPPCO, ENOC, and ADNOC. This includes Dh50 for prepaid toll credit and Dh50 for the tag itself.

If bought online, a Salik tag costs Dh120. This price covers Dh50 for prepaid toll credit, Dh50 for the tag, and Dh20 for delivery. Online purchases come pre-activated.

Paying Dubai Salik Tollgate Fees

You must register with Salik to pay toll fees. Top-up your account using the RTA app; toll amounts are automatically deducted as you pass through gates equipped with sensors and cameras that detect your car without needing to stop or slow down.

Documents Required for Activating

The documents needed include an Emirates ID, front and back copies of your car registration card (mulkiya), and a copy of your trade licence if applicable for company-registered vehicles.

The Online RTA Dubai Salik Process

To activate your Salik tag online:

• Visit the official RTA Dubai Salik website
• Select "Activate Salik Tag"
• Select either "Existing Customer" or "New Customer"
• Enter required documents

If you're new to Salik, you'll need to register first; existing customers can proceed directly.

Checking Your Salik Balance

You can check your balance online by logging into the official website or using the RTA App. Alternatively, call customer service at +971-800-72545 for assistance.

Add Multiple Vehicles to One Account

You don't need separate accounts for each vehicle; multiple vehicles can be added under one account following the same process as adding the first vehicle.

Avoiding Penalties for Violations

If you pass through a tollgate without sufficient balance in your account, you have five days to recharge before incurring a fine of Dh50. Unregistered plates passing through gates must be registered within ten days; otherwise:

• Dh100 fine for the first trip
• Dh200 fine for the second trip
• Dh400 fine for subsequent trips

Avoiding Salik Tolls

You can avoid paying tolls by using alternative routes on your Google Maps, Yango Maps or if you are directly driving via the below roads:

• E311/Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road avoids Jebel Ali, Al Barsha, and Al Safa gates.
• The Floating Bridge bypasses Al Garhoud and Al Maktoum gates.
• The Business Bay Crossing avoids Al Garhoud gate.
• D83/Rebat Street bypasses Airport Tunnel gate.
• E311/Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road avoids both Al Mamzar North & South gates along with other routes like Al Wahda Street or Al Damascus Street.