UAE Toll Roads Complete Guide: Salik, Darb & Payment 2025
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UAE Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (RFID & License plate recognition)
Coverage: Dubai (Salik), Abu Dhabi (Darb), other emirates toll-free
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Technology: RFID tags, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)
Operators: Salik Company (Dubai), Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi)
Do I Need Salik for UAE? 2025 Update
Yes, you need either a Salik tag (Dubai) or Darb registration (Abu Dhabi) to use toll roads in the UAE without penalties. Only Dubai and Abu Dhabi operate toll systems - the other five emirates remain toll-free.
Key Reality: Driving through Dubai toll gates without a registered Salik tag incurs AED 100+ fines, while unregistered vehicles in Abu Dhabi face AED 50 daily penalties. Toll systems operate completely cashless with no manual payment options.
2025 Update: Dubai introduced variable pricing on January 31, 2025, with peak rates at AED 6 and free late-night passage (1:00-6:00 AM). Abu Dhabi maintains AED 4 peak-hour charging with off-peak exemptions.
UAE Toll Costs: Current Rates
The UAE operates two distinct toll systems in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with all other emirates maintaining toll-free road networks.
Current Toll Rates by System (2025)
| System | Peak Hours | Off-Peak | Free Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Salik (2025) | AED 6 (6-10 AM, 4-8 PM) | AED 4 (10 AM-4 PM, 8 PM-1 AM) | 1:00-6:00 AM daily |
| Abu Dhabi Darb | AED 4 (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) | Free | Weekends & off-peak |
| Sundays (Dubai) | AED 4 all day | AED 4 | 1:00-6:00 AM only |
| Ramadan (Special rates) | AED 6 (9 AM-5 PM) | AED 4 (7-9 AM, 5 PM-2 AM) | 2:00-7:00 AM |
Major Route Costs (Current Rates)
Dubai Daily Commutes (Peak Hours):
- Dubai Marina to Downtown: AED 6-12 (1-2 gates)
- Deira to Business Bay: AED 6-18 (1-3 gates)
- Airport to Sheikh Zayed Road: AED 6-12 (1-2 gates)
- Al Barsha to Financial District: AED 6 (1 gate)
Abu Dhabi Bridge Crossings:
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge: AED 4 (peak), Free (off-peak)
- Sheikh Khalifa Bridge: AED 4 (peak), Free (off-peak)
- Al Maqta Bridge: AED 4 (peak), Free (off-peak)
- Mussafah Bridge: AED 4 (peak), Free (off-peak)
How to Pay UAE Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay toll in the UAE:
1. Dubai Salik System:
- RFID tags: AED 100 (includes AED 50 credit) at petrol stations
- Online registration: AED 120 (includes AED 50 credit + delivery)
- Auto-recharge: Set up automatic top-ups via RTA app
- Account monitoring: Check balance via 800-SALIK or mobile app
2. Abu Dhabi Darb System:
- Abu Dhabi vehicles: Automatic free registration via SMS
- Other emirates: AED 100 registration (AED 50 credited to account)
- License plate recognition: No physical tag required
- Online account management: Via Darb website or mobile app
To calculate toll costs for all vehicle types across UAE toll roads, use TollGuru UAE toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Dubai Salik Updates:
- Variable pricing implemented January 31, 2025 (peak AED 6, off-peak AED 4)
- Two new gates operational: Business Bay Crossing (Al Khail Road) and Al Safa South
- Free late-night passage introduced (1:00-6:00 AM daily)
- Sunday flat rate: AED 4 all day (excluding late night)
Infrastructure Expansion:
- Total Dubai gates increased to 10 with Business Bay and Al Safa South additions
- Enhanced traffic distribution targeting 15% reduction on Al Khail Road
- Improved dual-gate charging: Single fee for Al Safa North/South and Al Mamzar North/South within one hour
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Registration & Payment Errors:
- Using Dubai Salik tags in Abu Dhabi (systems are incompatible)
- Forgetting to register with Darb when driving Abu Dhabi-registered vehicles to Dubai
- Insufficient account balance leading to AED 50 penalties after 5-day grace period
- Not updating vehicle details when changing registration emirate
RFID Tag Placement:
- Incorrect windshield positioning preventing proper RFID reading
- Tinted windows interfering with tag detection
- Damaged or expired tags (replace every 5-7 years for optimal function)
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Daily Dubai commuting: AED 12-36 during peak hours (2-6 gates typical)
- Abu Dhabi bridge crossings: AED 4-16 during peak hours only
- Optimal timing: Use late-night hours (1:00-6:00 AM) for free Dubai passage
- Weekend savings: Abu Dhabi tolls completely free on Fridays
Toll-Free Alternatives
- Al Khail Road: Alternative to Sheikh Zayed Road (bypasses most Salik gates)
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311): Free parallel route to major highways
- Floating Bridge: Free crossing near Al Maktoum Bridge during specific hours
- Northern Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah completely toll-free
Regional Toll Information
Dubai - Salik Network (10 Gates):
- Sheikh Zayed Road: Al Barsha, Al Safa North, Al Safa South, Jebel Ali
- Creek Crossings: Al Garhoud Bridge, Al Maktoum Bridge
- Northern Access: Al Mamzar North & South (Al Ittihad Road)
- Airport Connectivity: Airport Tunnel (Beirut Street)
- Business Districts: Business Bay Crossing (Al Khail Road)
Abu Dhabi - Darb Network (4 Bridges):
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge: Main eastern access to Abu Dhabi Island
- Sheikh Khalifa Bridge: Northern approach to city center
- Al Maqta Bridge: Traditional route from Dubai/Sharjah
- Mussafah Bridge: Industrial area and southern access
Toll-Free Emirates:
- Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah: Complete road networks toll-free
- Inter-emirate highways: E311, E611, E311 completely free between all emirates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid UAE tolls completely?
Yes, by using alternative routes like Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311), and avoiding peak hours. Abu Dhabi tolls are completely free during off-peak times and weekends.
What happens if I don't pay UAE tolls?
Dubai: AED 100+ fines for unregistered vehicles, AED 50 for insufficient balance after 5 days. Abu Dhabi: AED 50 daily fines accumulating up to AED 25,000 annually. Maximum single vehicle fine: AED 10,000.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in UAE?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same rates as cars in Dubai's Salik system. In Abu Dhabi, motorcycles are currently exempt from Darb toll charges.
Are rental cars covered by toll systems?
Most rental companies provide Salik-registered vehicles, but may charge administrative fees (AED 5-15/day) plus actual toll costs. Verify toll coverage before rental.
Do tourists get different rates?
No, all vehicles pay the same toll rates regardless of nationality. However, certain UAE nationals qualify for exemptions in Abu Dhabi (senior citizens, people of determination, limited-income families).
UAE vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | Electronic tolls (regional) | AED 4-6 per gate | Dubai & Abu Dhabi only |
| Saudi Arabia | No tolls currently | Free | All highways |
| Oman | No tolls currently | Free | All highways |
| Qatar | No tolls currently | Free | All highways |
| Bahrain | No tolls currently | Free | All highways |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Toll Operators:
- Salik Dubai: salik.ae - Account registration, balance check, gate locations
- Abu Dhabi Darb: admobility.gov.ae - Registration, payment, exemption applications
- RTA Dubai: rta.ae - Transport authority, mobile app download
Customer Service:
- Salik Support: 800-SALIK (800-72545)
- RTA Customer Service: 8009090
- Abu Dhabi ITC: 800-4848
- UAE Emergency Services: 999
