The United Arab Emirates is committed to modernity and maximum traffic flow. That is why, if you plan to drive on their roads, you need to familiarize yourself with the Salik system. It eliminates the need for traditional toll collection points and is the most important element of the local road infrastructure.
Thanks to it, you can travel around the city without having to look for cash or slow down at toll gates. It is a fully automated method that makes Dubai’s toll roads some of the most modern in the world.
How does RFID technology work without stopping the car?
You’re probably wondering how the Salik system works in practice during everyday driving. It is based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. There is a special sticker with an embedded chip on the windshield of each vehicle. When you pass under a distinctive metal gate, the sensors installed there instantly read your data.
This process takes place at full highway speed, so you don’t even have to touch the brakes. The system automatically registers the presence of the car and assigns the transaction to your profile in the RTA database. It is a completely maintenance-free solution that helps avoid traffic jams at critical points in the metropolis.
How much do trips cost and where will you find the gates?
Each time you pass under an active gate, the cost is exactly AED 4. It is worth knowing that the Salik system covers eight key locations, with more recently added.
The fee is charged each time you pass under the structure, regardless of the direction of travel. Keep this in mind when planning multiple trips on the same route in a single day.
Salik gate locations in Dubai
- Al Barsha and Al Safa (north and south) on Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Al Garhoud and Al Maktoum bridges connecting the older districts with the new center.
- Airport Tunnel and Jebel Ali gate.
- New points at Business Bay Crossing and Al Safa South introduced in 2024.
- Al Mamzar south and north gates
- Jebel Ali gate towards Abu Dhabi
All these locations are clearly marked with large information boards bearing the system logo. They are impossible to miss, as they take the form of wide, decorative arches over all lanes.
Salik and car rental – who pays for tolls?
Are you using a rental car and worried about the formalities involved in settling the bill? Every vehicle in a professional fleet already has an active chip affixed to the windshield. This means you don’t have to worry about how to pay for Salik or where to top up your account.
The rental company receives detailed reports of each of your trips directly from the transport authority. These amounts are usually added up and deducted from your deposit at the end of the rental period. Some companies add a symbolic service fee of AED 4 or VAT to the rate. This is standard market practice, which provides you with convenience and eliminates the need to remember your balance.
Darb in Abu Dhabi – differences you need to be aware of
If your plans include a trip to the capital, you need to know the rules in Abu Dhabi. The system there is called Darb and works slightly differently than the one in Dubai. Fees in the capital are only charged during rush hour, i.e., in the morning and afternoon.
On Sundays and public holidays, passing through the gates there is usually free of charge. This is an important difference, as in Dubai you pay 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Always check the current schedule before traveling between emirates to avoid surprises on your bill.
How to pay salik and avoid mistakes on the road?
As a car renter, you are in a comfortable situation because the technical side of billing is the responsibility of the owner. You just use the existing infrastructure and enjoy freedom on the road.
However, if you want to reduce your expenses, you can use alternative toll-free roads. This only requires a simple change in your mobile navigation settings. Just select the option to avoid toll roads in Google Maps or the Waze app. The most popular toll-free routes in the emirate are:
- Al Khail Road (E44), which runs parallel to the city’s main artery.
- Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), connecting distant districts.
- Emirates Road (E611) for those traveling long distances between cities.
However, keep in mind that toll-free roads tend to be more congested, especially during rush hour. Sometimes spending a few dirhams can save you up to several dozen minutes of sitting in traffic.
What happens if you enter a toll road without funds?
For private cars, not having enough money in your Salik account quickly results in high fines. The system gives the owner a few days to top up their balance before issuing an official financial penalty. However, you don’t have to worry about this when using reliable rental services.
Modena Car ensures that each sticker has sufficient funds for unrestricted travel. Your only responsibility is to drive safely and obey local speed limits. This allows you to avoid stress and focus fully on admiring Dubai’s architecture.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Salik system
How much does a single passage through the Salik gate cost?
Each passage through the gate costs AED 4. The Salik system charges this fee automatically for each passage, regardless of the time of day.
Do I have to buy a sticker for my rental car myself?
No, every car in the fleet already has an active RFID chip. You don’t need to buy or register anything before you set off.
How do I pay for the gates I have passed through?
The rental company will add up your trips based on the road report. The amount will be deducted from your deposit or added to your bill when you return the vehicle.
Are trips free on Sundays and public holidays?
No, in Dubai, fees apply 24/7 throughout the year. Only the Darb system in Abu Dhabi has specific hours during which it does not charge fees.
