If you regularly drive in Dubai, understanding Salik toll timings can help you save on daily commute costs. While Salik is active across major roads in the city, there are certain times and rules that allow drivers to pass through toll gates without being charged. Here’s a clear breakdown of when Salik gates are free, how much tolls cost during peak hours, and special rules that help you avoid double charges.
Salik is Dubai’s electronic toll system that automatically deducts a fee when you drive through a toll gate. Charges apply based on time of day, location, and travel direction, and while Salik is never entirely free for an entire day, there are off-peak hours during which no fee is charged.
Salik Timings and Charges
Monday to Saturday:
- Peak hours (charged AED 6): 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Low-peak hours (charged AED 4): 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Off-peak (free): 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM
Sunday:
- Flat rate of AED 4 throughout the day
- Free window: 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM
During Ramadan:
- Peak hours (charged AED 6): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Low-peak hours (charged AED 4): 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Off-peak (free): 2:00 AM to 7:00 AM
Toll charges may still apply on public holidays unless otherwise announced by authorities.
One-Hour Rule to Avoid Double Charges
Certain gates in Dubai follow a one-hour rule. If you pass through two toll gates in the same direction within one hour, you are only charged once. This rule applies to the following gates:
- Al Mamzar North and Al Mamzar South
- Al Safa North and Al Safa South
- Al Mamzar to Al Safa (or vice versa)
This is particularly useful for those commuting through Sheikh Zayed Road or Al Ittihad Road, where gates are positioned close together.
How Salik Works
Salik uses RFID technology to detect your vehicle as you drive through a toll gate. To use the system, you need to:
- Purchase a Salik tag and attach it to your car windshield
- Register and activate the tag online or through the Salik app
- Link it to your Salik account
- Maintain sufficient balance in your account
Charges are automatically deducted when you pass through a Salik gate. There are no barriers or need to slow down—just drive normally.
Current Salik Gate Locations in Dubai
Dubai currently has 10 active Salik toll gates:
- Al Safa North – Sheikh Zayed Road
- Al Safa South – Sheikh Zayed Road
- Al Barsha – Sheikh Zayed Road
- Business Bay Crossing – Al Khail Road
- Al Garhoud Bridge – Sheikh Rashid Road
- Al Maktoum Bridge – Umm Hurair Road
- Al Mamzar North – Al Ittihad Road
- Al Mamzar South – Al Ittihad Road
- Airport Tunnel – Beirut Street
- Jebel Ali – Sheikh Zayed Road
Tips to Save on Salik Charges
- Travel during free hours (1 AM to 6 AM) to avoid tolls
- Use routes with closely located gates and take advantage of the one-hour rule
- Monitor your Salik account to avoid insufficient balance penalties
- Consolidate trips to reduce unnecessary gate crossings
