Dubai, UAE – Starting January 31, 2025, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will implement variable toll rates across the city as part of the Salik system. This new initiative is aimed at managing traffic congestion by introducing flexible pricing based on the time of day, allowing motorists to navigate Dubai's roads at varying costs depending on peak and off-peak hours.
New Toll Pricing Structure
Under the new system, toll fees will fluctuate during the day, with peak hours being more expensive. The revised rates will be as follows:
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Weekdays (Monday to Saturday):
- Morning Peak Hours (6am - 10am): Dh6
- Evening Peak Hours (4pm - 8pm): Dh6
- Off-Peak Hours (10am - 4pm, 8pm - 1am): Dh4
- Late Night Hours (1am - 6am): Free
-
Sundays (Excluding Public Holidays and Special Events):
- All Day: Dh4
- Late Night (1am - 6am): Free
This change is designed to reduce traffic during the busiest times of the day while offering more affordable options for those traveling during less congested periods. The toll rates apply to all 10 of Dubai's toll gates, which are strategically placed across key roadways.
Special Pricing During Ramadan
The variable toll system will also have special adjustments during the holy month of Ramadan. The modified toll rates for Ramadan are as follows:
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Weekdays (Monday to Saturday):
- Peak Hours (9am - 5pm): Dh6
- Off-Peak Hours (7am - 9am, 5pm - 2am): Dh4
- Late Night (2am - 7am): Free
-
Sundays:
- All Day: Dh4
- Late Night (2am - 7am): Free
The Ramadan pricing structure ensures that toll rates are adapted to accommodate changes in commuting patterns during the holy month, with earlier morning hours and late nights seeing a reduction in toll charges.
No Changes to Toll Gate Procedures
There will be no changes to the existing toll gate system regarding how charges are applied when passing through gates in the same direction within an hour. Salik will continue to charge a fixed fee of Dh4 for every vehicle passing through any of the 10 toll gates in Dubai.
Upcoming Changes to Parking Fees
In addition to the toll rate revisions, Dubai will also implement a Variable Parking Tariff Policy by the end of March 2025. This policy will introduce dynamic pricing for parking, with fees varying depending on the time of day. The policy will apply to both premium and regular public parking spaces:
- Premium Parking Spaces: Dh6 per hour during morning (8am - 10am) and evening (4pm - 8pm) peak hours.
- Other Public Paid Parking Spaces: Dh4 per hour during the same peak hours.
- Off-Peak Hours (10am - 4pm, 8pm - 10pm): No change in rates.
- Free Parking: From 10pm to 8am and all day on Sundays.
Additionally, a Congestion Pricing Policy will apply to parking areas near major event zones, starting with the Dubai World Trade Centre in February 2025. During large events, parking fees will increase to Dh25 per hour.
Aimed at Reducing Traffic and Encouraging Off-Peak Travel
These changes are part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to alleviate congestion, particularly during peak hours, by incentivizing motorists to choose off-peak times for their commutes. The introduction of dynamic toll and parking fees is expected to help smooth traffic flow across the city, making it easier for residents and visitors to travel efficiently.
For more information on the new Salik toll rates and upcoming parking policies, motorists are encouraged to stay updated via official RTA communications and the Salik website.
Stay Informed
Motorists can keep track of any changes or updates regarding Salik and other road policies by following the official channels and news from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority.