Dubai's Salik Toll System: Everything You Need to Know
What Is Salik?
Salik (Arabic for "clear" or "open") is Dubai's automatic road toll collection system, operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Launched in 2007, it uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology — a small tag on your windshield is read by overhead sensors as you pass through toll gates. Each crossing costs AED 4, deducted automatically from your prepaid Salik account. The system runs 24/7, 365 days a year, with no variation in pricing by time of day or day of week. Salik became a publicly listed company on the Dubai Financial Market in 2022.
All 9 Toll Gates
Dubai currently has 9 Salik gates. On Sheikh Zayed Road: Al Safa (between Al Safa and Al Quoz), Al Barsha (near Mall of the Emirates), and Jebel Ali (towards Abu Dhabi border). Bridge crossings: Al Maktoum Bridge and Al Garhoud Bridge (connecting Bur Dubai to Deira). The Airport Tunnel near Dubai International Airport. Al Mamzar North and Al Mamzar South on the Sharjah border route. And Al Minhad towards Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City. All gates charge the same AED 4 per crossing — there are no premium or discounted gates.
The Daily Cap
There's a daily maximum of AED 24 per Salik tag — equivalent to 6 crossings. After your 6th crossing in a single day (midnight to midnight), all additional crossings that day are free. This cap benefits people with busy commutes or delivery drivers. Note that the cap is per tag, not per vehicle — if you have two tags (rare but possible), each has its own AED 24 cap. The cap resets at midnight every day.
Getting and Managing Your Tag
Every vehicle registered in Dubai must have a Salik tag. New tags cost AED 100 (AED 50 for the tag plus AED 50 initial balance). You can buy tags from any petrol station, RTA customer service centres, or through the Salik app. Registration requires your vehicle registration card. Your Salik account must maintain a minimum balance of AED 50. Top-up options: Salik app (credit card or Apple Pay), ENOC/EPPCO stations, Zoom stores, the RTA website, or through most UAE banking apps. Set up auto-recharge through the app to avoid running out — driving through a gate with insufficient balance results in a AED 50 fine per crossing.
Toll-Free Alternatives
Dubai has several toll-free routes running parallel to tolled roads. Al Khail Road is the most popular — it runs parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road with zero Salik gates, making it the go-to alternative for avoiding the Al Safa, Al Barsha, and Jebel Ali gates. Business Bay Crossing bridge connects Business Bay to Dubai Festival City without tolls. Emirates Road (E611) runs through the outer areas toll-free. For Sharjah commuters, using Emirates Road instead of Al Ittihad Road avoids both Al Mamzar gates, saving AED 8 per trip but adding 15–20 minutes. Google Maps and Waze both show toll costs for routes, so you can compare before driving.
Impact on Monthly Budget
Salik costs add up faster than most expats expect. A simple commute passing through one gate twice daily (to work and back) costs AED 176/month (AED 4 × 2 × 22 working days). Pass through two gates each way and it's AED 352/month. For Sharjah-to-Dubai commuters crossing both Al Mamzar gates twice daily, the cost hits AED 352/month or AED 4,224/year. Add this to fuel costs, Darb (Sharjah's toll system), and parking, and driving costs can rival a monthly metro pass. Speaking of which, the Dubai Metro covers most major employment areas along Sheikh Zayed Road — a monthly Nol Silver pass costs AED 350 for unlimited travel, which may be cheaper than Salik + fuel for heavy commuters.
Fines and Violations
Passing through a Salik gate without a tag or with insufficient balance triggers a AED 50 fine per crossing — that's 12.5× the regular toll. Multiple violations in a single day still incur separate fines. You can check and pay Salik fines through the RTA's Dubai Drive app or the Salik app. Unpaid fines prevent vehicle registration renewal. If you're renting a car, the rental company will typically charge the fines to your credit card plus their own administration fee (AED 30–50 per violation is common). If you've just bought a car, register your Salik tag immediately — driving even once without it to "test" is an expensive mistake.