- key topics about salik system toll in dubai
- What Is the Salik Toll System in Dubai?
- How Salik Works in Dubai and How to Activate It
- Typical Salik Toll Charges Per Gate Pass in 2026
- Locations of Toll Gates in Dubai
- How Salik Works for Rental Cars in Dubai
- Tips to Avoid Unexpected Salik Costs
- Who is Exempted from the Salik Toll Fee?
- FAQs about the Salik Toll System in Dubai
Salik is Dubai’s electronic RFID toll system. In 2026, it uses variable pricing: AED 6 during weekday peak windows and AED 4 off-peak (1:00–6:00 AM is free). There are ten Salik gates across the main corridors; each pass triggers a charge that rental companies will usually bill to you (often plus a small admin fee).
key topics about salik system toll in dubai
Read the key topics about Dubai’s Salik toll system here
How much does each Salik crossing cost?
Usually AED 6 in weekday peak hours and AED 4 off-peak; late-night window (1:00–6:00 AM) is free.
Do rental cars come with Salik tags?
Yes. Car rental in Dubai is normally fitted with a Salik tag before handover. You’ll be charged for the gates you pass.
Can you avoid the Salik toll system in Dubai?
Yes, choose alternate roads (E311, E611, Al Khail/E44, local streets) or use navigation apps that avoid tolls.
What if Salik’s charge looks wrong?
Ask the rental company for a Salik statement; you can dispute charges with the RTA/Salik portal if needed.
What Is the Salik Toll System in Dubai?
Salik is an Arabic word for “clear” or “open”. It is an electronic toll system in Dubai that is fully automated and has no interruption in the flow of traffic. The system was implemented by the RTA in 2007 to address the issue of traffic congestion in the city and to facilitate the passage of vehicles through tolled areas without requiring stops, although drivers can incur traffic fines in Dubai.
What is Salik Tag?
A Salik tag is an RFID sticker that you need to put inside the front glass of your car. The tag contains a unique ID and is linked to a Salik account. When your vehicle passes under a toll gantry, the reader scans your tag and automatically deducts the amount from your account balance.
How Salik Works in Dubai and How to Activate It
Salik toll system in Dubai works automatically in the background while you drive. You don’t need to stop, slow down, or do anything special on the road. Based on driving rules in Dubai, if you’re driving a rental car, the vehicle usually already has a Salik tag installed. But for your own car, you need to get a Salik tag.
You can buy a Salik tag in person at RTA-approved places like RTA Customer Happiness Centres, selected petrol stations, and partner bank branches.
How to Buy and Activate a Salik Tag Online
A Salik tag is also available for purchase online through the official Salik website. The process is quick and fully digital:
- Visit the official Salik website: Choose the “Create an Account” option on the right side.
- Create a Salik account: Enter your personal details, mobile number, and vehicle information.
- Choose your account type: Select whether you need a personal account or a business account.
- Pay for the Salik tag: Complete the payment online. The total amount usually includes the tag price, a prepaid balance for toll charges, and delivery fees.
- Receive the tag and activate it: The Salik tag will be delivered to your address. Once you receive it, activate the tag using the instructions sent to your mobile phone.
- Attach the tag to your windshield: Fix the tag to the inside of your car’s windshield as instructed. Once activated, it is ready to use.
Typical Salik Toll Charges Per Gate Pass in 2026
These variable rates were introduced in 2026; the main purpose of these rates is to level the demand by increasing the price of the trip during peak hours and making it cheaper during the off-peak hours. You should always verify the Salik official timetable before you decide to stay for a longer period.
| Time window / Day | Tariff (AED) |
| Weekday peak (06:00–10:00 & 16:00–20:00) | 6.00 |
| Weekday off-peak (10:00–16:00 & 20:00–01:00) | 4.00 |
| Late night (01:00–06:00) | Free (0.00) |
| Sundays (flat rate) | 4.00 (daytime) |
Locations of Toll Gates in Dubai
As of the 2026 updates, the Salik toll system in Dubai gantries sit on Dubai’s main arteries where congestion historically forms. Main gates include:
- Al Barsha (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Al Safa North & Al Safa South (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Al Garhoud Bridge (Sheikh Rashid Road)
- Al Maktoum Bridge (Umm Hurair / Tariq Bin Ziyad Road)
- Airport Tunnel (Beirut Street)
- Al Mamzar North & South (Al Ittihad Road)
- Jebel Ali (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Business Bay Crossing (Al Khail/Business Bay)
Note: Salik applies a single charge rule for linked gates, for example, passing Al Mamzar South and Al Mamzar North (same direction) within one hour counts as a single charge. That one-hour aggregation avoids double-billing for short linked trips.
How Salik Works for Rental Cars in Dubai
Rent a car companies in uae maintains the corporate Salik account and track crossings for each vehicle. You don’t usually register the tag in your name; the agency will either deduct the exact tolls (RTA charge) from your security deposit or credit card, or add a small administrative processing fee per crossing to cover reconciliation and billing overhead.
Salik Tips for Rental Car Drivers
- Each gate you pass is recorded and billed to the rental company’s account. The agency will invoice you or deduct the total from your security deposit after you return the vehicle. We recommend visiting our rent a car in Dubai no deposit page for more information.
- There may be a lag between crossing the gate and final billing. RTA records and agency reconciliation can take days to weeks.
- Security deposit refunds may be delayed until all Salik charges have cleared.
- You cannot top up the rental company’s Salik account yourself.
- To control tolls directly, you can rent privately and buy/activate your own Salik tag.
- Alternatively, ask the rental agency if they offer a “Salik included” package, though this is rare for short-term rentals.
Tips to Avoid Unexpected Salik Costs
- Ask About Salik at Pickup: When you rent a car, clearly ask about the Salik policy, any administrative fees per crossing, and how long the security deposit will be held. Always get these details in writing.
- Use Navigation Apps to Avoid Tolls: Use Google Maps or Waze and turn on the “avoid tolls” option when saving money is more important than arriving faster.
- Travel Outside Peak Hours: Whenever possible, avoid peak hours (06:00–10:00 and 16:00–20:00). Driving during off-peak times can save you AED 2 per Salik gate crossing.
- Choose Toll-Free Alternative Roads: Roads like E311 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road), E611 (Emirates Road), Al Khail Road (E44), and coastal roads help you avoid many Salik gates. Consider the trade-off between longer travel time and lower toll costs.
- Check the Salik Tag at Handover: Inspect the Salik tag when you receive the car. If you see any damage, record it on the handover sheet or take photos to avoid disputes later.
Who is Exempted from the Salik Toll Fee?
- Ambulances
- RTA buses
- Some school and college buses
- Police vehicles
- Military vehicles
- Certain government-approved vehicles
Salik keeps Dubai’s highways moving, easy to use but easy to overlook if you rent a car. The 2026 variable pricing means you can save money by travelling off-peak or choosing alternate routes.
If you want to rent a car in Dubai and are looking for full transparency and no hidden fees in car rental, at Saadatrent, we can help you choose a vehicle with clear Salik terms, straightforward pricing, and no unexpected fees.
FAQs about the Salik Toll System in Dubai
Cameras record the plate, and the vehicle owner is billed. For rental cars, the rental company pays first and then charges you, often with an admin fee or possible fines. Report missing or damaged tags at pickup to avoid issues.
Not fully. The rental company manages the tag, but you still pay for every crossing. Ask if they charge only the RTA toll or add an admin fee, and whether they provide a Salik breakdown.
Yes. From 2026, Salik costs AED 6 during weekday peak hours (06:00–10:00 and 16:00–20:00), AED 4 off-peak, and is free from 01:00–06:00. Timings may change during Ramadan or holidays.
First, request a Salik statement from the rental company. If needed, file a dispute through Salik’s official service or contact customer support, keeping all documents.
It varies by rental company. Some charge only the toll, while others add a small admin fee per crossing. Always confirm this at pickup.
Often, yes. Using roads like E311, E611, Al Khail Road, and coastal routes can help avoid Salik gates. Navigation apps with “avoid tolls” turned on are useful.
Charges are usually added after you return the car. Delays of days or weeks are possible, which can also delay your deposit refund.
Usually no. Salik tags are linked to the vehicle, not the driver. Rental cars use the company’s tag. To control payments yourself, you would need a privately registered vehicle.
