UAE's three toll systems, the Dubai's Salik (AED 4–6 per crossing), Abu Dhabi's DARB (AED 4 per crossing, capped at AED 16 daily), and Ras Al Khaimah's Aber (AED 2–16 depending on vehicle and time), all run on RFID technology with automatic deductions from prepaid accounts.
With one of the region's fastest expanding road networks, UAE motorways are the region's envy in terms of speed, efficiency, and orderliness. But for tourists and residents alike, trying to make sense of the various tolls in Dubai or found in the country - Salik in Dubai, DARB in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi road toll), and Aber in Ras Al Khaimah is perhaps a little too much.
Whether you travel to work daily or a tourist who drives about the Emirates in your own car, this article is your one-stop for becoming a master of toll gates in UAE.
The Three Major Toll Gates in UAE
1. Salik – Dubai's RFID-Based Toll System
Salik is Dubai’s automated toll gate system managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, it automatically deducts AED 6 (or AED 4 in off-peak hours) each time your vehicle passes under a Dubai tolls gate.
Key Details:
- Operating Hours - 24/7
- Daily Cap - None – every crossing is chargeable
Toll Fee:
- AED 6 during peak hours (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
- AED 4 during off-peak hours (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM)
New Toll Gates (as of November 2024):
- Business Bay Crossing (Al Khail Road) - Reduces traffic by 15% on Al Khail Road.
- Al Safa South (Sheikh Zayed Road) - Designed to ease right-turn traffic and congestion around Al Meydan and Al Safa Streets.
To use Salik, purchase an RFID tag from RTA-authorized retailers or online and link it to your vehicle's license plate via the Salik portal or app and you are all set for toll gates in Dubai.
2. DARB – Abu Dhabi’s Smart Toll Network
Toll Abu Dhabi or DARB is the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) run toll plaza. DARB tolls, unlike Salik, are charged only during peak hours to limit traffic during rush hours.
Peak Hours for Abu Dhabi tolls (Monday to Saturday):
- Morning - 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Evening - 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Toll Fee:
Daily Cap:
Vehicles such as ambulances, public buses, and motorcycles are exempted. Similar to Dubai toll gates, Abu Dhabi toll gates are prepaid balance and vehicle registration tied to the license plate.
3. Aber – Ras Al Khaimah Regional Toll System
Aber is Ras Al Khaimah's toll gate system, primarily catering to city-entering commuters. Fee depends on vehicle type and peak/off-peak hours:
- Light Vehicles - AED 4 (peak), AED 2 (off-peak)
- Heavy Trucks - AED 8 (peak), AED 4 (off-peak)
- Large Trucks/Buses - AED 16 (peak), AED 8 (off-peak)
Existing customers may be given a discount. Similar to Salik and DARB, toll is automatically deducted from a prepaid account against the vehicle license plate number.
How Do Toll Gates in the UAE Work?
UAE toll gates use sophisticated technology such as overhead gantries, cameras, and RFID sensors to read car data in real-time. When your car is driven through a gate:
- The RFID tag is read.
- The toll charge is debited from your account.
- You might get a confirmation on your app.
If your tag is not active or does not exist, you will be penalized. For instance, in Dubai, the first time is AED 100, and the penalty increases with each offense.
Tips to Master UAE Toll Roads
To make your understanding of the process easier, here are some essential tips:
Register & Recharge Early
- Go to the Salik or DARB website to register your vehicle.
- Keep your prepaid account balanced from time to time.
Skip Peak Hour Tolls
- Take alternative routes such as Emirates Road or Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to skip extra tolls during peak hours.
Search for Exemptions
- Government cars, ambulance, and electric vehicles can be exempted. Verify eligibility prior to application.
Utilize Navigation Apps
- Google Maps and Waze show toll roads. Activate toll evasion if necessary.
Be Alert to Changes
RTA is ITC announcements that help monitor new toll gates or fare increases.
Toll gates in UAE Salik, DARB, and Aber, are not only about collecting revenue; they are intended to make traffic smoother and reduce congestion. With some preparation such as acquiring an RFID tag, keeping balance, and preplanning routes your travel across the Emirates becomes more effective and less stressful.
So next time you’re cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road or heading into Abu Dhabi, you’ll know exactly how to navigate those tolls like a pro.
FAQs
- How many Salik toll gates are there in Dubai?
Currently, there are 10 active Salik toll gates in Dubai. It was eight but was recently changed to 10 as new gates were activated.
- How do I pay for UAE toll gates as a tourist?
You do not pay for UAE toll gates as a tourist yourself. Depending on your rental service provider, your car of choice will automatically register the car and bill your tolls for you. In most cases it's always a small administrative fee.
- How much does it cost to pass through a Salik gate?
It costs between AED 4 and AED 6 per crossing to pass through a Salik gate . The time of the day is also taken into consideration. Your tolls will be calculated automatically via an RID tag on your vehicle.
- Do rental cars in Dubai have a Salik tag?
Yes, rental cars in Dubai typically come with a pre-installed Salik tag, which is an electronic RFID sticker that is positioned directly on the windshield. This in turn allows you to drive on Dubai;s roads without stopping for toll payments.
- Is there a toll system in Abu Dhabi like Salik?
Absolutely, Abu Dhabi has a toll system that takes a lot of inspiration from Dubai’s Salik. It is called DARB and uses automatic license plate recognition to deduct fees.
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