Navigating Dubai and Abu Dhabi roads often comes with the cost of tolls. In 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will reintroduce Salik free time windows to ease congestion and support residents.
This blog covers everything you need to know about Salik free time, Salik free days, how to recharge, new Salik rates 2025, how Abu Dhabi Salik differs from Dubai, and answers to the most Googled questions like "At what time is Salik free?", and "what happens if I pass through a gate without paying?" Whether you are a resident or a tourist driving a rental, this guide will help you save money and plan smarter journeys across the UAE.
What is Salik?
Salik is Dubai’s electronic toll collection system, introduced in 2007. Instead of traditional toll booths, Salik uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags linked to your vehicle. Each time your car passes through a toll gate, the amount is automatically deducted from your prepaid Salik account.
- Managed by: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Cost per crossing (2025): AED 4 per gate
- Payment method: Auto-deduction via Salik tag balance
Abu Dhabi has also introduced its toll system under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), commonly referred to as Abu Dhabi Salik, which works slightly differently.
Traffic studies show that toll pricing impacts how drivers plan their commutes.
According to RTA reports, Dubai has over 3 million registered vehicles, and daily toll collections significantly influence traffic flow. To encourage smoother travel and reduce financial pressure on residents, Salik free time slots for 2025.
This means drivers can pass toll gates during specific hours without paying, making it a major benefit for:
- Daily commuters who cross multiple gates
- Delivery and logistics companies managing fleet costs
- Families planning weekend drives
- Tourists renting cars in Dubai
Salik Free Hours in 2025
In 2025, Salik toll gates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be free of charge during late-night and early-morning hours to ease commuter expenses and traffic congestion.
Dubai Salik Free Hours: From 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM, all toll gates are free.
Abu Dhabi Salik Free Hours: Free during off-peak timings, especially late at night (exact hours vary by gate but generally between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM).
This means if you’re heading out for a late dinner, airport drop, or early-morning drive, you can pass through without being charged.
Is Salik Free on Weekends or Sundays?
Unlike some countries that waive tolls on weekends, Salik in Dubai is not automatically free on Sundays. However, Abu Dhabi has introduced Salik-free days on public holidays and special occasions, especially during Eid holidays and National Day, to reduce congestion.
How Many Days Can I Drive Without Salik?
If you have just purchased a car or rented one, you must have a valid Salik tag installed. The RTA allows a 10-day grace period to activate your Salik account after purchasing the tag. Beyond this, if you pass through toll gates without activation, fines will apply.
Is There a Daily Limit for Salik Trips?
No, there is no daily cap on Salik deductions in Dubai. Each crossing costs AED 4, no matter how many times you pass in a day. For instance:
- 5 crossings in one day = AED 20
- 10 crossings in one day = AED 40
In Abu Dhabi, however, there is a daily maximum cap of AED 16 per vehicle, which ensures drivers don’t overspend during heavy commutes.
Salik Rates 2025 – What’s New?
For 2025, the toll remains:
- Dubai Salik Rate: AED 4 per crossing (no daily limit).
- Abu Dhabi Salik Rate: AED 4 per crossing, but capped at AED 16 daily.
The government has kept the rates stable to encourage road users to shift towards public transport like the Dubai Metro and buses while keeping private car usage affordable.
What Happens if I Pass Through Salik Without Paying?
If you cross a Salik gate without a valid tag or with insufficient balance:
- First Violation: AED 100 fine.
- Second Violation (within the same day): AED 200 fine.
- Subsequent Violations: AED 400 fine per crossing.
That’s why it’s important to always recharge your Salik online before traveling.
How to Recharge or Pay Salik Online
Recharging Salik is quick and simple:
- Through the Salik website or app (RTA Salik App for Dubai / DARB App for Abu Dhabi)
- Banks & kiosks across the UAE
- Recharge cards are available at petrol stations
Steps:
- Enter your Salik account number and PIN.
- Choose a recharge method (credit/debit card, bank transfer, or recharge card).
- Confirm payment – balance updates instantly.
How Drivers Save with Salik-Free Hours
A daily commuter from Sharjah to Dubai crosses 4 toll gates every weekday. Without Salik-free hours, his monthly cost is AED 640.
Now, by adjusting his commute to after 10:00 PM and before 6:00 AM, he saves nearly AED 320 per month, showing how residents can optimize costs by planning around Salik free time.
Driving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be costly if you cross multiple toll gates every day.
Thankfully, with Salik free hours in 2025, you now have the chance to save money by traveling during off-peak timings. Understanding the difference between Dubai Salik and Abu Dhabi Salik, keeping your account topped up through Salik recharge online, and planning can significantly cut down on your commuting expenses.
By making smart choices, you can truly “beat the toll” and enjoy smoother, more affordable journeys across the UAE.
FAQs
- At what time is Salik free?
From 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM in Dubai, and during off-peak late-night hours in Abu Dhabi.
- Is the toll gate free on Sunday?
Not by default in Dubai, but Abu Dhabi sometimes offers free days on holidays.
- How many days can I drive without Salik?
Up to 10 days' grace period after getting your Salik tag.
- Is there a daily limit for Salik trips?
Dubai – No daily limit. Abu Dhabi – AED 16 maximum per day.
- What happens if I pass through Salik without paying?
You will be fined, starting from AED 100 for the first offense.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com
