Dubai Salik Guide: Locations, Charges, Gates & More
If you just moved to Dubai and want to enjoy Dubai road rides, then you must know about Dubai Salik. Dubai introduced this system in July 2007 to improve its road network. Here’s the guide to know everything about Dubai Salik.
What Is Salik?
Salik, an electronic road pricing scheme in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is designed to reduce traffic congestion and raise revenue for the development of road infrastructure.
The system works without booths and barriers. It uses overhead readers and RFID tags for the automatic charging of vehicles that pass through designated gates.
Salik Dubai Toll Gates
In Dubai, there are 8 Salik toll gates in operation:
- Al Maktoum Bridge (Um Hurair Road)
- Al Garhoud Bridge (Sheikh Rashid Road)
- Al Mamzar North (Al Ittihad Road)
- Al Mamzar South (Al Ittihad Road)
- Al Barsha (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Al Safa (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Airport Tunnel Gate D8
- Jebel Ali (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road)
Salik fees for passenger cars are a flat AED 4 per time you drive through a Salik gate in Dubai.
Register Salik Account
Salik registration is as easy as Darb registration, and you can do it in several ways. This is a step-by-step guide to the Salik registration process.
1. Select your registration method
- Salik Website: It is the most popular method, offering an easy-to-use interface. Click on "Register," located in the upper right corner, to access the Salik site.
- Dubai Drive App: Download and log in to the Dubai Drive app(IOS | Android). Choose "Salik", then "Tag Activation." This is a convenient method if you have already installed the app.
- Customer Happiness Center or Salik Service Counters: Visit these centers personally and present your vehicle registration, Emirates ID, and Salik tag and activation code.
- Salik Contact Centre: Call the Salik contact center at 800-72545 and follow the voice instructions. You will need to provide the vehicle details and your tag number.
2. Please provide your contact information
You'll have to enter some basic information during registration, regardless of your chosen method.
- Personal information: Name and Emirates ID number. Email address, phone number.
- Vehicle Details: License plate number, vehicle type and make/model
- Salik Tag Details: Tag Number and Activation Key (found on tag packaging).
3. Activate your account
You will receive an SMS with your account ID and PIN once you have submitted the information. These credentials will allow you to activate your Salik online account, manage tolls and balances, and view your statements.
Dubai Salik Tag/Card
The Salik card/tag is a small electronic device that attaches to your windshield and automatically deducts the toll when you drive through a Salik gantry. It is an RFID (Radio-frequency Identification) tag that communicates with overhead readers at toll plazas.
Salik Tag Cost
Salik tags are available online and through authorized agents.
Online Purchase
AED 120 includes:
- Salik tags are available for AED 50
- AED 50 of prepaid toll added to your account on activation
- A delivery fee of AED 20
Offline purchase (authorized sales agents)
AED 100 includes:
- Salik Tag - AED 50
- AED 50 of prepaid toll added to your account on activation
Salik Account Recharge
There are many convenient ways to top up your account, catering to different preferences:
Online
Salik Website: This official website provides a user-friendly platform to recharge.
- Log in and select the amount you want to recharge.
- Then, choose your payment option (credit card or Salik recharge cards).
- It is quick and secure.
Smart Salik app: With this handy application, you can manage your Salik account while on the move.
- Download the app and log in.
- Navigate to the section for recharge.
- Choose the amount you want to pay and use your stored credit or debit card information.
Dubai Drive app: Dubai Drive is another convenient app that allows you to manage different transportation services in Dubai, including Salik recharges.
- Select Salik and then select the recharge option.
- Enter the amount you want to top up and the payment method.
Offline
Through,
- Salik Customer Service Center: Call 800-72545 and follow the automated prompts to reach a customer service representative
- SMS: Send an SMS with the format: R <12 digit recharge card number>" to 5959. Remember to scratch off the recharge card to reveal the 12-digit number.
- Kiosks and Cash Machines (CDMs): Look for dedicated Salik recharge kiosks at petrol stations, convenience stores, and RTA service centers.
- Authorized Retail Outlets: Many petrol stations, convenience stores, and supermarkets across Dubai act as authorized Salik recharge agents.
- If you are Outside UAE, contact on following numbers: +971 (0)4 233 5000 | +971 (0)4 233 5005 and email at [email protected] | [email protected]
You can check Salik balance using the Salik Website or Smart Salik app, SMS, calling 800 SALIK (72545), or visiting authorized sales agents, kiosks, or ATMs.
Add Multiple Vehicles to the Same Salik Account
This can be done in a matter of minutes using different channels. Below, you can choose the method:
- Salik Official Website
- Smart Salik App
- Contact Salik for customer service
Tips to Avoid Paying Salik Dubai Fines
You should avoid the following offenses to avoid any fines:
1. Your account doesn't have enough credit
You will be fined if you pass through the Salik toll gate without enough money in your account and do not recharge it within five working days of your trip date.
- Violation costs: AED 50
2. Your plate is not registered on the Salik system
If you have a Salik tag attached to your vehicle and drove through a Salik Dubai toll gate, but you did not register within 10 days of your trip date, then you will be penalized.
- Costs of Violation
- AED 100 (first journey)
- AED 200 (second journey)
- AED 400 (each subsequent trip through Salik)
There is a daily limit of only one Salik violation. Salik Dubai's website or app allows you to check your account for any fines.
Free Salik Timings
There are a couple of instances where you can use certain Dubai toll roads for free during specific times:
Al Maktoum Bridge:
- Weekdays: Free from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
- Weekends: Free from 10:00 PM on Saturday until 6:00 AM on Monday
Mamzar Toll Gate (Al Ittihad Road):
If you pass through both the Al Mamzar North and Al Mamzar South gates within one hour in the same direction, you'll only be charged once.
Alternative Roads to Salik Toll Gates
You can avoid paying tolls in Dubai by using the following routes:
- E311/ Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed road: You can use this road to avoid the Jebel Al Salik Gate, Al Barsha Salik Gate, and Al Safa Salik Gate.
- Floating Bridge: This route is an alternative to the Al Garhoud Salik Gate or Al Maktoum Salik Gate.
- Business Bay Crossing: Avoid the Al Garhoud Salik Gate by using this route
- D 83/Rebat Street: This is a road that bypasses Airport Tunnel Salik Gate.
- Al Mamzar North and South: Salik Gate can be avoided by using Al Wahda Street or Al Damascus Street.
FAQs
What is a Salik in Dubai?
Salik, Dubai's electronic toll system, is designed to reduce traffic congestion and finance road infrastructure. The system uses RFID tags and overhead readers to automatically deduct the tolls from vehicles when they pass through designated gates.
How much does Salik cost in Dubai?
For passenger vehicles, the standard Salik toll is a flat rate of AED 4 per pass through any of the 8 toll gates in Dubai.
When is Salik free?
Al Maktoum Bridge, weekdays 10:00 PM to 6 AM, and weekends 10:00 PM Saturday until 6 AM Monday. Mamzar Toll Gate, Al Ittihad Road You will only be charged one time if you pass both gates in the same direction within an hour.
Do I need Salik for Dubai?
Yes, Salik is mandatory for most roads in Dubai. However, you can explore alternative routes like E311, Floating Bridge, Business Bay Crossing, D 83, or specific streets to avoid tolls.
Do You Need a Salik Account for Each Vehicle?
No, you only need one Salik account for all your vehicles! It's a convenient way to manage your tolls under one umbrella, eliminating the need for multiple accounts and simplifying your billing.
