Salik is Dubai’s advanced electronic toll collection system, designed to enhance traffic flow across the city. Introduced on July 1, 2007, the name ‘Salik’ translates to ‘clear and moving,’ reflecting its purpose of ensuring seamless travel. Over the years, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has consistently refined the system, offering multiple online and offline channels for Salik payments and recharges.
Salik Toll Gates in Dubai
Salik toll charges vary based on peak and off-peak hours:
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Peak Hours (06:00 AM - 10:00 AM | 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM): AED 6 per crossing
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Off-Peak Hours (10:00 AM - 04:00 PM | 08:00 PM - 01:00 AM): AED 4 per crossing
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Sundays: AED 4 per crossing
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Free Passage (01:00 AM - 06:00 AM)
A single journey fee applies when crossing Al Mamzar North and South or Al Safa North and South toll gates within an hour. The Jebel Ali Salik Gate, located on Sheikh Zayed Road, is a key checkpoint within the Salik network.
Dubai Salik Map
Dubai currently has 10 Salik toll gates at the following locations:
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Al Barsha
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Al Garhoud Bridge
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Business Bay Crossing
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Al Maktoum Bridge
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Al Mamzar South
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Al Mamzar North
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Al Safa South
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Al Safa North
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Airport Tunnel
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Jebel Ali
How Does Salik Work?
Salik employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Drivers must obtain a Salik tag, which the RFID sensors at toll gates detect, deducting the toll amount from the linked prepaid account. The registered Salik account holder is responsible for the toll fees, irrespective of the driver.
Salik Tag and Its Functionality
The Salik tag is a windshield sticker that facilitates vehicle identification. The tag should be affixed approximately 1 cm below the rearview mirror. Upon crossing a toll gate, the system scans the sticker and deducts the applicable toll amount.
Obtaining a Salik Tag
Drivers can purchase a Salik tag by completing a registration form at various locations:
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RTA Customer Service Centers
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Petrol Stations: EPPCO, ENOC, Emarat, ADNOC
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Banks: Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank
Salik Registration Process
To register for a Salik account, follow these steps:
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Fill out the registration form at an RTA-designated center or apply online.
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Submit required documents and pay the necessary fees.
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Receive the Salik kit containing the RFID tag.
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Affix the tag to the windshield.
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Upon registration approval, an SMS containing the account number and PIN is sent.
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Activation takes up to 2 days; any crossings during this period are charged retrospectively.
Each individual may have a single Salik account covering all vehicles registered under their name. However, if a vehicle is registered outside Dubai, a separate account may be required.
Documents Required for Salik Registration
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Identification documents
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Vehicle registration card (copy)
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Trade license (for company vehicles)
Cost of Salik in Dubai
The cost of a Salik tag depends on the purchase method:
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Physical Purchase (RTA centers & petrol stations): AED 100
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AED 50 for the tag
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AED 50 credited to the Salik account
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Online Purchase: AED 120
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AED 50 for the tag
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AED 50 as prepaid balance
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AED 20 for delivery
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Before purchasing online, ensure that the Salik delivery service covers your location.
Recharging Salik Credit
Salik credit can be recharged through various methods:
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Online:
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Toll-Free Number: 800-SALIK (72545)
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Salik Top-Up Card: Available at petrol stations, MPay app, and smart kiosks
The minimum recharge amount is AED 50.
Salik Violations and Penalties
RTA Dubai enforces strict regulations to ensure compliance with the Salik system. Violations and their penalties are as follows:
| Violation | Description | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient Funds (ISF) | Passing a Salik toll gate with insufficient balance and failing to recharge within 5 days | AED 50 |
| Unregistered Plate (URP) | Passing a toll gate without a registered Salik tag and failing to register within 10 days | AED 100 (1st offense), AED 200 (2nd offense), AED 400 (subsequent offenses) |
Note: A maximum of one violation per day is applied regardless of multiple crossings.
Salik Toll Fee Exemptions
Certain vehicles are exempt from Salik fees, including:
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Military vehicles
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Ambulances
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Police vehicles
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RTA public transport buses
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School and college buses
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Vehicles registered under ‘Determined Ones’ category
Alternative Routes to Avoid Salik
Drivers seeking to bypass toll charges can opt for the following routes:
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Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311): Avoids Jebel Ali, Al Safa, and Al Barsha toll gates.
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Floating Bridge: Bypasses Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud toll gates.
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Business Bay Crossing: Alternative to Al Garhoud Salik gate.
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Rebat Street (D83): Avoids the Airport Tunnel Salik gate.
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Al Wahda Street & Al Damascus Street: Alternatives for Al Mamzar North & South gates.
Google Maps can assist in identifying toll-free routes—simply enable the ‘Avoid Tolls’ option.
Salik Guidelines
To ensure compliance, drivers must adhere to the following Salik regulations:
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The Salik tag is non-transferable between vehicles.
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Any changes to the license plate or mobile number must be reported.
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A new Salik tag must be obtained within 10 working days of using the system.
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Recharges must be completed within 5 days of an insufficient balance notification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How much is the Salik toll fee?
Salik charges AED 6 during peak hours and AED 4 during off-peak hours per crossing.
Do I need a separate Salik account for each vehicle?
No, all vehicles under the same Traffic File Number are linked to a single Salik account. However, if a vehicle is registered outside Dubai, a separate account may be required.
What should I do if my Salik tag is lost or stolen?
Immediately deactivate the tag via the Salik website or by calling 800-SALIK (72545). Failure to do so may result in unauthorized toll deductions.
Checking Salik Balance and Recharges
To check your Salik balance, visit and log into your account. You can also use the toll-free number 800-SALIK (72545) for balance inquiries. Salik recharge can be done easily online or through the Salik Top-Up Card available at various petrol stations.
