Salik is an automated toll collection system in Dubai that charges drivers for using certain roads and bridges in the city. The word “salik” means “clear” or “open” in Arabic, and the system was launched in July 2007 to help reduce traffic congestion in the city.

There are currently eight Salik toll gates located throughout Dubai, including:

  1. Al Garhoud Bridge
  2. Al Maktoum Bridge
  3. Al Mamzar North
  4. Al Mamzar South
  5. Airport Tunnel
  6. Jebel Ali Lehbab Road
  7. Sheikh Zayed Road (near Mall of the Emirates)
  8. Sheikh Zayed Road (near Dubai Internet City)

The toll fee is AED 4 per passage and is deducted from a prepaid Salik account linked to the vehicle’s license plate number. It is important to ensure that there is sufficient balance in the account before passing through a Salik toll gate, as failure to pay the toll can result in fines and penalties.

There are certain exemptions from Salik charges, such as:

  • Free passage for ambulances, Civil Defense vehicles, police and military vehicles, and public buses.
  • Free passage during certain times of the day, such as from 10 pm to 6 am and on Fridays and public holidays.
  • Free passage for electric and hybrid cars registered in Dubai until December 2021 as part of a government initiative to promote eco-friendly transportation.

If you don’t have a Salik account, you can still use the toll gates, but you will need to purchase a temporary Salik tag from a petrol station or other retail outlet. The temporary tag costs AED 5 and is valid for 10 days or until the credit runs out.

It’s important to note that the two Al Mamzar toll gates on Al Ittihad Street are exceptions to the standard Salik charges. If you travel through both gates in the same direction within one hour, you will only be charged AED 4 once.

Similarly, there will be no charges when you pass the Al Maktoum Toll Gate from Monday to Friday (10:00 pm to 06:00 am) and Saturday from 10:00 pm till Monday at 06:00 am.

If you frequently use Salik toll gates, it’s recommended that you open a Salik account. You can do this online, by phone, or by visiting a Salik customer service center. When you open an account, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee of AED 50, which includes AED 25 in pre-paid tolls. After that, you can top up your account as needed using a credit card or by visiting a Salik recharge machine.

Overall, Salik is a convenient and efficient way to pay for tolls in Dubai. Just make sure to keep your account topped up to avoid any unexpected charges while driving.