UAE Motorists Brace for Changes as Dubai Introduces New Salik Toll Fees
As Dubai prepares to implement new “dynamic” Salik toll fees and variable parking prices in 2025, UAE motorists are adjusting their daily commutes to manage the changes.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Thursday that it will introduce Variable Road Toll Pricing (Salik) and Variable Parking Tariff Policies as part of a broader strategy to improve traffic flow across the city.
Many drivers are expected to modify their routines to avoid peak-hour charges. Some may opt to wake up earlier to benefit from the toll-free window, while others may choose to commute later in the day. Concerns are rising among residents, particularly those with fixed schedules, who fear the financial impact of the new fees. Some are considering requesting additional transport allowances to cover the increased toll costs, while others plan to carpool or use public transportation to offset the expense.
The changes to the Salik toll system will come into effect at the end of January 2025. Motorists will be able to travel toll-free between 1am and 6am. During weekdays, the toll will increase to Dh6 (a Dh2 rise) during morning peak hours (6am to 10am) and evening peak hours (4pm to 8pm). Off-peak hours, which run from 10am to 4pm and from 8pm to 1am, will maintain the current toll of Dh4. On Sundays (excluding public holidays or major events), the toll will be Dh4 throughout the day, with free passage from 1am to 6am.
By March 2025, new parking tariffs will also be implemented, with premium parking spaces costing Dh6 per hour and other paid public parking areas charging Dh4 per hour during peak hours (8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm). These rates will remain unchanged during off-peak hours (10am to 4pm and 8pm to 10pm). Parking will be free at night (10pm to 8am) and all day on Sundays and public holidays. Additionally, a new congestion pricing policy will be applied around the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) during major events starting in February 2025.
Experts Weigh In on the New Changes
Dr. Mostafa Al Dah, founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and former head of traffic studies at Dubai Police, believes the dynamic pricing system may benefit night-shift commuters or those traveling early in the morning when the roads are less congested. He also noted that the Salik fee adjustment was inevitable, given that the toll charge had remained unchanged since its introduction in 2007. He pointed to examples like London, where congestion charges have increased significantly over time.
Impact on Household Budgets
For many residents, the new toll fees represent a potential increase in household expenses. Filipino entrepreneur Michael da Costa expressed concern about how the higher Salik fees would affect his family’s budget. As a parent who drives his children to school daily, he stated, “This toll increase will significantly impact our household budget. While I understand the need to address traffic congestion, simply raising tolls may not be the most effective solution. Our roads remain congested during peak hours, even on alternative routes. A more comprehensive approach, like flexible work hours, could be more effective.”
Zayaan Ali, a 20-year-old computer engineering student, echoed similar concerns. As he has a fixed university schedule from 7:30am to 3:40pm, his commute will fall within the higher toll bracket. He plans to adjust by carpooling with friends or using the bus instead.
Peak Hour Charges Remain a Challenge
Richelle Wingco-Fosberry, a long-time Dubai resident and head of operations at Mojo PR, expressed doubt that the new pricing scheme would help her save money. She noted that her fixed work schedule meant she could not avoid peak hours. “If I had flexible working hours, I could adjust my commute to avoid peak times,” she said. “Fortunately, working from home twice a week helps mitigate some of the impact of the new pricing.”
Sharrah Khilawala, a senior communications consultant, said the new pricing would nearly double her commuting expenses. Living in Sharjah and working in Dubai Media City, she and her husband currently drive separately due to their differing schedules. She is considering carpooling to reduce costs but is concerned about the additional financial burden.
Increased Costs and Longer Commutes
Mayank Chaturvedi, director at Brand Sentry, predicted that the new toll and parking charges would worsen the traffic situation and add to the financial strain of daily commuters. He highlighted how alternative routes, which are also subject to Salik fees, would increase both travel time and costs.
Mohammed Abu Hamdan, a resident of Al Nahda, Sharjah, said the toll hikes would increase his monthly expenses, particularly with family outings and weekend trips. Firas Mostafa, another resident, is adjusting his commute by taking the Infinity Bridge to avoid traffic, while also requesting his employer to shift his working hours to avoid peak toll rates.
Requesting Additional Allowances
Some residents are seeking additional allowances from their employers to cover the higher toll costs. Syed Basit, a marketing executive, who frequently travels for client meetings, plans to request an increase in his company’s Salik allowance, which is currently capped at Dh300. He noted, “With the new charges, I will have to carefully plan my routes to stay within my allowance limit, which may not always be possible given the nature of my job.”
As Dubai rolls out the new toll and parking policies, residents are exploring various strategies, including adjusting their work schedules, carpooling, or using public transport, to mitigate the financial impact of the changes.
