Salik Profit Dips Amid Lower Traffic Volumes
Salik, Dubai’s prominent toll gate operator, reported an 8.6% drop in net profit to Dh1.05 billion for the first nine months of 2026. This decline was largely driven by a dip in toll usage fees, which fell 10.1% to Dh1.81 billion, as regional factors contributed to a lower volume of vehicles passing through the gates. While the company saw a modest 6.5% boost in revenue from toll violations—reaching Dh220.1 million—it was not enough to offset the broader contraction in total revenue, which slid 6.9% to Dh2.12 billion compared to the previous year.
Despite these challenges, the company is showing clear signs of a rebound as traffic patterns stabilize. Third-quarter data indicates a recovery, with total trips rising 4% over the previous quarter, and CEO Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad noted that September marked the busiest month for traffic since February. Looking ahead, Salik remains optimistic for 2027, projecting revenue growth of 6% to 8% fueled by Dubai’s ongoing economic expansion and population growth. The operator plans to bolster its outlook by diversifying into mobility and digital payment services, including new parking solutions, while maintaining its commitment to a dividend policy that distributes 100% of net profit to shareholders.