The two new Salik gates, namely the Business Bay gate and the Al Safa South gate, are set to commence operations on Sunday, November 24, as announced by Salik PJSC. These toll gates are strategically located at the Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and at Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road, positioned between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street. With their addition, the total number of Salik gates in Dubai will rise from eight to ten, enhancing the tolling infrastructure in the emirate. The Business Bay area serves as a vital route for many motorists coming from Sharjah, Al Nahda, and Al Qusais, who utilize this bridge to access one of Dubai’s busiest thoroughfares, Al Khail Road.
Ibrahim Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, previously indicated that these new gates are expected to reduce traffic congestion by as much as 16 percent. The Business Bay Crossing gate is anticipated to alleviate traffic significantly, while the Al Safa South gate is designed as a technical solution that connects with the existing northern Al Safa gate. This integration allows for a single payment system for vehicles passing through both gates within an hour, streamlining the tolling process for drivers.
In a noteworthy development for sustainability, both new toll gates will be nearly 100 percent solar-powered, marking a significant milestone for Salik in its commitment to green energy and sustainable growth aligned with Dubai’s environmental goals. This initiative reflects Salik’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint while enhancing transportation efficiency.
Recently, Salik addressed misinformation circulating on social media regarding dynamic pricing for tolls across Dubai. A viral post mistakenly claimed that toll fees would vary based on peak and off-peak hours upon the opening of the new gates. Salik clarified that such information was incorrect and emphasized that any changes to toll tariffs would be determined by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and require approval from Dubai’s Executive Council.
Currently, Salik maintains a fixed charge of Dh4 each time a vehicle passes through any toll gate in Dubai. In 2022 alone, approximately 593 million journeys were recorded through Salik’s toll gates. From January to June of this year, 238.5 million trips were logged at the eight existing gates, generating Dh1.1 billion in revenue for the first half of the year—a 5.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year. When questioned about future toll gate installations, Al Haddad stated that there is no predetermined schedule for additional gates; any future expansions will depend on traffic studies and congestion levels.
