Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the upcoming launch of two new Salik toll gates in Dubai, set to be operational by the end of November 2024. These additions will bring the total number of Salik gates in the emirate to 10.
Among the new gates, the Business Bay Crossing is projected to become one of the busiest toll points in Dubai, potentially rivaling the Al Barsha and Al Safa gates, which are currently the most frequented in the city.
“Based on our estimates, traffic at the Business Bay crossing will be close to Al Safa Gate or Al Barsha Gate – one of the main contributors to Salik’s revenue-generating trips. The traffic study also confirmed it. Al Safa South will be, somehow, similar to Al Mamzar North and South Gates,” a Salik spokesperson stated during the recent Investor Conference Call.
The Al Barsha and Al Safa gates contributed 20.7% and 19.0% respectively to Salik’s total revenue-generating trips during the first quarter of 2024. In comparison, the Al Mamzar North and South gates accounted for 9.0% and 6.8% of the total trips.
Business Bay is a critical route, with many motorists from Sharjah, Al Nahda, and Al Qusais using this bridge to access Al Khail Road, one of Dubai’s busiest roads.
During the Investor Conference Call, it was highlighted that the fourth quarter is traditionally the busiest for road trips, followed by the first quarter, with the second and third quarters seeing slightly less traffic. “When you look at Salik’s performance, you need to consider the overall year as each quarter is compensated by the other,” the spokesperson added.
The Salik Board has approved the valuation for the Business Bay and Al Safa South gates at a combined total of AED 2.734 billion, with the Business Bay Gate valued at AED 2.265 billion and the Al Safa South Gate at AED 469 million.
As Dubai continues to expand its infrastructure, the new Salik gates at Business Bay and Al Safa South are expected to play a significant role in managing the city’s traffic flow while contributing to Salik’s revenue. Motorists can expect the new gates to be operational by the end of November 2024.
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