Dubai: Salik Company PJSC, the sole toll gate operator in Dubai, has received instructions from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to implement a variable pricing system on Salik toll roads, with the changes set to take effect by the end of January 2025.
The variable pricing system aims to optimize traffic across Dubai’s Road networks, following RTA studies that highlighted the need for such measures, with exemptions during certain times.
The new Variable Road Toll Pricing system, set to launch in January 2025, will allow toll-free passage between 1am and 6am. On weekdays, the toll will be Dh6 ($ 1.63) during peak hours (6am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm) and Dh4 ($1.09) during off-peak hours (10am to 4pm and 8pm to 1am). On Sundays, except during public holidays or major events, the toll will be Dh4 ($1.09) throughout the day and free from 1am to 6am.
Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, emphasized that RTA studies had shown the need for variable pricing, aiming to enhance the travel experience for users in Dubai.
Additionally, the Variable Parking Tariff Policy, effective by March 2025, will charge Dh6 ($1.63) per hour for premium parking spaces and Dh4 ($1.09) per hour for other public paid spaces during morning (8am to 10am) and evening (4pm to 8pm) peak hours. During off-peak hours (10am to 4pm and 8pm to 10pm), parking fees will remain the same. Parking will be free from 10pm to 8am and all day on Sundays.
A new Congestion Pricing Policy will also be implemented for event zones, charging Dh25 ($6.81) per hour for public parking near event areas, starting in February 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The RTA forecasts the new pricing model could generate an additional AED60mn to AED110mn ($ 16.3mn to $30mn) annually.