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If you’ve recently come to Dubai or are new to driving, there’s something important you should learn about called Salik. You might have heard of it, but you might still be wondering about how much it costs, the rules connected to it, and how it actually works. Whether you have your own car or rent a car Dubai, you have to be aware of Salik activation.
This helpful guide has all the answers you need. It will tell you everything about Salik in Dubai. So, you can have a great time driving without any worries!
What is Salik and how does it help with traffic in Dubai?
Salik is like a special gate system for cars in Dubai that helps traffic move smoothly. It started on July 1st, 2007, and its name means ‘clear and moving.’ It lets drivers come in and go out of Dubai like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah etc. easily. Since it began, the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has worked to make it even better and to make everything simpler. You can add money to your Salik account and pay for it online or offline.
How many toll gates does Salik have in Dubai?
There are eight toll gates for Salik located at different places on the roads in Dubai.
Where Can You Find Salik Toll Gates in Dubai?
The Salik Dubai gates are located at different places around the city, but many of them are on Sheikh Zayed Road. Here’s a summary of the toll gates in Dubai, their locations, costs, and timings:
Al Barsha:
- Location: This gate is on Sheikh Zayed Road, near Mashreq Metro Station and Mall of the Emirates.
- Cost: AED 4
- Timing: Open 24 hours
Jebel Ali:
- Location: You’ll find this gate on Sheikh Zayed Road, close to Jebel Ali Village.
- Cost: AED 4
- Timing: Open 24 hours
Al Maktoum:
- Location: Positioned on Tariq Bin Ziyad Road, it’s near Dubai Creek.
- Cost: AED 4
- Timing: Open 24 hours on all days, except free from 10:00 pm Thursday to 6:00 am Saturday.
Airport Tunnel:
- Location: Located on Route no. 62, on Beirut Street, it’s close to Dubai International Airport.
- Cost: AED 4
- Timing: Open 24 hours
Al Safa:
- Location: This gate is on Sheikh Zayed Road in Business Bay, near Business Bay Metro Station.
- Cost: AED 4
- Timing: Open 24 hours
Al Garhoud:
- Location: Found on route E11, Al Ittihad Street, it’s near Dubai Creek and Al Garhoud.
- Cost: AED 4
- Timing: Open 24 hours
Al Mamzar North Salik Gate:
- Location: Al Ittihad Street
- Cost: AED 4
- Timing: Open 24 hours
Al Mamzar South Salik Gate:
· Location: Al Ittihad Street
· Cost: AED 4
· Timing: Open 24 hours
Important Points to Remember
When you go through both Al Mamzar North and Al Mamzar South toll gates in one direction within an hour, and you don’t cross the highway between the gates, you will be charged only once.
Is there any free Salik in Dubai?
· Trips through Salik gates are charged even during holidays and 24/7.
· Dubai Salik gates are free during specific times:
· From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on weekdays (Sunday to Wednesday)
· From 10:00 p.m. on Thursday to 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, applicable only to Al Maktoum Bridge toll gate.
How Salik Works?
Dubai Salik uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology for toll charges. To use it, get a Salik tag. At Salik toll areas, the installed RFID scans your tag as you drive through. The fee is then taken from your prepaid toll account every time you pass a Salik gate. Also, remember that Salik account owners are accountable for paying for every trip through toll points, no matter who is driving.
Understanding the Salik Tag
A Salik tag is a special sticker that helps the system recognize your vehicle. To use it, drivers place the tag on their vehicle’s windshield, about 1 cm below the rear-view mirror. This sticker is connected to a prepaid Salik account.
When your own vehicle or cheap car rental in Dubai passes a toll gate, the sensor in the gate communicates with the sticker. This happens every time you cross a gate, and a fee is taken from your prepaid account to cover the toll.
Registering for a Salik Account Made Easy
Getting a Salik account is simple with these steps. The official Salik Dubai website is where you can sign up. Here’s what to do:
- Visit the Salik website.
- Click on “New User Registration.”
- Register as an Individual user.
- Fill out the form with your information to finish.
- Plus, you can use the Salik Dubai app to log in from your phone.
- Once you have a Salik account, then do a Salik login. After that, you can handle payments, check for fines, see your remaining balance, and recharge your card.
How Much Does the Salik Tag Cost?
To know the cost of a Salik tag, understand the differences between buying it online or offline:
Online Purchase
Follow the following steps to online purchase Salik tag:
Visit the official Salik website.
- Click on Purchase Salik Tag.
- Fill in the required details.
- Verify your mobile number using a one-time password.
- Provide your delivery address.
- Complete the payment process.
- You’ll receive a confirmation message on your phone.
- Your tag is automatically activated upon online purchase.
Getting a Salik tag online costs a total of AED 120. This includes:
- Salik tag: AED 50
- Prepaid toll credit: AED 50
- Delivery fee: AED 20
Offline Purchase
You can also get a Salik tag from authorized dealers by the RTA.
Center. Here are some petrol stations in Dubai where you can get your tag:
- Emarat
- EPPCO
- ENOC
- ADNOC
Required Documents:
- Copy of the vehicle’s Registration Card (front and back sides)
- Salik tag number (found on the back of the tag)
- Your phone number (same as provided during Salik purchase)
- Date of purchase for the Salik tag
- For companies, a copy of the trade license is required
Choose the option that suits you best to get your Salik tag and enjoy easy toll payments!
Buying a Salik tag from stores costs AED 100, which includes:
- Salik tag: AED 50
- Prepaid toll credit: AED 50 (activated during registration)
RTA Salik Service Offices in Dubai and Other Locations
Dubai:
- Salik Customer Service Centres, Marrakesh Street, Umm Ramool
Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm - Tasieel Al Qusais, Beirut Street, Al Qusais Industrial 5
Saturday to Thursday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm - Tasjeel Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz Industrial 3, Dubai Traffic Building
Saturday to Thursday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm - Deira Centre, Al Tawar, Behind General HQ of Dubai Police
Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm - Al Tawar Municipality Centre, Tawar 1, Opposite Al Tawar Centre
Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:30 pm - Wasel Belhasa, Al Jaddaf, Behind Al Wasel Sports Club
Saturday to Thursday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm - Aswaq Muzher, Aswaq Muzher Mall, Ground Floor
Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm - Dubai Government Workshop, Al Jaddaf near Business Bay Bridge
Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Other Locations:
- Abu Dhabi – Traffic & Licensing Department, Abu Dhabi – Traffic (Morrour Road)
Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 am – 7:00 pm - Sharjah – Traffic & Licensing Department, Sharjah – Al Ramtha
Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 am – 2:30 pm - Fujairah – Licensing & Registration Traffic Department
Saturday to Thursday: 7:30 am – 2:30 pm - Ras Al Khaimah – Licensing & Registration Traffic Department
Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 am – 2:30 pm - Al Ain, Traffic Complex (New License & Registration Building) Al Moror Street, Falaj Haz/aa
Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
These locations offer services related to Salik and traffic-related matters.
Purchasing and Activating a Salik Tag
Getting a Salik tag is easy. Purchase Salik online and then register it on the website. Remember to have the following details ready:
- Salik tag number: This is located on the back of your Salik tag.
- Your mobile phone number: Use the same number you provided in your application for Salik activation. It’s the one for all Salik communication.
- T.C.No: This is found on your Vehicle Registration Card.
Follow these steps to register your tag online.
Cost of Salik in Dubai:
The cost of Salik varies based on where you get it. If you buy it from a designated RTA spot, it’s AED 100. The tag itself is AED 50, and AED 50 is added to your account.
Buying the Salik tag online in Dubai costs AED 120. This includes AED 50 for the tag, AED 50 as prepaid balance, and AED 20 for delivery to your home. When going for online purchase, check if the delivery covers your area.
Installing Your Salik Tag:
Remember, one vehicle needs only one tag. Follow these four simple steps according to the RTA:
- Position it Right: Place your tag about 1 cm below the rear-view mirror. If your windshield is metallic, find the dotted or lighter area in the middle.
- Clean Your Windshield: Ensure the windshield is clean and dry where you’ll attach the tag.
- Peel the Tag: Hold the tag by the edges and remove the transparent liner from the sticky side.
- Stick the Tag: Press one edge onto the windshield and gently attach it to the opposite edge, rubbing to avoid air bubbles.
Topping Up Your Salik Credit
How to Recharge Your Salik Account: To ensure your Salik account has enough credit, you have several options for recharging:
Credit Card
- Recharge using your credit card through Dubai petrol stations, MPay app etc.
Auto Top-Ups:
- Set up auto top-ups through your bank.
Salik Recharge Card:
If you have a Salik Dubai recharge card, you can do online Salik recharge through:
-
- The official Salik Dubai website http://www.salik.gov.ae/
and follow the instructions.
- The official Salik Dubai website http://www.salik.gov.ae/
- Salik call center 800-SALIK (72545).
- Smart Salik app
Cash Payment:
If you prefer cash payment, you can use:
- Kiosk machines
- Cash Deposit Machines for DIB and Emirates NBD banks.
Remember, you need a minimum recharge of AED 50. Choose the method that suits you best to keep your Salik account funded and ready for your travels.
Salik Violations and Penalties
The RTA in Dubai has established rules to ensure the effective use of the Salik system.
Insufficient Funds (ISF) Violation:
- Passing a Salik toll gate without having enough credit and not recharging within the next five days.
- Penalty: AED 50
Unregistered Plate (URP) Violation:
Passing a Salik gate without a registered tag and failing to obtain one within 10 days.
Penalties:
- First-time violation: AED 100
- Second-time violation: AED 200
- Subsequent violations: AED 400
Note: If you pass through multiple times during a single day, there will be a maximum of one violation per day.
Exemption from Salik Toll Fee:
Certain vehicles are exempt from paying toll fees when passing through checkpoints in Dubai, according to the rules of the Road and Transport Authority (RTA). These vehicles include:
- Military vehicles
- Ambulances
- Police vehicles
- RTA public buses
- College buses
- School buses
- Vehicles falling under the category of ‘Determined Ones’
How to Avoid Salik in Dubai?
For those who prefer not to pay Salik fee or do not have a Salik tag, there are routes across the city that can be taken to avoid the toll gates. Here are a few routes you can consider:
E311/Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road:
· Avoids: Jebel Ali Salik Gate, Al Safa Salik Gate, Al Barsha Salik Gate
· Useful for: Traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and neighborhoods along Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Jebel Ali.
Floating Bridge:
- Avoids: Al Maktoum Salik Gate, Al Garhoud Salik Gate
- Business Bay Crossing
- Avoids: Al Garhoud Salik Gate
D 83/Rebat Street:
- Avoids: Airport Tunnel Salik Gate
Al Wahda Street, Al Damascus Street, or E311/Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road:
· Avoids: Al Mamzar North & South Salik Gate
You can use Google Maps to find routes where Salik is not applicable. Choose the ‘Avoid Tolls’ option when selecting your route.
Salik Guidelines
Here are some important practices to follow and things to keep in mind when using Salik:
Tag Assignment and Use:
The Salik tag should be affixed to the vehicle it has been assigned to in the Salik application.
You cannot use the same tag on a different vehicle.
Updating Information:
Inform the relevant authorities if there are changes to your vehicle’s number plate or your mobile number.
Prompt Tag Placement:
Purchase a Salik tag and fix it to your car’s windshield within the first 10 working days of using the system.
Recharging Account:
In case of insufficient funds, recharge your Salik account within 5 working days.
Importance of Salik:
The Salik system ensures smooth traffic flow on Dubai roads and is mandatory. Each vehicle needs its own separate Salik tag, which is not transferable.
Parking During Public Holidays:
On certain public holidays, you can park your vehicles for free. For instance, during the Eid Al Adha break, Dubai offers free car parking.
Following these guidelines will help you use the Salik system correctly and make your road journeys in Dubai more convenient.
What to Do If Your Salik Tag is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?
If your Salik tag is lost, stolen, or damaged, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent any unauthorized use and charges. Here’s what you should do:
· Deactivate the Tag:
Deactivate the lost, stolen, or damaged tag right away to prevent any toll charges. You can do this on the official Salik website.
· Contact Salik Dubai:
1. Call the Salik Dubai number at 800 Salik (72545), which is available 24/7 for self-service.
2. Choose your preferred language (press 1 for Arabic and 2 for English).
3. Press 3 to log in to your account.
4. Press 5 to modify the details related to your tag.
· Visit a Salik Customer Service Centre;
You can also visit a Salik customer service center for assistance and guidance on what to do next.
How to Avoid Paying Salik Dubai Fines?
To steer clear of Salik fines, ensure you avoid the following violations:
· Insufficient Credit:
If you pass through a Salik toll gate without sufficient account balance and don’t recharge within 5 working days from the trip date, a fine will be imposed.
Violation Cost: AED 50
· Unregistered Plate:
Driving through a Salik toll gate with a Salik tag on your car, but not registering it within 10 working days from the trip date, leads to penalties.
Violation Costs:
- First Trip: AED 100
- Second Trip: AED 200
- Subsequent Trips: AED 400 each
Note: For each vehicle, a maximum of one Salik violation is allowed per day.
To ensure you’re penalty-free, regularly do a Salik balance check via their website or app. This way, you can stay on top of any potential fines and take necessary actions.
What should be the speed when passing through Salik?
When passing through a Salik toll gate, you can maintain your normal highway driving speed. There’s no need to stop or slow down. The Salik toll system is designed for free-flowing traffic, allowing you to seamlessly drive through without any interruption. You won’t encounter toll booths, barriers, or gates on Dubai highways when using Salik.
Do’s & Don’t When Using Salik
- Always use the Salik tag assigned to the specific vehicle you are driving, as stated in your application.
- Avoid moving the same tag between different vehicles.
- If your registered mobile number changes, inform the authorities.
- Purchase and affix the Salik tag to your vehicle’s windshield within the initial 10 working days of using it.
- If your account has insufficient funds, make sure to recharge your Salik account within five working days.
Conclusion:
Salik is a system in Dubai that uses electronic toll gates to keep traffic moving smoothly. When you drive through these gates, a fee is automatically deducted from your account. Salik tags, like stickers on your windshield, help with this process. You can easily manage your account online and add more than one vehicle to it. It’s important to follow the rules, keep your tag in place, and make sure your account has enough money to avoid any issues while driving in Dubai.
Salik Email:
General Inquiries: customerservice@salik.ae
Corporate Inquiries: specialaccounts@salik.ae
Salik Dubai Contact Numbers:
Local (toll-free): 800 Salik (72545)
Outside UAE: +971 (0)4 233 5000 / +971 (0)4 233 5005
