Dubai drivers are well acquainted with the ubiquitous toll system that governs access to the city’s busiest roads. Whether navigating rush-hour chaos or heading to the airport, Salik gates are an everyday encounter. However, few realise that precise timing can result in completely toll-free journeys, thanks to what are officially known as Salik free hours. But here’s the well-guarded secret — there are specific time windows when Salik charges do not apply. These are known as Salik-free hours.
If you understand exactly when these toll-free windows occur, you can plan routes that avoid unnecessary charges entirely. That means savings for businesses with vehicle fleets, delivery drivers, taxi operators, and even daily commuters. With the cost of living in Dubai rising steadily, using Salik free hours is one of the few ways to legally cut driving costs without affecting your daily schedule.
What Is Salik?
Salik, introduced in 2007 by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), is Dubai’s fully electronic toll collection system. It uses RFID tags and automatic number plate recognition to detect vehicles as they pass under toll gates.
Motorists are charged automatically as they pass through each of the designated Salik toll points, with the amount debited directly from their Salik account. There are no physical toll booths. The system has helped reduce congestion, particularly along the Emirates’ busiest roads like Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Ittihad Road.
Where Are the Salik Gates?
There are currently ten active Salik gates across Dubai:
- Al Safa North (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Al Safa South (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Al Barsha (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Jebel Ali (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Al Garhoud Bridge (Sheikh Rashid Road)
- Al Maktoum Bridge (Umm Hurair Road)
- Business Bay Crossing (Al Khail Road)
- Airport Tunnel (Beirut Street)
- Al Mamzar North (Al Ittihad Road)
- Al Mamzar South (Al Ittihad Road)
These gates are situated based on data-driven urban planning. Al Safa gates manage congestion along Sheikh Zayed Road near Business Bay, while Al Mamzar gates ease traffic on Al Ittihad Road for Sharjah-Dubai commuters. The Airport Tunnel ensures smooth traffic to and from DXB, and bridges like Al Garhoud and Al Maktoum connect vital commercial corridors across the creek.
What Are the Salik Charges?
As of 2025, here is the current Salik pricing structure:
- Peak hours (6:00am–10:00am and 4:00pm–8:00pm): AED 6 per gate
- Off-peak hours (10:00am–4:00pm and 8:00pm–1:00am): AED 4 per gate
- Free window (1:00am–6:00am): No charge at all
These time windows apply from Monday through Saturday. Unlike what some residents assume, Salik charges are not waived on weekends or public holidays.
The Official Salik Free Hours
The free hours are consistent across all toll gates and are enforced every day:
- Free window: 1:00am – 6:00am daily
If you drive through any Salik gate during this period, you are not charged a dirham. This window is useful for early morning travellers, overnight workers, delivery services, or anyone who schedules trips around this toll-free interval.
The One-Hour Rule: Save More by Timing Right
Dubai’s Salik system also includes a one-hour rule that many drivers are unaware of. It allows you to pass through certain toll gates within a 60-minute window and pay only once, provided you’re travelling in the same direction.
One-Hour Rule Applies to:
- Al Mamzar North and Al Mamzar South
- Al Safa North and Al Safa South
- A combination of Al Mamzar and Al Safa
Example Scenario:
If you drive through Al Mamzar South and then Al Safa North within one hour, heading in the same direction, you only get charged once. This feature is perfect for people taking longer routes or dealing with heavy traffic conditions. If you can time it right, this rule stacks with Salik free hours for maximum toll avoidance.
How to Get and Use a Salik Tag
If you’re new to driving in Dubai or renting a car, follow this numbered checklist to get started with Salik:
- Purchase a Salik tag: Available at petrol stations, supermarkets, or the RTA.
- Register and activate: Use the RTA website or mobile app.
- Install the tag: Place it inside your windscreen, near the rearview mirror.
- Top up regularly: Keep a sufficient balance to avoid fines.
Visual Asset Suggestions
- Map: Display all 10 Salik gate locations, using road names and colour-coding for highway zones.
- Infographic: Circular 24-hour clock showing toll-free period between 1:00am–6:00am.
- Flowchart: Visual representation of the one-hour rule between gate combinations.
- Checklist: Step-by-step graphic guide for installing and registering a Salik tag.
Practical Tips to Use Salik Free Hours
- Plan airport pickups or drop-offs between 1:00am and 6:00am. For example, a journey from Al Barsha to DXB via Al Garhoud Bridge during this window avoids multiple charges that would otherwise cost AED 12 or more.
- Reschedule late-night errands or logistics between 1:00am–6:00am.
- Encourage shift-based staff to time their commutes for free hours.
- If travelling during the one-hour rule window, stick to the same direction.
FAQ Questions and Answers
What are Salik free hours in Dubai?
Salik free hours are from 1:00am to 6:00am daily, when toll gates do not charge any fee.
Is Salik free on Fridays or public holidays?
No. Salik charges still apply on weekends and public holidays, except during the designated free hours.
How does the Salik one-hour rule work?
When you pass through Al Mamzar or Al Safa toll gates within one hour and in the same direction, you will be charged only once.
Can tourists use Salik?
Yes. Rental vehicles are equipped with Salik tags, and toll fees are billed by the rental agency.
