Paid roads in Dubai are not a separate infrastructure layer but an integrated part of the city’s mobility system. The Salik system directly affects the real cost of trips, especially if you rent a car in Dubai for several days or weeks. Understanding how Salik works helps you control expenses in advance and avoid unexpected charges.
What is Salik, and why is it used?
Salik is an electronic toll gate system in Dubai that operates without barriers or stops. The toll fee is automatically charged when a vehicle passes under the gantry, with no action required by the driver.
The system was introduced to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion on key highways. For drivers, this means one thing: the charge is applied per passage, not based on distance or travel time.
How does the Salik system work in practice?
Every vehicle in Dubai must have a Salik tag — an RFID sticker linked to the vehicle’s license plate. Cameras capture the plate number, the system verifies it in the database, and the toll is charged automatically.
If you use car rentals in Dubai, the Salik tag is already installed. Drivers do not need to register or top up a balance — all charges are handled by the rental company.
How much does it cost to pass through Salik?
The toll rate is fixed and does not depend on the time of day or the day of the week.
Salik tariff table:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per passage | 4 AED |
| Number of gates | 8 |
| Operating hours | 24/7 |
| Free passages | Not available |
Important: repeated passes through the same gate during the same day are charged each time.
Where are Salik toll gates located?
Salik gates are installed on major transport arteries, most frequently used by tourists and car rental customers.
Main locations:
- Sheikh Zayed Road
- Al Garhoud Bridge
- Al Maktoum Bridge
- Al Barsha
- Airport Tunnel
- Business Bay Crossing
Who pays for Salik when renting a car?
Formally, the vehicle owner is responsible for payment. In practice, when renting a car, Salik charges are passed on to the renter and billed after the rental period.
Scenario comparison:
| Scenario | How Salik is paid |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle | charged directly from the owner’s account |
| Short-term rental | is added to the invoice after vehicle return |
| Long-term rental | is included in monthly billing |
Is it possible to avoid toll roads in Dubai?
Technically — yes. Practically, not always reasonable.
Avoiding toll roads:
- increases travel time by 15–40%;
- raises fuel consumption;
- often routes through congested local roads.
For tourists and business visitors, saving 4–12 AED per passage rarely compensates for the lost time.
Why is Salik especially important when renting a car?
For car rental customers, Salik is neither a fine nor an extra tax — it is a variable expense that should be considered when planning a budget.
Typical scenario:
- 2–3 passages per day
- 5 rental days
- Total: an additional 40–60 AED
How does RentDrive handle Salik?
RentDrive.ae operates a transparent billing model: all Salik passages are recorded automatically and provided to the client with full details.
This approach is especially valuable for:
- tourists booking cars online in advance;
- new residents without driving experience in the UAE;
- corporate clients managing vehicle fleets.
Salik and long-term rentals: what changes?
For rentals lasting one month or longer, Salik expenses are included in regular transport costs, similar to fuel or parking.
For businesses, this allows:
- accurate expense forecasting;
- correct calculation of cost per vehicle;
- Comparison between renting and purchasing a car.
Choosing the right car rental company and transparent pricing terms can make paid road infrastructure a time-saving tool rather than a source of unpleasant surprises.
