The Ultimate Guide To Salik Tag In Dubai

Driving in Dubai comes with many conveniences, and one of them is Salik — the city’s automatic toll collection system. Since its launch in 2007, Salik has helped manage traffic by reducing congestion on busy roads. With toll gates placed at key locations, the system charges vehicles electronically, making the process fast and smooth. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Salik in 2025, from how to get a tag and recharge your account to fines, exemptions, and the latest updates across Dubai.

What is Salik?

Salik is Dubai’s automatic toll collection system, launched in 2007. The word “Salik” means “clear” or “open” in Arabic. This system allows for smooth traffic movement by charging drivers automatically when they pass under a Salik toll gate. 

Each time you drive under a Salik gate with a valid Salik tag on your vehicle, AED 4 to AED 6 is deducted from your Salik account. Recent updates to Dubai parking and Salik rules in 2025 also reflect broader transport system changes.

Current Salik Gate Locations

Dubai now operates eight Salik toll gates:

• Al Maktoum Bridge
• Al Garhoud Bridge
• Al Safa (Sheikh Zayed Road)
• Jebel Ali (Sheikh Zayed Road)
• Al Barsha (Sheikh Zayed Road)
• Airport Tunnel
• Al Mamzar North*
• Al Mamzar South*

* Al Mamzar North and South gates are close to each other. If you pass through both in the same direction within one hour, you are charged only once. In early 2025, two new Salik gates were announced, further expanding the network to help manage traffic flow in key areas of Dubai.

Daily Charge Limit

There is currently no daily maximum limit. Before 2013, the daily cap was AED 24, but this has been removed. Now, each gate crossing is charged regardless of how many trips are made per day.

How To Get A Salik Tag

To apply for a Salik tag, you’ll need:

• A copy of your vehicle registration card
• Emirates ID (or passport if ID is unavailable)
• For businesses: A copy of the trade licence

For a full walkthrough, you can read this step-by-step Salik tag registration guide.

Where to Buy a Salik Tag

You have two options:

1. Buy in Person:
   Available at petrol stations and RTA service centres.
   • Cost: AED 100
   • Comes with AED 50 balance
2. Buy Online:
   Purchase through the official Salik website.
   • Cost: AED 120 (includes AED 50 balance + AED 20 delivery fee)
   • Check if delivery is available in your area

Note: After buying, stick the tag on your car’s windscreen just under the rear-view mirror. You must attach it within 10 days of purchase.

Important: Do not remove the tag once placed. It could get damaged and become unusable.

Topping Up Your Salik Account

When your balance runs low, you can recharge it in two main ways:

1. In Stores: Use the same stores where you can buy tags. Provide your Salik account number.
2. Online: Use the Salik website or the Smart Salik app with a credit or debit card.

For a full guide on this, visit the article on how to recharge Salik in Dubai. The RTA will send low-balance alerts to your registered phone number.

Ways To Check Your Balance

• Smart Salik mobile app
• Salik official website
• 24/7 hotline: 800 72545
• Maximum balance allowed: AED 50,000
• Balance validity: Up to five years if unused

You can check your Salik balance using the app, website, or by calling the 24/7 hotline. For more methods, including SMS and IVR, here’s how to check and recharge Salik balance in Dubai.

Salik Fines and Penalties

Don’t Have a Salik Tag

If you have recently purchased a car, you have 10 working days to register a Salik account after passing through a gate without a tag. If not, you’ll receive fines as follows:

Have Insufficient Funds

• No fine if balance is topped up within 5 days; toll is deducted from the new balance
• If not topped up in 5 days: AED 50 per day
  

Tip: Always update your account if your number plate or phone number changes.

New in 2025: Variable Pricing

In 2025, Dubai began introducing variable toll pricing. This means tolls are now charged based on peak hours. This system is aimed at reducing congestion and improving travel times during busy periods. 

New Toll Charges:

Weekdays:

• Peak Hours (6am to 10am & 4pm to 8pm): AED 6
• Off-Peak Hours (10am to 4pm & 8pm to 1am): AED 4

Sundays:

• Toll remains AED 4 throughout the day, excluding public holidays or major events.
• No charges between 1am and 6am on all days.

FAQs

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