Dubai's Tenth Salik Gate Installed in Al Safa South: New Toll System Set to Launch by November
Dubai’s Salik system is expanding with the installation of its tenth toll gate in Al Safa South, situated between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street, on both sides of Sheikh Zayed Road. Although the gate is not yet operational, it is part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to enhance its traffic management system while promoting sustainable technology.
The new Salik gate, like its predecessors, is equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, which will automatically scan Salik tags on passing vehicles. This allows for seamless toll collection without requiring drivers to stop or manually pay at the gate. However, as of now, there are no identifying decals or markings on the gate itself, making it visually indistinguishable from the existing Salik gates.
While Salik Company PJSC has yet to issue an official statement regarding the gate’s opening, CEO Ibrahim Al Haddad has confirmed that the system is expected to go live by the end of November 2024. This new gate follows the installation of the ninth Salik gate, which was announced last month and is located on Business Bay Crossing along Al Khail Road.
Sustainable Innovation in Tolling
One of the most notable aspects of the new Salik gates is their focus on sustainability. Both the new toll gates will be nearly 100% solar-powered, making them the first Salik gates to operate with such a high percentage of renewable energy. This move aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to promote eco-friendly practices across its infrastructure projects, including in the transportation sector.
Dubai has long been committed to sustainability, and the integration of solar energy into the Salik toll system represents a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of its roadways. By utilizing solar power, the new gates will not only contribute to the city’s green energy goals but also serve as a symbol of Dubai’s ongoing innovation in smart city technologies.
New Toll Structure for Motorists
For motorists, the new Al Safa South and North toll gates bring a streamlined and convenient system. Under the new rules, vehicles passing through both gates within an hour in the same direction will only incur a single toll fee of Dh4. This update will simplify the process for drivers who travel through the toll zones frequently, eliminating the need to pay multiple fees in a short span of time.
The RFID technology will automatically deduct the toll fee from drivers’ prepaid Salik accounts, ensuring a smooth and efficient transit experience. This automation is expected to reduce congestion at toll gates and minimize delays for commuters on one of Dubai’s busiest highways, Sheikh Zayed Road.
Ongoing Expansion of Dubai’s Toll System
With the addition of the tenth gate in Al Safa South, the Salik system continues to expand across Dubai. The gates serve not only as a traffic management tool but also as a revenue-generating mechanism that helps fund the city’s transportation infrastructure projects. According to Al Haddad, construction of the new gates is on schedule, with no anticipated delays, and a formal announcement from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is expected prior to the gate’s opening.
As the city’s population grows and its roads become more congested, the expansion of the Salik system is seen as a key component of Dubai’s transportation strategy. The system’s ongoing development reflects the city’s ambition to provide world-class infrastructure while adapting to the needs of its residents and visitors.
What’s Next for Dubai’s Salik System?
The introduction of solar-powered toll gates and the new streamlined toll structure are part of Dubai’s broader initiative to modernize its infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents. With future plans likely to include further expansion of the Salik system and the adoption of additional smart technologies, the city continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in innovation and sustainability.
Motorists and commuters can expect further updates from Dubai’s RTA in the coming weeks, as the Salik system evolves to meet the growing demands of the city’s transportation network.
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