New Salik Toll Gate Launching This November

Dubai's transportation scene is about to get even more convenient with the upcoming tenth Salik toll gate, located in Al Safa South. Although the toll gate is currently up, it won't be operational until November. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this new addition to Dubai's roadways.

Location and Structure

The new Salik gate is strategically positioned between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street along Sheikh Zayed Road. The toll gates have been set up on both sides of the road, providing easier access for drivers heading towards Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. While there are no decals or identifying markings just yet, the gates feature a familiar structure with silver boards equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, according to Khaleej Times. This tech will automatically detect and scan Salik tags on passing vehicles, streamlining the toll payment process.

What’s Next?

As of now, Salik Company PJSC, the exclusive toll operator in Dubai, hasn't issued a new statement regarding the opening. However, Ibrahim Al Haddad, the Salik CEO, confirmed earlier this month that the new toll gates would be operational by the end of November.

Additional Toll Gates

In addition to the Al Safa South gate, there's also the ninth toll gate, located at Business Bay Crossing along Al Khail Road. Al Haddad has reassured the public that everything is on track for the timely launch of these gates, with no expected delays in construction.

Solar-Powered Innovation

One exciting feature of the new gates is their solar-powered functionality, marking a significant step towards sustainability for Salik. This initiative reflects Dubai's commitment to eco-friendly solutions and will be a first for the toll system.

How It Works

Similar to the existing Al Mamzar North and South toll gates, the Al Safa South gate will be linked to the Al Safa North gate. This means that if motorists pass through both gates within an hour in the same direction, they will only be charged once. Each time a vehicle passes through a Salik gate, the RFID technology automatically deducts Dh4 from the motorist’s prepaid toll account.

Key Locations

• Al Safa South Gate: Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, right after crossing the Dubai Water Canal bridge and in front of MedCare Orthopedics and Spine Hospital.
• Sharjah Direction: The toll gate heading towards Sharjah is situated between United Arab Bank and Pupil of Fate Motors, just before the turnoff to Al Meydan Street or the ramp leading to Al Hadiqa Road towards Jumeirah.

Benefits of the New Gates

According to Al Haddad, the Al Safa South gate is expected to enhance traffic flow between Financial Centre Street and Meydan Street, reducing right-turn traffic volume by 15%. This will help redistribute traffic more efficiently to larger roads like First Al Khail Street and Al Asayel Street.

Moreover, the new Business Bay Crossing gate is anticipated to reduce congestion on Al Khail Road by 12 to 15% and on Al Rabat Street by 10 to 16%.

Will Toll Fees Change?

Al Haddad clarified that any potential adjustments to toll fees are under the jurisdiction of the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) and would require approval from the Executive Council of Dubai. There's currently no fixed schedule for new toll gates beyond the ones opening in November, as the decision relies on ongoing traffic studies.

Current Salik Toll Gates

Currently, Dubai has eight operational Salik gates located across the city: Al Mamzar North, Al Mamzar South, Al Garhoud Bridge, Al Maktoum Bridge, Airport Tunnel, Al Safa, Al Barsha, and Jebel Ali. Last year, there were approximately 593 million journeys through Salik gates, contributing to a revenue of Dh1.1 billion in the first half of this year alone.