Salik Charges in Dubai: Toll Price, Daily Limit & Recharge Guide

Salik Charges in Dubai - Detailed Guide

The Salik toll charge per gate is AED 4, deducted each time you pass through a toll gate. Salik refers to an electronic toll road system used in Dubai. As the name suggests, it is completely electronic, making it convenient for vehicle owners whenever they pass through a toll gate.

Salik makes it easier for drivers to move across Dubai without stopping at toll booths. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continuously improves the system to make travel smoother for drivers. Scroll through this guide to learn everything about Salik charges in Dubai. Understanding these charges is also important if you own a car or plan to rent a car in Dubai.

What is a Salik Tag and Who Needs It?

A Salik tag is a small electronic sticker that drivers place on their vehicle windshield. This tag allows toll gate sensors to detect the vehicle automatically and deduct the toll amount from the prepaid Salik account.

The tag should be placed on the windshield about 1 cm below the rear-view mirror so that the sensors can read it properly. Once installed, the system automatically deducts the toll fee whenever the vehicle passes through a Salik gate.

This applies to rental cars as well. If you are using a car rental service in Dubai, such as Gulf Oasis Rent A Car, the vehicle will already have a Salik tag installed.

Anyone driving in Dubai must have a Salik tag, whether they are using a local or foreign vehicle. Tourists bringing vehicles into Dubai are also required to register. Drivers with unregistered vehicles have a 10-day grace period from their first trip through a Salik gate to obtain a tag. If they fail to register within that period, fines may apply.

Salik Charges in Dubai

Below are the cost components involved when obtaining a Salik tag in Dubai:

The Salik tag requires a one-time purchase. It also includes an initial balance so drivers can begin using the system immediately.

For regular drivers in Dubai, the Salik system helps reduce congestion and makes commuting easier because vehicles no longer need to stop at toll booths.

Salik Charges Per Gate

The Salik toll charge is AED 4 per gate, deducted every time a vehicle passes through a toll gate.

However, if you pass through Al Mamzar North and Al Mamzar South gates within one hour, you will not be charged twice.

Additionally, the Al Maktoum Bridge toll gate is free during specific hours:

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM

• Saturday 10:00 PM – Monday 6:00 AM

These timings may change depending on RTA policies.

Maximum Salik Charges Per Day

When Salik was first introduced, vehicles were charged for a maximum of six trips per day, with a daily cap of AED 24.

However, in 2013 the RTA removed the daily cap, meaning drivers are now charged every time they pass through a Salik gate, regardless of the number of crossings in a day. Currently, there is no maximum daily charge for Salik tolls.

How Salik Charges are Calculated?

Salik charges depend on how often a vehicle passes through toll gates. Each gate crossing results in a AED 4 deduction from the Salik account.

Drivers can purchase a Salik tag from ENOC, EPPCO, Emarat, and ADNOC petrol stations for AED 100. If ordered online, an additional AED 20 delivery fee may apply.

Online registration is generally available for UAE-registered vehicles with private or motorcycle plates.

One advantage of the Salik system is that no 5% VAT is applied to Salik services.

How to Recharge Salik Charges in Dubai?

Drivers can recharge their Salik accounts using recharge cards or credit cards. Below are several ways to recharge a Salik account:

• Salik helpline

• SMS Salik recharge

• Self-service kiosks

• Cash Deposit Machines (CDM)

• Banks and ATMs

• Salik website

• Smart apps such as RTA Dubai Drive App and Dubai Now App

Recharge cards are typically available in values of AED 50, AED 100, and AED 200.

Recharge Salik Via Phone Call

To recharge your Salik account using a recharge card:

1. Scratch the back of the card to reveal the 12-digit recharge number.

2. Call the Salik helpline at 800-SALIK (72545).

3. Select your preferred language.

4. Enter the recharge number when prompted.

Once the recharge is successful, you will receive a confirmation message with your updated balance.

The Salik helpline is available 24/7.

Recharge Salik Via SMS

To recharge your Salik account using SMS:

1. Scratch the recharge card to reveal the 12-digit number.

2. Send an SMS to 5959 using the following format:

R [space] Recharge Number [space] Salik Account Number [space] Salik PIN

After sending the message, you will receive confirmation once the recharge is completed.

Note: Each SMS may incur a 30 fils charge.

Recharge Salik Via Self-Service Machines or Kiosks

Self-service kiosks for Salik recharge are available across Dubai, including locations such as:

• Al Aweer

• Deira

• Al Barsha

• Al Towar

• Al Kifaf

• Umm Ramool

Drivers can also locate these kiosks through the RTA Smart Drive App.

Steps to recharge using kiosks:

1. Log in using your registered email and password.

2. Select the Recharge option.

3. Add the recharge amount.

4. Confirm the transaction.

The balance will be added instantly to your Salik account.

Recharge Salik Via Bank

Many banks in Dubai provide Salik recharge services through:

• ATMs

• Mobile banking apps

• SMS banking

• IVR systems

• Cash Deposit Machines (CDM)

Some banks, such as Dubai Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank, also offer Salik recharge kiosks at selected branches.

Certain banks even provide auto top-up services for Salik accounts.

Rent a Car in Dubai Without Worrying About Salik

When renting a car in Dubai, Salik toll charges are automatically recorded through the vehicle’s Salik tag and added to the rental bill.

At Gulf Oasis Rent A Car, all vehicles come equipped with Salik tags, allowing you to drive across Dubai without worrying about toll payments.

You can explore available vehicles or check current car rental prices in Dubai to plan your trip conveniently.

Our Takeaway on Dubai Salik Charges

Before passing through toll gates, make sure your Salik account has sufficient balance. If the balance is insufficient, drivers may receive a AED 50 fine.

Drivers have five working days to recharge their Salik account after crossing a toll gate. Failure to recharge may result in additional penalties.

Recharge amounts usually start from AED 50 per transaction and can go up to AED 50,000, in multiples of AED 50.

Understanding Salik charges helps drivers plan their journeys better, especially when renting a car and travelling across Dubai’s toll roads.

FAQS

1. How can I recharge Salik in Dubai?

You can recharge your Salik account through the official website, mobile app, SMS, or authorized recharge partners across the UAE.

2. What happens if Salik balance is insufficient?

If your Salik balance is insufficient when passing through a gate, the toll may remain pending and additional charges may apply if not recharged within the allowed time.