Definition

Darb (Arabic for “path” or “road”) is Abu Dhabi’s automatic electronic road toll collection system, operated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) under the Department of Municipalities and Transport. Launched in October 2024, Darb uses advanced automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to detect and charge vehicles as they pass through designated toll gates on Abu Dhabi’s key road corridors. Unlike RFID-based systems that require a physical tag, Darb reads licence plates directly, enabling seamless billing to registered vehicle accounts without the need for a prepaid sticker or transponder.

UAE Context

Darb was introduced to manage growing traffic congestion across Abu Dhabi Island and key mainland arterial roads as the capital’s population and economic activity expanded rapidly. The system operates toll gates at strategic entry and exit points on Abu Dhabi Island bridges, Saadiyat Island access roads, and select highway interchanges. Toll rates vary by time of day, with peak-hour charges set higher than off-peak rates to incentivise travel outside congested periods. Registered vehicle owners manage their accounts and payments through the DARB mobile application and the Department of Municipalities and Transport’s digital platforms. Abu Dhabi residents with vehicles registered in the emirate are automatically enrolled, while visitors and vehicles from other emirates can register voluntarily to avoid fines. The system’s dynamic pricing model represents a more sophisticated congestion-management approach compared to Dubai’s fixed-rate Salik toll gates, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s later entry into road pricing and the lessons learned from Dubai’s decade-long toll experience.

Key Data

• Launched: October 2024
• Technology: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
• Toll rate: Variable by time of day (peak and off-peak pricing)
• Operating authority: Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), Department of Municipalities and Transport
• Coverage: Abu Dhabi Island bridges, Saadiyat Island access, key highway interchanges
• Payment: DARB mobile app, online portal, and approved service centres
• Exemptions: Emergency vehicles, public buses, and vehicles for people of determination

Significance for Vision 2031

Darb represents Abu Dhabi’s commitment to intelligent transportation infrastructure and data-driven urban management. The toll system generates real-time traffic flow data that informs future road network investments and public transit planning. Revenue from Darb is earmarked for transport infrastructure improvements, including road upgrades, public transit expansion, and active mobility corridors. The dynamic pricing mechanism encourages modal shift toward public transport and shared mobility, supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability targets including reduced per-capita carbon emissions. As Abu Dhabi’s population grows toward the 2031 planning horizon, Darb provides a scalable, technology-driven framework for managing urban congestion without continuous road-building expenditure.

Related Terms

• Salik — Dubai’s equivalent electronic toll system using RFID technology
• Department of Transport Abu Dhabi — The authority overseeing Abu Dhabi’s transport policy
• Abu Dhabi Metro — Planned mass transit system for the capital
• Smart City — Urban management philosophy underpinning intelligent transport systems