Definition

Salik (Arabic for “open” or “clear”) is Dubai’s automatic electronic toll collection system, operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Launched in July 2007, the system uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to deduct a fixed toll of AED 4 from prepaid accounts as vehicles pass through designated toll gates. Salik was introduced to manage traffic congestion on Dubai’s busiest highway corridors, particularly the Sheikh Zayed Road crossings between Deira, Bur Dubai, and the newer districts to the south and west.

UAE Context

Salik operates at multiple toll gate locations across Dubai, positioned at key bottleneck points including the Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Al Safa, and Al Barsha toll points. The system processes millions of transactions daily and generates substantial revenue that is reinvested into Dubai’s road and transport infrastructure. In September 2022, Salik was listed on the Dubai Financial Market through an initial public offering, making it one of the first toll road operators in the Middle East to be publicly traded. The IPO was significantly oversubscribed, reflecting investor confidence in Dubai’s traffic growth trajectory.

Key Data

• Launched: July 2007
• Toll per gate: AED 4 per crossing
• Technology: RFID-based automatic deduction
• IPO: September 2022 on the Dubai Financial Market
• Daily transactions: Millions of crossings per day
• Toll gates: Multiple locations across Sheikh Zayed Road and key bridge crossings

Significance for Vision 2031

Salik serves dual purposes within the Vision 2031 framework: managing urban congestion through pricing signals and generating revenue for transport investment. Its successful IPO demonstrated that infrastructure assets can be monetized through capital markets, providing a model for future government asset listings. As Dubai’s population grows, additional toll gates and dynamic pricing mechanisms may be introduced to further manage demand and fund next-generation transport infrastructure.

Related Terms

• Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) — The entity that created and oversees the Salik system
• Darb — Abu Dhabi’s equivalent road toll system
• Nol Card — Dubai’s public transport fare card, separate from the Salik account
• Dubai Metro — A public transport alternative that helps drivers avoid toll charges