Dubai is set to launch new toll and parking fee structures in 2025 as part of a comprehensive plan by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to improve traffic flow and avoid congestion. They include Variable Road Toll Pricing (Salik) and Variable Parking Tariffs with new charges that aim at deterring rush hour travel and proper parking fee system.
Variable Road Toll Pricing system which is expected to begin from the end of January will only charge tolls from motorists at some times Dubai’s Road Transport Authority has proclaimed that it is to adopt the Variable Road Toll Pricing (Salik) and Variable Parking Tariff Policies which comprise of event-specific parking charges as part of efforts aimed at improving traffic conditions in the city.
The toll fee will be Dh6 during weekdays except for morning rush hour 6am – 10am, and evening rush hour 4pm – 8pm. For the other hours that is between 10 am in the morning and 4 pm in the afternoon, as well as between 8 pm in the evening to 1 am in the night the toll fee will be Dh4. Every Sunday (except during public holidays, special events or events of significant importance), tension tolls will be at Dh 4 throughout the day and free between 1 AM and 6 AM.
The Variable Parking Tariff Policy to be implemented by end of March 2025 specifies parking charges of Dh6 per hour for the premium parking and Dh4 per hour for all other categories of public paid parking areas during morning rush hours from 8am to 10am, evening rush hours from 4 pm to 8pm. The tariffs although will be the same during other off-peak periods from 10am – 4pm and from 8 pm – 10pm. Parking will be allowed at night, from 10pm to 8am, and on Sunday all day.
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Off-peak hours will continue to cost Dhs 4 while tolls will be at a peak period from 1am to 6am. These changes will come into effect from end of January 2025 to enhance traffic flow due to the opening of two new Salik gates namely Business Bay Crossing- Al Khail Road, and Al Safa South – Sheikh Zayed Road. According to RTA, rush hours are between 6am and 10am, and between 4pm and 8pm. Weekend toll will be set at Dhs4, excluding public holidays and other special occasions.
Fees for car parking will also go up. The premium parking zones will be set at a rate of Dhs6 an hour during peak hours after March 2025 while public areas will be at Dhs 4. The other off-peak tariff continues to be retained while the parking is free from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am and Sundays. Dubai World Trade Centre, parking fees will rise to Dhs25 per hour from February 2025.
The new price changes come after a remarkable performance by Salik’s financial results. The company posted Dhs277.3m profit in the third quarter 2024, ascended 8.8 per cent yearly. The nine-month net profit was at Dhs822m, which results from 5.1 per cent higher toll revenue of Dhs1.42bn. In response to the allegations, officials of Dubai’s RTA argued that the changes are in line with a general plan to eliminate traffic congestion and enhance the process of driving.