The newly installed Salik toll gate. SUPPLIED

Two new Salik toll gates have been installed in Dubai, which the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) previously announced are set to be fully operational by November 2024. These new toll gates are part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to ease traffic congestion and improve the overall efficiency of the city’s road networks. The first toll gate has been installed at the Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Street, while the second is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, between Al Meydan and Umm Al Sheif Streets. These additions are aligned with the completion of the Al Khail Road Improvement Project, which aims to enhance the flow of traffic in key areas of Dubai. In a recent statement, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasized the importance of these new toll gates. "Salik has been focusing on expanding its core toll collection business while diversifying revenue streams through new initiatives. The addition of these two new toll gates is a testament to our commitment to improving Dubai’s transportation infrastructure," Al Tayer said. The new toll gates are expected to bring significant improvements to traffic flow in Dubai. The Business Bay Crossing Gate is projected to reduce traffic congestion on Al Khail Street by up to 15 percent and decrease traffic volumes on Rabat Street by up to 16 percent. Additionally, it will help redistribute traffic to Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud bridges and Ras Al Khor Street, easing overall traffic pressure in these areas. Similarly, the new South Safa Gate on Sheikh Zayed Road is anticipated to reduce the volume of right-turn traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Meydan Road by 15 percent. It is also expected to enhance traffic flow on Financial Centre, Al Khail I, and Al Asayel Streets. The RTA’s long-term vision includes these initiatives as part of a broader strategy to develop and integrate road networks, public transport routes, and services. This aligns with their goal of encouraging public transport usage and reducing reliance on private vehicles. Currently, there are eight operational Salik toll gates across Dubai, including those at Al Mamzar, Al Garhoud Bridge, Al Maktoum Bridge, and others. These toll gates automatically charge a fee of Dh4 whenever a vehicle passes through, with payments deducted from a motorist’s prepaid toll account. Salik’s toll gates have already seen heavy usage this year, with 238.5 million trips recorded from January to June, generating Dh1.1 billion in revenue—a 5.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year. With the introduction of the new toll gates, Dubai aims to further enhance its road network's efficiency and reduce travel times for its residents and visitors. ICA/Expat Media
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