Dubai Updated Salik and Parking Charges in 2025

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is making changes to Salik toll charges and public parking fees starting in 2025. These updates aim to reduce congestion, enhance traffic flow, and encourage sustainable transportation practices. 

Here’s a breakdown of the new changes.

Updated Salik Charges: What’s New?

From January 2025, Salik toll fees will follow a time-based variable pricing system to manage peak-hour traffic better.

• Peak Hours (Weekdays): AED 6
  • Timings: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Off-Peak Hours (Weekdays): AED 4
  • Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
• Sundays: AED 4 flat all day
• Free Salik Hours: 1:00 AM – 6:00 AM (Daily)

How This Affects You

• Peak-hour drivers will pay more, making off-peak travel more cost-effective.
• Regular commuters should plan trips to minimize toll costs.

Updated Parking Fees: Time-Based System

Starting March 2025, public parking fees will also align with peak and off-peak traffic hours.

• Premium Parking Spaces
  • Peak Hours (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM): AED 6/hour
• Other Parking Spaces
  • Peak Hours (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM): AED 4/hour
  • Off-Peak Hours (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM): No changes (existing rates apply)
• Free Parking
  • Night-Time (10:00 PM – 8:00 AM)
  • Sundays

Key Takeaways

• Peak-hour parking in premium spaces will now cost more, encouraging quicker turnover.
• Free night-time and Sunday parking remain unchanged.

Event Zone Congestion Pricing

For the first time, Dubai is introducing congestion pricing in major event zones to manage heavy traffic during events.

• New Fee: AED 25/hour for public parking in event zones.
• First Zone: Dubai World Trade Centre (from February 2025).
• Future Zones: Other major event areas, such as Expo 2020, expected to follow.

Why This Matters

• Helps reduce traffic gridlock in event-heavy areas.
• Encourages the use of public transport or ride-sharing services.

Why These Changes?

The updated fees are part of RTA’s strategy to:

• Reduce traffic congestion by spreading travel demand more evenly throughout the day.
• Promote sustainability by encouraging public transport use and off-peak travel.
• Support Dubai’s growing infrastructure needs as it becomes a global hub for tourism, business, and events.

How Commuters Will Be Affected

The commuters will face the following effects. 

Daily Drivers

• Expect an increase in commuting costs during peak hours.
• A daily commute through three Salik tolls during peak times could cost AED 36, compared to AED 24 currently, adding up to an extra AED 288 per month (based on 24 working days).

Leisure Drivers

• Sundays remain cost-effective with AED 4 flat Salik fees.
• Free Salik hours between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM allow affordable late-night travel.

Event Attendees

• Parking at major event zones like Dubai World Trade Centre will cost AED 25/hour during events.
• Public transport or off-site parking can save money and avoid congestion.

What You Can Do

• Plan trips to avoid peak Salik and parking hours.
• Explore public transportation options, especially for event zones.
• Bookmark our guide on how to recharge Salik for seamless travel