Dubai is gearing up to implement variable Salik toll rates and flexible parking tariffs starting in 2025, aiming to improve traffic flow and enhance urban mobility. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced these changes as part of its commitment to smart mobility solutions.
Variable Salik Toll Rates: Effective January 2025
The RTA will roll out a new dynamic pricing model for Salik toll gates to better manage road congestion. Toll rates will vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Key Details of Variable Salik Toll Rates
- Peak Hours: AED 6 toll charges will apply during high-traffic periods, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays.
- Off-Peak Hours: AED 4 toll charges will be applicable between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
- Toll-Free Periods: No tolls will be charged during the night from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM.
The initiative aims to encourage commuters to adjust their travel schedules and explore alternative routes or modes of transportation during peak hours.
Introduction of Flexible Parking Tariffs
Dubai will also implement flexible parking rates based on demand and events. These tariffs will be introduced to optimize parking usage and reduce overcrowding in high-demand areas.
While specific rates and timings for the variable parking system are yet to be finalized, the initiative will complement the Salik toll reforms to promote efficient urban mobility.
These initiatives are expected to:
- Ease Congestion: Encourage off-peak travel, reducing traffic density during rush hours.
- Enhance Parking Efficiency: Flexible parking rates will improve the availability of parking spaces in busy areas.
- Promote Sustainability: The smart mobility measures align with Dubai’s long-term vision for sustainable urban living.
Residents and visitors can prepare for the upcoming changes by:
- Scheduling Travel: Plan trips during off-peak hours to save on toll costs.
- Using Public Transport: Leverage Dubai Metro, buses, or other public transit options during peak hours.
- Staying Updated: Keep track of announcements from the RTA for more details on parking rates and timings.
Dubai’s move towards variable tolls and parking tariffs is a significant step in making the city’s infrastructure more efficient and adaptable to the growing demands of urban mobility.
Special Congestion Pricing Policy
In addition, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a congestion pricing policy that will apply during major events such as conferences, festivals, exhibitions, and concerts. Starting February 2025, this policy will be first implemented around the Dubai World Trade Centre, with public parking fees set at AED 25 per hour during event times.
Parkin noted: “Special event parking zones with updated rates will be activated to handle higher vehicle volumes. These zones will be clearly identified during events, and tariff information will be accessible through Parkin’s website, mobile app, and social media channels.”
Phased Implementation Timeline
The rollout of the revised parking fees will occur in two phases:
- The activation of event-specific tariffs around major event areas will begin in February 2025.
- Premium parking and peak hour tariffs will be enforced by the end of March 2025.
Established in December 2023, Parkin holds a 49-year concession with the RTA, managing over 200,000 paid parking spaces in Dubai. The company operates the city’s on- and off-street public parking, multi-storey car parks, and some developer-owned facilities. In the first nine months of 2024, Parkin recorded 95 million parking transactions, with net profit rising by 5% to AED 104.7 million compared to AED 99.8 million in Q3 2023.
