Salik timing determines whether you pay AED 4 or AED 6 per crossing. The schedule changed in 2024 with dynamic pricing — peak hours now charge a 50% premium across all 8 gates. This page lists the exact peak windows, weekend rules, public holiday rates, and which 4 gates have the new dynamic-pricing pilot (price varies in 5-minute intervals based on traffic).
Salik peak vs off-peak hours (current 2026)
| Time | Sun-Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00 – 06:00 | AED 4 off-peak | AED 4 | AED 4 |
| 06:00 – 10:00 | AED 6 peak | AED 4 | AED 4 |
| 10:00 – 16:00 | AED 4 off-peak | AED 4 | AED 4 |
| 16:00 – 20:00 | AED 6 peak | AED 4 | AED 4 |
| 20:00 – 22:00 | AED 4 off-peak | AED 4 | AED 4 |
| 22:00 – 24:00 | AED 4 off-peak | AED 4 | AED 4 |
The 4 dynamic-pricing pilot gates
RTA started a dynamic-pricing pilot in late 2024 at 4 high-traffic gates. Price changes in 5-minute intervals based on real-time congestion, ranging AED 4 to AED 8. The pilot gates are:
- Al Maktoum Bridge (Bur Dubai → Deira)
- Al Garhoud Bridge (near DXB Airport)
- Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Safa Gate
- Business Bay Crossing
The current price displays on roadside LED signs about 1 km before each gate, and live in the Salik app under Live Toll Map. Other 4 gates remain on the fixed AED 4 / AED 6 schedule above.
Daily cap and how to minimize Salik cost
- Daily cap: Maximum AED 24 per day per tag (regardless of crossings). After AED 24, additional crossings the same day are free.
- Same-direction same-gate: Multiple crossings of the same gate within 1 hour count as 1 toll only.
- U-turn rule: Crossing in opposite direction within 1 hour is charged separately.
- Peak avoidance: Leaving 5 minutes before 06:00 or after 10:00 saves AED 2 per crossing. Daily commuter savings: ~AED 40/month.
- Route alternatives: Floating Bridge and Al Shindagha Tunnel are free 24/7 — use them when peak Salik would cost more than the time saved.
Public-holiday and Ramadan timing
- UAE National Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Hijri New Year, Prophet's Birthday: All-day off-peak (AED 4).
- New Year's Day (1 Jan): All-day off-peak.
- Commemoration Day (30 Nov): All-day off-peak.
- Ramadan weekdays: Standard peak schedule (06:00-10:00 + 16:00-20:00 = AED 6) is normally suspended; RTA announces specific Ramadan timings each year. In 2026 (mid-Mar to mid-Apr), peak charges may be limited to 14:00-19:00 only — check RTA Twitter for the dated decree.
- See our UAE Public Holidays 2026 calendar for confirmed off-peak days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Salik peak start?
06:00 to 10:00 in the morning, and 16:00 to 20:00 in the evening — Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday are all-day off-peak.
Is Salik free on Friday?
Salik is not free, but Friday is all-day off-peak (AED 4 per crossing) — no AED 6 peak charge regardless of time. Same applies on Saturday and public holidays.
What is the Salik daily maximum?
AED 24 per day per tag. Once you've crossed enough gates to total AED 24, all further crossings the same calendar day are free.
How much is Salik during Ramadan?
RTA announces Ramadan-specific timings each year, usually narrowing the peak window to one evening band (e.g., 14:00-19:00). Outside that window, AED 4. Check the RTA Twitter / app for the official 2026 schedule mid-March.
Are Saturday and Sunday Salik prices the same?
No. Sunday is a normal weekday (peak rates 06-10 + 16-20). Saturday is part of the UAE weekend (since 2022) — all-day off-peak at AED 4.