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How Dubai’s latest Salik toll gates are shaping road traffic patterns

Published

8 months ago

February 17, 2025

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The long-term effects of increased toll gates and dynamic pricing in Dubai may take up to a decade to fully manifest, according to an expert. Dr. Khaled Alawadi, an associate professor of Sustainable Urbanism at Khalifa University, explained, “There is a link between adding toll gates, improved air quality, and fewer accidents.” However, he added that to effectively reduce the number of vehicles on the road, residents need reliable alternatives in public transportation. “This shift may take anywhere from ten to twenty years to be truly felt in the city,” he said.

While the full impact may take time, some local residents are already noticing changes in traffic patterns since Salik introduced dynamic pricing and added two new toll gates in late 2024.

On January 31, 2025, Salik implemented dynamic toll pricing, where drivers pay Dh6 during peak hours (morning and evening) and Dh4 during off-peak hours on weekdays. Mohammed Iqbal, who works in Dubai Media City and begins his day at 6 a.m., is one of those benefiting from the new pricing structure. “I pass through two Salik gates, but since I travel before 6am, I get free trips one way,” he said, adding that he’s pleased with the changes.

With the new pricing system, toll charges are waived from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., and on Sundays (excluding public holidays or special events), the fee is Dh4 throughout the day. “I’ve noticed an increase in traffic before 6 a.m. as people try to avoid the toll charges,” Mohammed observed.

Sanjana K.A., who lives in Karama, shared a similar experience. She recently benefited from the smooth traffic flow when running late to a meeting in Dubai Marina. “I used the Safa and Barsha toll gates, and the traffic was surprisingly smooth. I arrived ahead of schedule, but my Salik costs have gone up,” she said.

On the other hand, some areas are experiencing more congestion due to changes in traffic patterns caused by the toll system. Ayesha Nawaz, a resident of Dubai Creek Harbor, noted that there has been more traffic in her area as commuters avoid the toll on the Business Bay bridge. “In the evenings, the situation is tough. Many people take shortcuts through our community to reach Deira, Rashidiya, or Sharjah, resulting in longer travel times,” she said. “What used to take 5 to 8 minutes now takes 20 or more.”

Muhammad Anshah, from Jumeirah 1, also encountered heavy traffic on the first day of dynamic pricing. “It was a nightmare, with many drivers using Jumeirah roads to avoid the toll,” he said. “However, the traffic settled down after a day or two. It’s still heavier than before, but it’s not the same gridlock as on the first day.”

In November 2024, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) added two new toll gates in Business Bay and Safa, bringing the total to 10. The RTA’s aim is to encourage the use of public transportation and to redistribute traffic to alternative routes, such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Ras Al Khor Street, and Al Manama Street. Motorists are also encouraged to use alternative creek crossings like Infinity Bridge and Al Shindagha Tunnel.

Dr. Khaled noted that while Dubai has made significant progress in public transportation, more work is needed to reduce dependence on private vehicles. “My team studied mass transit systems in seven GCC cities, and Dubai ranked second, with nearly 78 percent of the population serviced by public transport,” he said. “Future metro lines are strategically positioned to accommodate a growing population.”

He also stressed the need for further studies on travel behavior, as understanding people’s travel patterns is key. “We lack data on how people travel. Some go between two fixed locations, while others make multiple stops throughout the day,” he explained. “If someone’s routine involves several destinations, they’re less likely to use public transport.”

Lastly, Dr. Khaled emphasized the importance of having transit zones located within 300 to 500 meters in high-density areas. “Given the hot climate, it’s not convenient to walk long distances. If there’s a transit zone just a seven-minute walk away, people are more likely to use public transportation,” he said, citing areas like Creek and Al Fahidi as examples where transit zones are well-placed and shaded.

Related Topics:#salik #saliktoll #toll #traffic #transport Dubai

Suhani Singh

As a trainee reporter and creative lead, I focus on curating engaging content and managing the social media presence for the company. I aim to connect audiences with relevant, impactful news through multiple digital platforms.

Announcements

India’s BCKIC 2025 Conclave to unlock $10–50 billion green market access for UAE and GCC leaders

Published

6 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The stage is set for one of the most significant India–Middle East business dialogues of the decade, as the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster (BCKIC) 2025 Conclave prepares to open in India this November, offering, according to organisers, a $10–50 billion sustainability and investment opportunity for Gulf-based leaders.

Scheduled for November 21 and 22 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the two-day conclave will bring together senior representatives from government entities, sovereign funds, and the private sector across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC region.

The event is organised by the BCKIC Foundation, supported by the Government of Odisha’s Department of Energy, under the aegis of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Themed around “The Next Wave of Sustainability Policy and Investment Flows”, the summit seeks to bridge India’s rapidly expanding green economy, valued at over $165 billion, with the Middle East’s capital, innovation and policy frameworks under Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071.

“This is not just another global summit, it’s a strategic inflection point for India–Middle East collaboration,” said Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman of the BCKIC Foundation.

“From green hydrogen and water security to circular economy and AI-driven sustainability, the synergies between India’s innovation scale and the Gulf’s execution capacity are unparalleled. Missing this window could mean losing the first-mover advantage in shaping global sustainability frameworks.”

A New Era of India–Middle East Sustainability Partnership

The conclave comes at a pivotal moment for both regions. Following India’s G20 presidency in 2023 and the UAE’s hosting of COP28, both nations have emerged as global voices in sustainability transition and climate finance.

Dr. Suar noted that the conclave will act as a strategic platform for Gulf leaders to consolidate their role within the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), while also gaining access to India’s technology, research, and policy innovation ecosystem.

“Gulf sovereign funds now control over $2 trillion in assets and are increasingly looking for sustainable, high-return projects,” he said.

“India’s innovation and affordability, combined with the Middle East’s capital and implementation speed, make this partnership an unprecedented opportunity to move from commitment to concrete outcomes.”

Access to Proven Technologies and MoU-Ready Projects

Middle Eastern delegates will gain direct access to Indian policymakers and experts from NITI Aayog, DST, and the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office, with discussions focused on green hydrogen, renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The event will also unveil a pipeline of over 50 proven Indian technologies relevant to Gulf market needs, ranging from water management systems to digital smart-city solutions, many of which have demonstrated cost efficiencies of 30–50% compared to Western alternatives.

The BCKIC Foundation confirmed that the conclave is structured to deliver tangible outcomes, with more than 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) already in advanced stages of preparation. The targeted projects are expected to offer internal rates of return (IRR) between 15% and 25%, appealing to investors seeking both profitability and environmental impact.

Odisha: A Live Model for Sustainable Urban Innovation

The conclave will take place in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, one of India’s fastest-growing hubs for renewable energy and smart cities. The venue itself will serve as a live showcase of sustainable urban development, featuring zero-waste hospitality, circular economy practices, and local sourcing models.

Organisers say the event is designed to foster lasting bilateral frameworks that will drive long-term cooperation between India and the Middle East across sustainability, technology transfer, and impact investment.

“This is the decade of decisive climate action and cross-regional collaboration,” Dr Suar added.

“The BCKIC 2025 Conclave will not just discuss ideas but catalyse partnerships that define the global sustainability roadmap for years to come.”

Announcements

Abu Dhabi T10 levels up its game with BC.GAME Esports as principal partner

Published

3 days ago

October 13, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The Abu Dhabi T10 League has announced BC.GAME Esports as its Principal Partner for the 2025 season. This landmark partnership connects the energy of T10 cricket with the fast-growing global esports ecosystem, driving brand visibility and fan engagement to new levels.

The alliance will deliver powerful exposure across broadcast, digital, and in-stadia platforms, while introducing esports-inspired activations to enhance the tournament experience for fans. The aim is to bring the worlds of live cricket and competitive gaming closer than ever before.

The Abu Dhabi T10 will run from November 18 to 30, 2025, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, featuring top international players competing in action-packed 10-over matches. With BC.GAME Esports on board, the league will strengthen its appeal to younger, digital-first audiences across global markets.

“We’re excited to welcome BC.GAME Esports as our Principal Partner,” said a T10 League spokesperson. “Season 9 will be our biggest yet, with expanded global reach and enhanced fan experiences — and we are confident that BC.GAME Esports will return again next year.”

A BC.GAME Esports spokesperson added: “Partnering with Abu Dhabi T10 gives us the perfect platform to expand our community and create unique experiences that unite cricket fans and gamers worldwide.”

This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi T10’s commitment to innovation, youth engagement, and global growth, making 2025 one of its most exciting seasons yet.

Announcements

Your guide to the UAE’s new banking law, and how it changes your relationship with banks

Published

6 days ago

October 10, 2025

Michael Gomes

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UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday issued a sweeping new federal decree that fundamentally changes how banks and financial institutions operate in the UAE, with major implications for everyday customers.

Federal Decree Law No. (6) of 2025 strengthens the Central Bank’s oversight powers and introduces critical protections designed to safeguard consumers, expand financial access, and speed up complaint resolution.

Here’s what actually changes for you.

Your complaints get resolved faster

What’s new: All banking and insurance complaints now go through one unified system managed by Sanadak, an independent entity created specifically to handle customer disputes.

What this means for you:

No more confusion about where to file complaints
Faster resolution process with a single point of contact
Decisions are legally enforceable against banks and insurers

The game-changer: New specialised judicial committees will handle financial disputes, with final, binding decisions for amounts up to Dh100,000. Banks and insurance companies must comply, no appeals, no delays.

Bottom line: If you have a problem with your bank or insurer, getting it resolved just became significantly easier and faster.

Loans must match your actual income

What’s reinforced: Banks are now legally required to align credit facilities with your actual income, protecting you from taking on debt you can’t afford.

What this means for you:

Stricter affordability checks before loan approval
Protection from irresponsible lending practices
Banks can’t push you into loans beyond your repayment capacity

Why it matters: This prevents the debt spiral that happens when people are given credit they can’t realistically repay based on their salary.

Everyone gets access to banking services

What’s mandated: Licensed financial institutions must provide banking and financial services to all community members, not just high-income earners or certain demographics.

What this means for you:

No arbitrary account rejections based on income level
Access to digital banking innovations for everyone
Financial inclusion as a legal requirement, not a courtesy

The push: This aligns with the UAE’s digital transformation efforts, ensuring modern financial services reach all residents.

Your money is safer if a bank fails

What’s new: The Central Bank now has sweeping “early intervention” powers if a financial institution shows signs of trouble.

What this means for you:

Proactive measures kick in before a bank collapses
Your deposits and services are protected through managed interventions
The Central Bank can force mergers, change management, or orderly liquidation

How it works: If your bank is struggling, the Central Bank can:

Force it to implement recovery plans
Require additional capital reserves
Change management or business strategy
Arrange mergers or acquisitions
Conduct organised liquidation (protecting customer funds)

Bottom line: You’re less likely to wake up to frozen accounts or lost deposits because problems get addressed early.

Banks face massive fines for violations

What’s changed: Administrative fines have been dramatically increased, up to 10 times the value of the violation or unjust profit.

What this means for you:

Banks have a stronger incentive to follow rules
Real financial consequences for misconduct
More transparent market (violations published on the Central Bank website)

The enforcement: Fines are automatically debited from the violating institution’s accounts, no waiting for payment.

Better financial education is coming

What’s planned: National awareness campaigns about financial services, launched in collaboration between the Central Bank, the financial sector, and community organisations.

What this means for you:

Better understanding of banking products and rights
More informed financial decisions
Community-wide financial literacy improvements

What stays the same

The decree maintains the Central Bank’s core responsibilities:

Keeping the national currency stable
Managing foreign reserves
Overseeing the financial system
Setting monetary policy

But the enforcement mechanisms and customer protections are now significantly stronger.

When does this take effect?

The Federal Decree Law is now in effect, though implementation of specific mechanisms (like the Sanadak complaints system and specialised judicial committees) will roll out according to Central Bank timelines.

What you should do

Know your rights: You now have stronger protections – use them
Keep documentation: If disputes arise, you have clear resolution paths
Check loan terms: Banks must justify lending against your income
File complaints properly: Use the new unified Sanadak system
Stay informed: Watch for Central Bank announcements about implementation

The bottom line

This isn’t just regulatory reshuffling; it’s a fundamental strengthening of your rights as a banking customer in the UAE. Complaints get resolved faster, loans must be affordable, access is guaranteed, and your money is better protected if institutions fail.

The message is clear: customer protection just became law, not a courtesy.

Key Takeaways: