Dubai motorists are changing the way they commute, with free Salik trips rising by almost 50% in the second quarter of 2025. The sharp increase follows the introduction of the new variable pricing system, which exempts drivers from toll charges between 1 am and 6 am.
Figures released by Dubai’s exclusive toll gate operator showed 16.4 million toll-free trips were recorded during Q2, compared to 11.2 million in the previous quarter. In total, the first six months of 2025 saw 27.6 million journeys made without charge.
How the New Salik System Works
Since January 31, 2025, motorists have been paying different rates depending on when they travel. Peak-hour crossings from 6am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm are charged at AED 6, while off-peak journeys between 10am and 4pm, and 8pm to 1am, cost AED 4. The post-midnight window offers toll-free passage, encouraging many to rethink their schedules.
Alongside this, the introduction of two additional gates at Business Bay Crossing and Al Safa South last year has boosted overall usage. Chargeable trips rose to 160.4 million in Q2, up slightly from 158 million in Q1.
Residents Adjust Their Commute
For many residents, timing is everything. Amir Niaz, a night-shift supervisor living in Sharjah, shared how the system benefits him: “Even if I finish work early, I wait a little to cross after 1am. That saves me AED 8 a day, and the roads are much clearer.”
Others are employing similar strategies, from delaying social outings until tolls drop, to waiting near Al Jadaf until the fee reduces at night. These tactics not only cut expenses but also help avoid peak-time congestion.
Saving on Tolls and Fuel
The savings may seem small at first glance, but they add up quickly. Regular commuters crossing multiple gates daily can save hundreds of dirhams each month by adjusting their timings. For those living in neighbouring emirates like Sharjah or Ajman, the late-night toll-free period offers an added incentive to travel outside peak congestion.
Drivers also note that fuel efficiency improves during off-peak hours. With fewer vehicles on the road, journeys are quicker, smoother, and less draining on both the car and the wallet.
A Shift in Lifestyle
The toll changes have not only influenced work commutes but also leisure plans. Some residents are rescheduling social outings to avoid rush-hour charges, while others prefer late-night drives to cut both costs and travel stress.
Dubai’s variable pricing model has therefore reshaped daily habits. For many, the trade-off is simple: a slightly later journey in exchange for meaningful savings and more efficient travel.
Economic Impact
The toll system is also driving stronger performance for Salik. In the first half of 2025, the operator reported revenues of AED 1.53 billion, supported by increased peak-hour traffic and the newly added gates. The balance between encouraging off-peak travel and maintaining revenue growth appears to be working, showing how infrastructure pricing can influence commuter behaviour while sustaining business performance.
As Dubai continues to expand its road network and smart mobility solutions, residents are likely to see more dynamic pricing measures in the future. The success of the current system has demonstrated that variable tolling can ease congestion, optimise road use, and encourage more sustainable driving habits.
For now, late-night commuters are enjoying the clear roads and lighter toll burden, while peak-hour users continue to shoulder the higher charges.
Dubai’s new toll structure has done more than raise Salik’s revenue—it has transformed how thousands of residents move across the city. By rewarding late-night travel, the emirate has not only reduced congestion but also empowered commuters to take control of their expenses. With free trips jumping by nearly 50% in Q2, the trend shows no sign of slowing.
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