Dubai Salik fee exemption: Who qualifies and how to apply
New programme offers toll waiver for eligible residents and relatives
Dubai’s electronic toll system, Salik, is an integral part of managing the emirate’s traffic flow.
With ten toll gates strategically placed across the city, motorists are automatically charged when passing through.
However, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers a fee exemption programme for certain residents, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in daily travel.
Who qualifies for Salik fee exemption?
The Salik fee exemption is designed for people of determination, covering the following categories:
- Mental disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Autism
- Visual disabilities
Eligible individuals can apply for an exemption themselves, or their immediate relatives can do so on their behalf. The acceptable relationships for eligibility include parents, spouse (with a marriage certificate), children (with a birth certificate), grandparents, siblings, and grandchildren.
Required documents for Salik toll waiver
Applicants need to provide specific documentation to qualify for the exemption. These include:
- A valid vehicle registration card under the name of the person of determination or an eligible relative.
- A copy of the Emirates ID of the applicant.
- A valid People of Determination Card issued by the Ministry of Community Development or a Sanad Card from the Community Development Authority.
- Proof of relationship (if the vehicle owner is a relative of the person of determination) submitted to specialaccounts@salik.ae.
How to apply for Salik exemption
Residents can apply for the exemption via two methods: through the Salik website or via email.
Applying through Salik website
- Visit the official Salik website.
- Enter the required personal and vehicle details.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Submit the exemption request.
- Once approved, the applicant will be notified via phone.
Applying via email
- Download the commitment form from the Salik website.
- Fill out the form and gather the required documents.
- Send all documents to specialaccounts@salik.ae.
- The Salik special accounts team will verify the request.
- If approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation.
Duration and renewal
The Salik exemption is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. When renewing, the applicant must submit the same documents as required for a new application. If changing or replacing a vehicle, the applicant must also provide a cancellation form for the old exemption.
Is there a limit to the number of exemptions?
Each person of determination can register one vehicle under the Salik fee exemption programme. However, the exemption can be transferred to another vehicle if needed, provided the previous exemption is cancelled.
The service is free of charge, and processing takes five working days, assuming all documents meet eligibility criteria.
Variable Salik toll rates
Salik operates using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, meaning toll fees are automatically deducted from a prepaid account when a vehicle passes through a Salik gate. The system is barrier-free, allowing for uninterrupted traffic flow.
A Salik tag costs Dh100, which includes Dh50 in credit added upon activation. If purchased online, an additional Dh20 service charge applies. Motorists can recharge their Salik accounts online or at retail outlets. Failure to maintain a sufficient balance may result in penalties.
Dubai’s Salik system operates with dynamic pricing:
- Peak hours (6am - 10AM & 4PM - 8PM, weekdays): Dh6 per passage.
- Off-peak hours (10am - 4PM & 8PM - 1AM, weekdays): Dh4 per passage.
- Sundays (except public holidays or major events): Dh4 all day; free between 1AM - 6AM.
Salik toll gates in Dubai
Dubai has ten Salik toll gates:
- Al Barsha
- Al Garhoud Bridge
- Al Maktoum Bridge
- Al Mamzar South
- Al Mamzar North
- Al Safa
- Airport Tunnel
- Jebel Ali
- Business Bay Crossing
- Al Safa South
The latest additions, Business Bay Crossing and Al Safa South, were introduced in January to further streamline traffic flow across major roads.