Salik is Dubai’s electronic road toll system. There are no toll booths — cameras read your plate automatically. Here’s how it works when you rent a car, and exactly how you’ll be charged.
What is Salik and how much does it cost?
Salik is Dubai’s automatic road toll: AED 5 per crossing at each toll gate. There are 8 gates across the city, including on Sheikh Zayed Road. No stopping, no tickets — it deducts automatically when you drive through.
How am I charged for Salik on a rental car?
We track every Salik crossing on your rental and bill the actual toll amount plus a 25% administration fee plus VAT at the end of your rental. You receive a full crossing-by-crossing statement so you can verify every charge — no estimates, no surprises.
How can I avoid Salik charges?
You can’t avoid the gates entirely on main routes, but you can reduce crossings by planning routes — many trips within the Marina, Palm, and JBR area need no toll crossings at all. Ask us on WhatsApp and we’ll suggest low-toll routes for your plans.
Do tourists pay Salik too?
Yes — Salik applies to every vehicle on Dubai’s roads regardless of who is driving. It is automatically recorded against the rental car and settled with us at the end of your rental.
What happens if I don’t pay?
Unpaid Salik on a rental is deducted from your security deposit along with any fines. It is always cheaper to settle it normally — which is why we send you the itemised statement.
Related guides: Do Tourists Need an International Driving Permit in Dubai? · Rental Car Security Deposits in Dubai: How They Work
