Dubai motorists will soon see a temporary change to Salik toll gate timings and fees as the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches. The revised structure introduces free travel windows and adjusted peak-hour pricing, offering greater flexibility for residents observing the fast.
Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19 and will run for 30 days. During this period, Dubai’s electronic toll system, Salik, will operate on a modified schedule designed to reflect the unique daily rhythm of the month — from Suhoor before dawn to Iftar at sunset.
The adjustments aim to ease traffic flow while also supporting residents’ religious commitments, particularly during early morning prayers and evening gatherings.
Why Salik Pricing Changes During Ramadan
Salik introduced a dynamic pricing system last year as part of Dubai’s wider traffic management strategy. The goal was simple: reduce congestion during peak hours and better distribute vehicle movement throughout the day.
Under the regular system, motorists are charged Dhs6 during high-traffic peak hours and Dhs4 during off-peak periods, with free travel between 1am and 6am.
However, Ramadan brings a noticeable shift in daily routines. Working hours are typically reduced, road activity changes, and travel patterns revolve around prayer times and family gatherings. To reflect this, Salik has adjusted both its timings and fees for the duration of the Holy Month.
Free Toll Gate Hours During Ramadan
One of the most welcomed updates is the introduction of a longer daily free window.
Between 2am and 7am, motorists passing through any of Dubai’s 10 Salik toll gates will not be charged.
This change extends the previous free window by one hour in the morning and shifts it slightly later. The adjustment allows residents heading to Fajr prayers or returning home after Suhoor to travel without incurring toll fees.
For many families observing Ramadan, these early hours are significant. The ability to commute freely during this time offers both convenience and cost savings.
Weekday Toll Gate Fees During Ramadan
Outside the free period, a revised pricing structure will apply across weekdays.
7am to 9am – Dhs4
Morning commuters will pay Dhs4 during this two-hour window. This marks a reduction from the standard Dhs6 morning peak charge applied during the rest of the year.
The lower fee acknowledges reduced working hours and slightly lighter early traffic during Ramadan.
9am to 5pm – Dhs6
Between 9am and 5pm, motorists will be charged Dhs6. Instead of two separate four-hour peak windows, Ramadan introduces one continuous eight-hour peak period.
This streamlined structure simplifies the schedule and reflects steady daytime road usage.
5pm to 2am – Dhs4
Evening pricing becomes more flexible, with drivers paying Dhs4 from 5pm until 2am.
Compared to the standard system — where Dhs4 applies only between 8pm and 1am — this is a significantly longer off-peak period. It supports travel for Iftar gatherings, Taraweeh prayers, and late-night outings that are common during Ramadan.
Sunday Toll Gate Fees During Ramadan
Sundays will operate under a simplified structure.
From 7am until 2am, motorists will pay Dhs4 throughout the day and evening.
Between 2am and 7am, travel remains free.
This means there is no Dhs6 peak rate applied on Sundays during Ramadan, offering further savings for weekend travel.
Full Ramadan Salik Pricing Breakdown
Here is a clear summary of Salik toll gate timings during Ramadan:
2am – 7am daily: Free
7am – 9am weekdays: Dhs4
9am – 5pm weekdays: Dhs6
5pm – 2am weekdays: Dhs4
7am – 2am Sundays: Dhs4
2am – 7am Sundays: Free
These changes will apply across all 10 Salik toll gates in Dubai for the entire month of Ramadan.
How This Compares to the Regular System
During the rest of the year, Salik charges:
Dhs6 between 6am and 10am
Dhs6 between 4pm and 8pm
Dhs4 between 8pm and 1am
Free travel between 1am and 6am
Ramadan replaces the two four-hour peak windows with one continuous eight-hour peak from 9am to 5pm. Meanwhile, the free window shifts to 2am to 7am, and the evening Dhs4 period becomes significantly longer.
In practical terms, drivers will benefit from:
A longer nightly free period
Reduced morning rush-hour pricing
Extended evening off-peak rates
No Dhs6 peak charge on Sundays
For regular commuters, these adjustments could result in noticeable savings over the month.
Supporting the Spirit of Ramadan
Beyond traffic management, the revised toll system reflects an understanding of how daily life changes during Ramadan.
The month is centered around worship, reflection, and time spent with loved ones. Travel patterns shift later into the night, and early mornings become more active due to Suhoor and prayers.
By offering free passage between 2am and 7am, Salik supports those attending mosques for Fajr prayer. The reduced morning rate helps employees commuting to shortened workdays. The extended evening off-peak pricing makes it easier for families to gather for Iftar without worrying about higher toll charges.
In a city as dynamic as Dubai, small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.
What Drivers Should Keep in Mind
Motorists do not need to take any action for the changes to apply. The updated rates will automatically reflect when vehicles pass through Salik gates during Ramadan.
Drivers are encouraged to plan journeys with the revised timing structure in mind, particularly if they travel frequently during peak daytime hours.
It is also important to remember that the standard dynamic pricing system will resume once Ramadan ends.
A Temporary Change With Practical Benefits
The Ramadan pricing update highlights how Dubai continues to adapt essential services to community needs.
With free early-morning travel, reduced morning fees, and extended evening off-peak hours, the temporary structure offers both financial relief and practical convenience.
For many residents, these changes will make daily commuting smoother during one of the most important months of the year.
As Ramadan approaches, motorists can look forward to greater flexibility at the toll gates — and a schedule designed to fit the rhythm of the Holy Month.
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