Navigating Dubai’s road network requires a clear understanding of its toll gate system. With the Salik gates map constantly evolving, knowing exactly where each toll is located can save you money, time, and surprise charges. This comprehensive guide provides you with the most up-to-date visual and descriptive map of all Salik gates, along with expert tips on how to plan your journeys efficiently around them.
Dubai Salik Gates Map 2025: All Current Locations
Here is the complete, official list of Salik toll gates as of 2024. Gates are listed in the general order you might encounter them while traveling across the city.
| Gate Number & Name | Location / Between | Key Roads & Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Gate 1 – Al Mamzar South | Al Ittihad Road | Heading into Dubai from Sharjah (towards Deira/Bur Dubai). Charges only when entering Dubai. |
| Gate 2 – Al Mamzar North | Al Ittihad Road | Heading out of Dubai towards Sharjah. Charges only when exiting Dubai. |
| Gate 3 – Al Garhoud | Al Garhoud Bridge | On the Garhoud Bridge, between Deira and Bur Dubai. Charges in both directions. |
| Gate 4 – Al Maktoum | Al Maktoum Bridge | On the Maktoum Bridge, near Creek Park. Charges in both directions. |
| Gate 5 – Al Barsha | Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) | On SZR, between Mall of the Emirates and Al Quoz. Charges in both directions. |
| Gate 6 – Al Safa | Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) | On SZR, near Business Bay, between Downtown and Al Wasl. Charges in both directions. |
| Gate 7 – Airport Tunnel | Airport Road (Tripoli Street) | Inside the Airport Tunnel on the road to/from DXB Terminals 1 & 3. Charges in both directions. |
| Gate 8 – Jebel Ali | Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) | On SZR, near Discovery Gardens, heading towards Abu Dhabi. Charges in both directions. |
| Gate 9 – Al Mamzar (New) | Ittihad Road (Near Dubai-Sharjah Border) | New gate (2023) on Ittihad Road, near the extended border area. Charges for entering Dubai. |
| Gate 10 – Hessa Street | Hessa Street / Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) | At the intersection of Hessa St. and SZR in Al Barsha South. Charges on Hessa St. both directions. |
Visual Route Planning: How to “See” the Gates Before You Drive
While a textual list is helpful, understanding the Salik gates map spatially is key. Here’s how to visualize your common routes:
Key Corridors & Typical Gate Crossings:
- Sharjah-Dubai Commute (Ittihad Road):
- Entering Dubai: You will pass Gate 9 (New Al Mamzar) and then Gate 1 (Al Mamzar South).
- Exiting to Sharjah: You will pass Gate 2 (Al Mamzar North).
- Tip: This corridor has the highest concentration of gates and costs for commuters.
- Crossing Dubai Creek (Deira ⇄ Bur Dubai):
- Garhoud Bridge: Use Gate 3 (Al Garhoud).
- Al Maktoum Bridge: Use Gate 4 (Al Maktoum).
- Alternative (Free): Use the Floating Bridge (Al Maktoum Bridge replacement) or the Business Bay Crossing.
- Traveling on Sheikh Zayed Road (Main Artery):
- Central Dubai: You will likely pass Gate 6 (Al Safa) near Downtown/Business Bay.
- Towards Marina/JLT: You will pass Gate 5 (Al Barsha) near MOE.
- Towards Abu Dhabi/Jebel Ali: You will pass Gate 8 (Jebel Ali).
- Going to/from Dubai Airport (DXB):
- The Airport Tunnel (Gate 7) is unavoidable for Terminals 1 & 3. Terminal 2 has a free access route.
“How Can I Avoid Paying Too Much Salik?” – Smart Routing Tips
While you can’t avoid all gates if you need to move around the city, strategic planning can minimize costs.
- Use Navigation Apps Dynamically: Google Maps and Waze have a “Avoid Tolls” feature. Activate it to see alternative, toll-free routes. Be prepared for potentially longer travel times.
- Know Your Free Alternatives:
- Instead of Garhoud/Maktoum Bridges: Use the Floating Bridge or Business Bay Bridge.
- To bypass Al Barsha (Gate 5) or Al Safa (Gate 6): Use parallel service roads like Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim Rd, or Al Khail Rd (which is a major free highway).
- To/From Marina to Downtown: Al Khail Road is a fast, free alternative to Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Understand Peak vs. Off-Peak: While Salik charges a flat fee (AED 4 per pass), traffic caused by gate convergence is heavier during peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). Using parallel routes can save time, even if they are slightly longer.
Essential Salik FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
Q1: How much does each Salik gate crossing cost?
A: Each pass through any Salik gate costs AED 4.00 (including VAT). There is no daily or monthly cap on charges—you pay AED 4 for every crossing.
Q2: How will I know if I have passed a Salik gate?
A: Look for the distinctive grey toll gantries with yellow and black stripes and the green “Salik” sign. You will hear a beep from your vehicle’s tag if your radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is working. You can also check your balance and crossings via the Salik app or website.
Q3: I’m renting a car. How do Salik charges work?
A: The rental car will have a Salik tag. Charges incurred during your rental period will be billed to the rental company, who will then charge you, usually adding an admin fee (AED 5-10 per day or per transaction). Clarify this policy with your rental agency before you drive.
Q4: What happens if I drive through a Salik gate without a tag or with insufficient balance?
A: Your vehicle’s license plate will be photographed. You will incur a AED 50 fine for each crossing without a valid tag/balance, plus the AED 4 toll fee. The fine will be issued by the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority).
Q5: Where can I get a Salik tag and how do I top it up?
A: Tags can be purchased (for AED 100, which includes AED 50 initial balance) at:
- Selected petrol stations (ENOC/EPPCO, ADNOC)
- RTA customer happiness centers
- Certain supermarkets
- Online via the Salik app or website.
You can top up online (app/website), via SMS, at kiosks, or at the same points of sale.
Conclusion: Mastering Dubai’s Toll Network
Having a clear Salik gates map in your mind is an essential part of driving smart in Dubai. It allows you to budget your travel expenses accurately and make informed decisions about your daily routes.
Final Recommendations:
- Download the Salik App: It’s the easiest way to manage your account, check statements, see exact crossing times, and top up instantly.
- For New Visitors/Renters: Assume you will use toll roads. Budget approximately AED 20-40 per day for Salik if you plan to be moving around central and major routes frequently.
- Plan Ahead: Before a new journey, especially to an unfamiliar area, quickly glance at a map to see if your route passes through known gate corridors. Use the “Avoid Tolls” feature on your GPS to explore options.
By understanding the layout explained in this Salik gates map guide, you transform from a driver who reacts to tolls into one who proactively plans efficient and cost-effective journeys across this dynamic city.
