Dubai Introduces New Road and Parking Fees
From January 2025, Dubai will implement significant transportation reforms to improve traffic flow. The introduction of the new variable Salik toll system and variable parking tariffs was announced by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The measures aim to alleviate congestion during peak periods and optimize the commuting experiences of drivers and city residents.
Salik Toll System – Tariffs Varying with Peak Times
The new variable road toll pricing system is expected to be introduced by the end of January 2025. The goal of this new pricing is to reduce congestion at traffic hubs and motivate drivers to avoid busy periods.
Toll Fee Details:
During peak hours (weekdays 6:00–10:00 and 16:00–20:00): 6 AED.
Off-peak hours (10:00–16:00 and 20:00–1:00): 4 AED.
Nighttime (1:00–6:00): free of charge.
Sundays (except on public holidays and major events): 4 AED all day, free at night.
This new system makes toll payments more flexible while promoting more even traffic distribution throughout the day.
Variable Parking Fees – Flexible Rates During Peak Times
The introduction of a variable parking fee system is expected by the end of March 2025. The aim of the new regulation is to control the most sought-after parking spaces with higher fees during peak times, thereby reducing overcrowding.
Parking Fee Details:
1. Premium parking spaces during peak hours (8:00–10:00 and 16:00–20:00): 6 AED/hour.
2. Other parking spaces during peak hours: 4 AED/hour.
3. Off-peak hours (10:00–16:00 and 20:00–22:00): unchanged rates.
4. Nighttime (22:00–8:00): free of charge.
5. Sundays: free parking all day.
Event-Related Parking Fees
The latest congestion pricing policy will go into effect in February 2025 and will first be applied around the Dubai World Trade Centre during major events. Parking fees for spaces near event zones could be as high as 25 AED/hour. The goal of this new regulation is to reduce traffic around events and encourage the use of public transportation by visitors.
Transportation Strategy and Future Impact
The new variable pricing systems reflect a comprehensive strategy aimed at making Dubai's transportation infrastructure more sustainable. With the free periods offered to drivers and event-based tariffs, city leadership hopes to successfully regulate traffic congestion while encouraging people to plan their journeys more efficiently.
The variable Salik and parking tariffs are expected not only to transform transportation dynamics but also to contribute in the long term to the realization of Dubai's smart city strategy.
