Published: Saturday, 30 May 2026, at 7:18 pm| Dubai | Edited: Saturday, 30 May 2026, at 7:47 pm
Now that you have read our first part about the vat on car parking in dubai, let us check the Salik VAT rule in dubai. Let us look at the new tax rules, updated prices, and how to check your account balance to keep your daily travel easy and smooth.
Salik VAT Rule in Dubai: Complete Guide to New Road Tolls
The road toll operator in Dubai, Salik, just made a very important announcement for daily drivers. They are starting a 5 % tax on all toll fees and tag purchases from June 1, 2026. This change is happening to follow the official tax rules of the UAE Federal Tax Authority. Every car owner needs to read about the Salik VAT rule in dubai to plan their monthly travel expenses properly.
Why Is Dubai Adding Tax to Road Tolls Now?
This section explains the business reason behind the new toll tax and who pays it.
Many people are asking why this toll tax is starting right now. The UAE has had a general VAT system for many years, but road tolls did not have any tax before. This was because the government RTA ran the system directly. Now, Salik is a separate public company listed on the Dubai stock market, so they must add a 5 per cent tax just like other businesses.

- The new tax applies to every single toll gate crossing in the city.
- It affects both private car owners and commercial transport companies.
- The tax applies to new tag activations and registration fees.
- Understanding the Salik VAT rule in dubai helps you calculate your exact driving costs.
- All revenue from these tax updates goes directly to support city infrastructure.
Updated Prices for Crossing Dubai Toll Gates
This section provides a simple list of the new prices you will pay at each toll gate.
The basic price of the toll gate is not changing, but the final money taken from your account will rise because of the tax. These new Dubai road toll updates mean that passing through a gate will cost a few fils more than before.
- Peak Hours: The toll fee goes up from Dh6 to Dh6.30 per crossing during busy times.
- Off-Peak Hours: The fee changes from Dh4 to Dh4.20 per crossing during quiet times.
- Sundays: The Sunday rate will also be Dh4.20 instead of the old Dh4 price.
- The extra 20 or 30 fils per turn will be taken automatically from your linked balance.
New Costs for Buying and Activating Salik Tags
This section lists the higher prices for buying vehicle tags in person or online.
If you buy a new car or need a replacement sticker for your windshield, you will have to pay the new tax. The new Salik tag price includes the 5 % VAT starting this June.

- Buying a tag in person at a gas station will now cost Dh105 instead of Dh100.
- Ordering a tag online through the website will cost Dh126 instead of Dh120.
- The price increase covers the physical sticker tag and the standard activation fee.
- Existing tags already stuck on your car windows do not need to be replaced.
No Tax Deductions When You Recharge Your Account
This section explains how your money is kept safe when you add balance to your wallet.
Many drivers are worried that they will lose money as soon as they top up their accounts. Luckily, the new Salik VAT rule in dubai does not take any tax when you add money to your wallet.
- If you add Dh100 to your account, you will see the full Dh100 in your balance.
- No tax is cut when you use a recharge card or use online banking to top up.
- The 5 % tax is only taken when your car actually passes under a toll gate.
- This system ensures you only pay tax for the roads you really use.
Night Timings and Free Hours for Drivers
This section covers the specific late night hours when you can drive through gates for free.
There is some great news for people who travel late at night or work night shifts. The official Dubai toll gate free hours will stay exactly the same, and you will not pay any tax during these times.
- Driving through any toll gate is completely free from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM every night.
- You do not pay the base fee or any tax during these five late night hours.
- This free window helps reduce heavy truck traffic during busy daytime hours.
Tracking the Ten Active Toll Gates in Dubai
This section reminds drivers about the total number of toll gates currently operating in the city.
Dubai now has a total of ten active toll gates across its major highways. Drivers must remember that the new Salik VAT rule in dubai applies to every single one of these locations.
- The newest gates are at the Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road.
- Another new gate is at Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Older gates like Al Barsha and Al Garhoud will also use the same tax rules.
- Passing multiple gates in one trip means you pay the tax on each gate.
The Big 471 Million Dirham Salik Tax Settlement
This section shares a quick look at a major tax news update involving the toll company.
The toll operator recently had a major financial review regarding its past tax procedures. The company had to clear a tax bill of Dh471 million for the period between 2022 and 2026.

- The total bill included late payment penalties from the Federal Tax Authority.
- The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will give this money back to Salik.
- This agreement ensures that normal shareholders of the company do not face any losses.
- This corporate settlement does not affect the daily fees paid by normal car drivers.
How to Check Your Account and Avoid Toll Penalties
This section gives simple advice on keeping your wallet full to prevent costly fines.
Because the gate fees are higher now, your account balance will finish faster than before. You must monitor your mobile app regularly to avoid Salik toll fines while driving on the highways.
- Open the official mobile app to check your exact balance before a long trip.
- Set up automatic reminders on your phone so you know when your balance drops below Dh20.
- Driving through a gate with zero money can bring a fine if you do not recharge within a few days.
- Keep your mobile number updated to receive instant text alerts after every crossing.
Now that you know all about the new toll gate taxes, you should also learn about how the city parking spaces are changing. Let us move to our next section to explore the Dubai parking fee payment (New Update From June 1).
Conclusion
The new Salik VAT rule in dubai is a small but important change for everyone using the city highways. By keeping your account topped up and planning your trips around peak hours, you can easily manage your travel budget and enjoy smooth journeys.
FAQ
1. When does the Salik VAT rule in dubai start working?
The new 5 per cent tax on all road toll crossings starts on Monday, June 1, 2026.
2. How much will a toll crossing cost during peak hours?
Crossing a toll gate during busy peak hours will cost Dh6.30 instead of the old Dh6 fee.
3. What is the new Salik tag price if I buy it online?
Ordering a new tag online will cost Dh126 instead of Dh120 because of the 5 per cent tax.
4. Are there any specific Dubai toll gate free hours?
Yes, passing under any toll gate is totally free from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM every night, and no tax is charged.
5. How can I avoid Salik toll fines after the new tax starts?
You can avoid Salik toll fines by checking your mobile app regularly and keeping a high balance to cover the new gate prices.










