Salik Company PJSC is on track to open two new toll gates in Dubai by the end of November, according to CEO Ibrahim Al Haddad.
The toll gates, located at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road, are expected to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on key city roads. The addition will bring the total number of Salik gates in Dubai to ten.
Al Haddad emphasized that the new toll gates are part of a broader effort by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to enhance the city's transportation network.
“The installation of the new gates is expected to yield various benefits in easing traffic and improving vehicle movement,”
he said. Traffic congestion on Al Khail Road is projected to decrease by 12 to 15 percent, and traffic on Al Rabat Street is expected to reduce by 10 to 16 percent, thanks to the Business Bay Crossing gate. Meanwhile, the Al Safa South gate will help redistribute traffic between Financial Center Street and Meydan Street, improving overall flow.
A significant feature of the Al Safa South gate is its integration with the existing northern Al Safa gate, allowing a single payment for vehicles passing through both gates within an hour. Additionally, the new toll gates will be nearly 100 percent solar-powered, marking a first for Salik as part of its commitment to Dubai's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
Al Haddad clarified that there are no immediate plans to increase toll fees or introduce additional gates, stating that any future decisions would depend on traffic and congestion studies conducted by the RTA. The CEO also revealed that Salik has agreed on a six-year repayment plan with the RTA for the construction costs of the new gates, amounting to approximately Dh65 million.
The new gates, with a combined valuation of Dh2.73 billion, are expected to contribute to the continued growth of Salik, which reported a 4.9 percent increase in revenue-generating trips during the first half of 2024. This growth reflects the rising traffic volumes in Dubai, driven by the city’s economic activity and its status as a central commercial and tourism hub.
News Source: Khaleej Times
