Locals are having mixed reactions to the new Salik gates in Dubai. On the one hand, some are satisfied with the new gates, which will be opened in November 2024, as they will ease traffic. On the other hand, others are frustrated with the additional fees they have to pay in order to reach their destinations on time.
With the second group, there is a rising interest in metros and buses as means of transportation, which will allow them an easy and smooth commute without the added fees.
Continue reading this article to discover details about the new Salik gates in Dubai, their future impact on the traffic flow, and a few residential areas near metro stations.
Salik Toll Gates in Dubai: An Overview
Generally speaking, toll gates are physical or electronic checkpoints placed on particular transportation routes, including tunnels, roads, and bridges, which require drivers to pay a predetermined fee in order for them to use the associated infrastructure.
That said, Salik is an electronic toll gate system in Dubai, established by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), with the aim of reducing congestion and managing traffic flow. This system comprises seven gates, located across major highways and bridges in the Emirate, and some of them are:
- Jebel Ali Salik Gate.
- Al Barsha Salik Gate.
- Al Safa Salik Gate.
- Airport Tunnel Salik Gate.
There will be two new Salik gates in Dubai, which will start operating in November 2024, to further manage traffic in the Emirate. One gate will be situated at the Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road, while the second one will be located at Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street.
Impact of the New Salik Toll Gates in Dubai
The locations of both gates were strategically picked by the RTA based on figures. Accordingly, the new Salik gates in Dubai are planned to decrease traffic jams and congestion, leading to an overall enhanced traffic flow.
For the first Salik gate on the Business Bay crossing, it will have a huge impact in the following ways: It will redirect traffic from Jebel Ali to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Emirates Roads; it will reduce traffic volumes on Al Rebat Street and Financial Centre Street by 16 percent and 5 percent, respectively.
Additionally, this gate will reduce commute time on Al Khail Road’s busiest section by 20.000 hours on a daily basis in both directions. This new Salik gate in Dubai will ease congestion on Al Khail Road by 15 percent—a significant impact, especially with this road being one of the major highways in the Emirate.
As for the second gate, situated at Al Safa South Salik, it will reduce traffic volumes on Sheikh Zayed Road, between the Financial Centre and Latifa Bint Hamdan Streets, and on the route from Al Meydan and Al Safa Streets to Sheikh Zayed Road, by 4 percent and 42 percent, respectively. Similarly, this toll gate will further utilise the use of the First Al Khail Road and Al Asayel Streets by 4 percent.
So, how does the introduction of the new Salik gates in Dubai increase interest in metros and buses, despite presenting huge benefits to the overall traffic flow in the city?
Salik Toll Gates in Dubai: Pointing to the Metro
As mentioned previously, many residents are looking into alternative commuting options in order to avoid using the new Salik toll gates, so they can minimise their transportation expenses.
These alternatives vary; some would prefer to remain on the roads while following new routes around the gates, while others are planning to take the metro and buses, minimising the use of private transportation altogether.
That said, some may want to relocate to residential areas that are in close proximity to metro stations and bus stops to easily access their destinations and key areas within the city, this is especially true for daily commuters.
Metro and buses are without a doubt more eco-friendly; their fees are fixed and easily affordable; and they are highly convenient, as they eliminate worries surrounding traffic, redirections, new routes and toll gates, and parking.
Residential Areas Near Metro Stations
Dubai hosts many residential areas fit for professionals and families, which are located in areas close to all key destinations in the city and in close proximity to metros and buses, making the daily commute easy and smooth for nondrivers.
Azizi Developments is a leading real estate developer in the Emirate, offering an incredible residential portfolio of studio apartments and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, all placed in luxurious areas that enable residents to move around the city using public transportation.
Some of these areas are Al Furjan, Dubai Healthcare City, Palm Jumeirah, and MBR City, among many others. Discover Azizi Developments today for more information about their residential units, their exact locations, and the facilities they offer.