Ramadan Kareem, UAE! As the holy month begins, we all know that our daily routines shift. Between shorter office hours, school runs, and the rush to reach home for Iftar with the family, the roads can get a bit busy. To make our lives easier, Dubai’s Salik has introduced adjusted toll timings for Ramadan 2026 to help manage traffic flow and keep us moving smoothly.
If you’re looking to save a few Dirhams or want to know when the gates go easy on your wallet, here is the official breakdown for the holy month.
The salik schedule: peak vs. off-peak
Under the dynamic pricing model, toll rates vary depending on when you hit the road. From Monday to Saturday, the schedule is as follows:
- Peak Hours (AED 6): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This aligns with the adjusted Ramadan workday.
- Low-Peak Hours (AED 4): 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Perfect for those heading to early Suhoors or late-night Taraweeh prayers.
- Free Hours (AED 0): 2:00 AM to 7:00 AM. Yes, you read that right! The gates are completely free during this pre-dawn window.
What about Sundays?
Sundays are always a bit more relaxed in the Emirates. During Ramadan, Salik follows a flat AED 4 rate from 7:00 AM all the way until 2:00 AM. The best part? The 2:00 AM to 7:00 AM free window still applies, making it the perfect time for those early morning airport runs or quiet commutes.
Plan your journey
With the sunrise and sunset timings shifting slightly every day, it’s always wise to plan your commute around these windows. Whether you’re heading to a grand Iftar tent or just driving home to break your fast, staying aware of these timings helps you avoid the AED 6 peak and enjoy the “Free Salik” hours.
Drive safe, and may you have a peaceful and blessed Ramadan!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the free Salik hours during Ramadan 2026?
The Salik toll gates in Dubai are completely free to cross every day between 2:00 AM and 7:00 AM, supporting those traveling for Suhoor and early morning prayers.
2. How much does Salik cost during peak hours in Ramadan?
From Monday to Saturday, a peak-hour rate of AED 6 applies between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, aligning with the adjusted Ramadan workday and school schedules.
3. Is Salik free on Sundays during the holy month?
While not entirely free, Sundays feature a flat rate of AED 4 from 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM. The standard 2:00 AM to 7:00 AM free window still applies.
4. Why do Salik timings change specifically for Ramadan?
Timings are adjusted to reflect the shift in UAE traffic patterns, such as shorter office hours and the evening rush for Iftar, helping to manage citywide congestion effectively.
5. Do these Ramadan timings apply to all 10 Salik gates in Dubai?
Yes, the adjusted Ramadan pricing and free windows apply to all 10 operational Salik gates across Dubai, including the newer gates at Business Bay and Al Safa South.