Page 38 - SALIK ENGLISH PR REPORT NOVEMBER 2024

Mayank Chaturvedi
Leave early, request additional allowance
More residents fear the variable rates would increase their expenses. Mohammed Abu
Hamdan, who lives in Al Nahda, Sharjah and crosses Salik gates daily to reach his
workplace in Al Quoz, said, “I take [the route with] Salik in the morning while heading to
work and again in the evening on my way back. I spend around Dh8 to Dh12 daily
depending on traffic flow on different routes, which adds up to over Dh300 monthly.
However, with the revised toll rates, I fear my expenses will exceed Dh500, especially
with family outings and weekend plans.
Firas Mostafa, a resident of Abu Hail, is also worried about the revised toll charges. His
daily commute takes him through Salik gates on Al Maktoum and Garhoud Bridge. “I
have to now change my route by taking Infinity Bridge. But the traffic after crossing the
bridge is unbearable,” he noted.
“Now I am planning to leave home early and pass through these gates just before the
peak-hour charges start,” he said, adding: “I will also be requesting my manager to
adjust my shift timings so I can start late and finish late, avoiding the higher tolls
altogether."
For Syed Basit, a marketing executive, “I am on the road throughout the day, travelling
for client meetings. My company provides a Salik allowance of Dh300, but with the new
charges, I’ll have to calculate my routes to stay within this limit carefully.
“Passing through toll gates before 8am to reach the office on time and returning late in
the evening is not always feasible. I plan to request my company to increase the
allowance because managing the cost while also ensuring timely client meetings will be
a challenge,” he added.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/transport/avoid-peak-hour-carpooling-uae-motorists-brace-
for-changes-as-dubai-plans-new-salik-tolls-fees