Dubai’s Dynamic Tolls Are Already Making a Difference

Dubai is making smart moves to ease traffic, and it’s already showing results. Since Salik introduced dynamic toll pricing on January 31, there’s been a 9% drop in traffic volumes on Sheikh Zayed Road. Drivers are now charged Dh6 during peak hours and Dh4 during off-peak times, helping distribute traffic more evenly throughout the day.

The city didn’t stop there — in April, new variable parking tariffs were introduced, with premium public parking now costing Dh6 per hour during peak times. These updates are part of a broader initiative by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to boost traffic efficiency by up to 30%. Other measures include encouraging flexible work hours, promoting remote work, and placing further restrictions on heavy vehicles.

At a recent workshop attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the RTA highlighted Dubai’s rapid growth as a key challenge. With a population growing more than five times faster than the global average, and tourist numbers reaching over 18 million in 2024, congestion is inevitable. The city also registered 2.5 million cars in 2024 — nearly half of the UAE’s total.

RTA Director-General Mattar Al Tayer also pointed out that diverse driving behaviors, limited trip planning, and lack of awareness around peak hours are adding to the pressure on key roads. Still, despite the challenges, Dubai is outperforming major global cities like London, Singapore, Sydney, and Montreal when it comes to average travel times.

It’s clear that with innovative policies and long-term planning, Dubai is paving the way — quite literally — for a smoother urban experience.