Travel & Tourism

Commuting costs for Dubai residents have risen significantly due to the introduction of new Salik gates, variable toll pricing, and increased parking fees during peak hours. Many daily commuters report higher expenses, particularly those who rely on private vehicles for work and travel across different emirates.

Rising Commuting Costs

Dubai has seen an increase in toll charges and new Salik gates, making daily travel more expensive for residents. For Najeeb ul Huq, a sales executive at an insurance brokerage, the cost of commuting has surged by approximately AED 800 per month compared to last year.

"My monthly fuel expenses ranged from AED 700 to AED 900 in 2023. Now, they have increased to around AED 1,300 due to frequent travel, higher Salik charges, and increased congestion," he explained.

Despite relatively stable fuel prices—Super 98 petrol was AED 3.05 per liter in February 2023 and has dropped slightly to AED 2.73 in March 2025—many drivers are experiencing higher fuel consumption due to worsening traffic conditions.

Traffic Congestion Contributing to Increased Fuel Use

Experts attribute higher fuel consumption to increased traffic congestion, leading to longer idle times.

"A lot of people don’t realize that idling in heavy traffic consumes more fuel than driving at a steady speed," said Usman Jafari, a technician at Al Fawzan Auto Maintenance in Sharjah. "Frequent braking and accelerating also increase fuel consumption, especially with air conditioning running while idling."

Impact of Variable Salik Pricing

The introduction of variable Salik toll rates has further strained residents’ budgets. Commuters who frequently pass through Salik gates during peak hours are facing substantial cost increases.

Mohammed AbuNail, a marketing executive living in Al Qusais and working in Business Bay, shared his experience:

“I now pass through at least two Salik gates daily, paying AED 6 each time. Previously, my monthly toll expenses were around AED 250 to AED 300. Now, I’m paying over AED 550, nearly double my previous costs.”

Similarly, Anthony Kannupallalil, who commutes from Al Qusais to Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), has seen his daily Salik expenses rise from AED 8 to AED 18–24, leading to an extra AED 240 in monthly costs.

Increasing Insurance and Parking Costs

Apart from tolls and fuel, vehicle insurance rates have also risen. MK, a media industry professional, reported that his car insurance premium doubled from AED 700–800 in previous years to AED 1,400 in 2025.

Parking fees during peak hours have further added to financial concerns. "From next month, I will have to allocate a higher budget for parking, as peak-hour pricing is increasing," said Najeeb.

Conclusion

With the rising cost of commuting in Dubai, many residents are reevaluating their travel habits and considering alternative transportation methods. While authorities aim to manage traffic congestion and promote sustainability through new policies, the financial impact on daily commuters remains a growing concern.

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