Seamless Parking: Salik Payments Coming to Dubai Airports

Parking at one of the world’s busiest travel hubs is about to get significantly smoother. In a move that signals a major step forward for Dubai’s smart city ambitions, Dubai Airports has announced a strategic partnership with toll gate operator Salik to introduce a completely ticketless parking system.

Starting January 22, travelers and residents heading to Dubai International (DXB) will no longer need to worry about parking tickets or searching for payment machines. Instead, the familiar Salik tag on your windshield will handle the transaction automatically.

Here is what you need to know about this digital transformation and how it will improve your airport experience.

A New Era of Ticketless Parking

This 10-year partnership marks a significant shift in how infrastructure is managed at the airport. The new system will cover 7,400 designated parking spaces spread across Terminals 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Cargo Mega Terminal.

The concept is straightforward but powerful: automation. By leveraging the existing Salik technology that millions of UAE drivers already use, the airport aims to remove friction from the parking process.

How It Works

Under the agreement, Salik is responsible for the integration, operation, and maintenance of the parking payment system. When a vehicle enters the parking area, the system detects the Salik tag. Upon exit, the parking fee is automatically deducted from the user’s Salik account—just like a toll gate charge.

This means:

• No more stopping to take a ticket at entry barriers.
• No queuing at payment machines inside the terminal.
• No delays at exit barriers while inserting a ticket.

Driving Efficiency and Flow

The collaboration isn’t just about convenience for the driver; it is about operational efficiency for the airport. Dubai International (DXB) handles millions of passengers, and managing vehicle throughput is critical.

The new system supports Dubai Airports’ goal to implement seamless entry and exit procedures. By digitizing the payment process, traffic flow around the terminals is expected to improve, reducing congestion during peak travel times.

Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports, highlighted the practical benefits of the move.

“Our collaboration with Salik introduces a fast, reliable and widely adopted digital payment option that simplifies parking, reduces queuing at exits, and supports our long-term vision for seamless access across our car parks,” Griffiths said.

He noted that with more than 4.7 million vehicles in the UAE already linked to Salik accounts, the transition offers a “familiar and convenient solution for a large share of our customers.”

Strategic Growth for Salik

For Salik, this agreement represents a key expansion beyond its traditional role as a road toll operator. It aligns with the company’s strategy to diversify its portfolio and become a broader leader in smart mobility solutions.

Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, Chief Executive Officer of Salik, described the agreement as a pivotal moment for the company. He stated that the partnership “is fully aligned with our strategy to expand Salik’s role in smart and sustainable mobility while accelerating growth beyond our core tolling business.”

This move reinforces the trend of integrating various transport and payment systems into a single, cohesive digital ecosystem—a core component of Dubai’s wider smart city goals.

The Bigger Picture: Dubai’s Smart Vision

The signing of this agreement was witnessed by key leadership figures, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, alongside Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Salik.

Their presence underscores the importance of this initiative. It isn’t merely a facility upgrade; it is a strategic collaboration designed to enhance the emirate’s infrastructure.

With DXB recording its highest quarterly traffic in 65 years during the third quarter of 2025—welcoming over 24 million guests—efficiencies like these are essential. As passenger numbers grow, the systems supporting them must evolve.

What’s Next?

If you are planning to drive to DXB on or after January 22, ensure your Salik account has sufficient balance. The transition to ticketless parking promises to save you time, letting you focus on your journey rather than the logistics of parking.