Toll Timing Changes in Abu Dhabi & Dubai in Ramadan 2025

In the holy month of Ramadan, the pulsing city roads of Dubai and Abu Dhabi transform their toll gate systems to perfectly tailor the travel experience for both permanent residents and passing tourists. These strategic adjustments systematically stave off traffic congestion, support seamless transit, and safeguard the religious and social traditions sustained during this sacred period.

In particular, provisions such as the Abu Dhabi Salik timing during Ramadan play a pivotal role in ensuring a trouble-free driving experience, allowing travelers to precisely plan their trips. MOOV By Al-Futtaim provides timely updates on these transitions, helping motorists traverse the city with poise while preserving the tempo and traditions of Ramadan.

Updated Peak Hours for Toll Gates During Ramadan

In response to the unique commuting patterns during Ramadan 2025, authorities have implemented adjustments to toll gate peak hours to better accommodate residents and visitors. The revised Ramadan toll hours are as follows:Morning

• Peak Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (from Monday to Saturday)
• Afternoon Peak Hours: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (from Monday to Saturday)
• Sundays: Toll-free

During these peak hours, a standard fee of AED 4 is summed each time a vehicle passes through a toll gate, but outside of these specific periods, no toll charges apply, offering commuters maximum flexibility during non-peak hours.

These strategic adjustments aim to streamline traffic flow, ensuring a more seamless travel experience, particularly for those commuting to work, attending prayer gatherings, or visiting family.

Darb Toll Gate Charges & Payment Guidelines

The Abu Dhabi Darb toll gate system is a groundbreaking, all-electronic, and fully automated toll collection system that efficiently recognizes vehicles using their license plates, thereby enhancing the experience for residents and tourists alike.

To take advantage of this system, all vehicle drivers must gather the necessary details and complete the registration process via the Darb platform, which can be easily accessed either on the official website or mobile application, and the registration is essential for the accurate identification of vehicles and the timely levy of toll charges, ensuring smooth operation and fair toll collection.

The registration process involves several key steps:

• Account Registration: Drivers are required to register an account through the Darb website or mobile application, establishing a personal profile and associating it with vehicle information.
• Payment of Registration Fees: A nominal registration fee of AED 100 per vehicle is required to complete the process. As an added benefit, AED 50 of this fee is credited back to the user’s account balance, providing a slight incentive for early registration.
• Toll Fees: The tolling system charges AED 4 per crossing during specified peak times. The toll fees are used to manage the traffic movement at peak times for easy travel by all drivers.
• Payment Options: It is possible for users to refill their Darb accounts with ease through the online portal or mobile application. A credit or debit card may be utilized to conduct transactions. It is thus a convenient and secure method of ensuring adequate account balances.

To avoid fines and ensure a hassle-free travel experience, it is important for vehicle owners to frequently check the balance of their accounts and deposit funds when necessary. A sufficient balance in the account prior to passing through a toll gate will eliminate the risk of penalties, facilitating smooth travel. This system is designed to improve the overall journey, ensuring that drivers can navigate through the city with ease while following the rules set by the toll authorities.

Public Transport and Bus Services During Ramadan

To accommodate residents and visitors during Ramadan, public bus services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai also experience slight modifications in their working hours. Buses operate with extended schedules to facilitate movement before Iftar and Suhoor. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to check real-time updates on bus timings via official portals to avoid any inconvenience.

Who Is Exempted From Paying Darb Toll Fees During Ramadan?

Certain vehicles and individuals are exempted from paying toll fees in Abu Dhabi, either automatically or upon request:

Automatically Exempted Vehicles

• Emergency vehicles (ambulances, civil defense, police, and armed forces vehicles)
• School buses authorized by the ITC
• Public transport buses
• Passenger buses with a capacity of 26 or more passengers
• Trailer vehicles
• Motorcycles

Exemptions by Application

• Vehicles registered to People of Determination
• Vehicles belonging to senior citizens
• Vehicles owned by retirees
• Families with limited income

Candidates must contact the Darb system to apply for an exemption, and undergoing the submission of supporting documentation is required. The applications are carefully reviewed by the ITC, which will notify applicants of their approval status. A limited exemption is tolerated, with only one exemption granted per individual.

How to Apply for a Toll Fee Exemption

To apply for an exemption, follow these steps:

• Create an Account: Register via the Darb website or mobile app.
• Submit an Application: Navigate to the ‘Exemptions’ section and select the relevant exemption category.
• Upload Required Documents: Provide proof of eligibility (e.g., Emirates ID, relevant certification).
• Await Approval: The ITC reviews applications and notifies applicants of the decision.

Darb Registration Requirements to Avoiding Penalties

All the vehicles heading onto Abu Dhabi toll roads must be officially registered under the Darb system. Taking action to register or ensure sufficient account balance is critical, as failure to do so will result in the following penalties:

• Hitting AED 100 for a first offense (if not registered within 10 working days after crossing a toll gate)
• Overcoming AED 200 for a second offense
• Tallying AED 400 for each subsequent offense

These fines are hammered out to help enforce toll compliance on roads and optimize the toll collection process.

Impact of Toll Timing Adjustments on Commuters and Rental Car Users

The peak hours changes are a reaction to the unique commuting patterns that are observed during the holy month. The most notable impacts are:

• Greater Commuter Flexibility: The majority of workers who work shorter hours during Ramadan will benefit from the changed peak hours, saving them from paying unnecessary toll fees.
• Reduced Congestion for Prayer and Iftar Parties: Smaller peak hour time frames ease traffic at sunset, allowing easier travel to mosques and family gatherings.
• Rental Car Drivers Considerations: Visitors and temporary residents are advised to register their rental cars with Darb to avoid being fined. Verification with renting companies or direct registration is recommended.

How to Contact Customer Support for Assistance

For any inquiries regarding Abu Dhabi's toll gate timings in Ramadan, individuals can reach out through:

• Toll-Free Customer Service Number: 800 850
• Email Support: customer.care@itc.gov.ae
• Website Assistance: Darb Official Portal

For information regarding Dubai’s Salik timing during Ramadan, commuters can contact:

• Salik Customer Care Hotline: 800 SALIK (72545)
• Salik Official Website: www.salik.ae

The transformation of Abu Dhabi and Dubai toll gate operations for Ramadan 2025 is a reflection of the United Arab Emirates' dedication to delivering smooth transport for both residents and guests during this sacred month.

By rescheduling peak hour operations, granting toll fee exemptions to qualified individuals, and implementing a simplified registration system, these transformations address the concerns of fasting drivers, families, and businesses during Ramadan.

Staying aware of updates from credible sources, such as MOOV By Al-Futtaim, can save one from being fined and facilitate smoother, less stressful travel experiences while traveling during Ramadan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

For travelers seeking more freedom, car subscription services present a hassle-free choice, which allows the usage of automobiles without the hassles of ownership, and it is particularly beneficial to traverse the city landscape during this peak time.

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