The cost of living in Dubai is set to rise for residents and expatriates as two new Salik toll gates have become operational. These gates, located at the Business Bay Bridge and the Al Safa South Gate, have added to the daily expenses of commuters who frequently travel between business hubs and residential areas.
The toll gate on the Business Bay Bridge connects key areas like Sharjah and East Dubai, making it an essential route for many. However, commuters now face an additional charge of eight dirhams per day, leading to concerns about increasing costs. Residents have also highlighted that the introduction of the toll gate has caused a surge in taxi fares. Additionally, the new gate’s absence from Google Maps has caused frustration among travelers trying to navigate these routes.
The second toll gate at the Al Safa South Gate, situated on Sheikh Zayed Road between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sharif Street, further impacts the commuting expenses for residents. With these additions, the number of Salik toll gates in Dubai has reached ten, prompting many to search for alternative, toll-free routes to reduce their financial burden.
While the new toll gates aim to ease traffic congestion and improve traffic flow in the city, many Dubai residents worry about the long-term implications on their overall cost of living. The changes are especially challenging for daily commuters, who now have to budget for higher travel costs. For residents, the balance between convenience and affordability is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.
