If you hit the road, it’s important to understand how the Darb system in Abu Dhabi works. This toll collection platform automatically charges drivers passing through designated electronic payment machines or toll gates in Abu Dhabi, especially during peak hours. Sometimes referred to as Abu Dhabi Salik toll gates, these checkpoints function similarly to Dubai’s Salik system but are created for vehicles registered for the Abu Dhabi region. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Darb.
Introduction
What is the Darb toll gate? The Abu Dhabi Darb system is part of a broader smart mobility strategy. These automated checkpoints identify a vehicle’s license plate and deduct the toll from the registered Darb account. No physical stops or tags are required.
Introduced by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Darb is Abu Dhabi’s official toll gate system. Its purpose is to reduce traffic jams and improve traffic flow during peak hours.
The toll gates Abu Dhabi has installed are strategically located on key bridges and connect the city center to its suburbs.
Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Timing in 2025
By 2025, toll fees will be charged during weekday peak hours only. The current schedule of Abu Dhabi’s Darb toll system:
- Monday to Friday, from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and 5:00 to 7:00 PM
- No charges apply on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) or during public holidays.
This means that driving from Monday to Saturday is toll-free outside of those narrow windows.
If you’re looking for up-to-date Abu Dhabi Salik timings, keep in mind that Darb operates independently from Dubai’s Salik, though both follow a similar peak-hour model.
For any schedule updates, you can contact Darb’s office in Abu Dhabi or check the official Darb app, which posts real-time notifications during national holidays or special events.
Darb Toll Gate Locations in Abu Dhabi
As part of the innovative toll system in Abu Dhabi, the Darb network covers four major bridges that connect the city center with its expanding suburbs. These high-traffic points were selected to help reduce congestion where it matters most.
The overview of key locations in Abu Dhabi where toll charges apply:
- Mussafah Bridge: Located near the industrial and residential areas of Mussafah, this tollgate is often used by commuters heading to or from southern districts. It’s a vital connection for those working in logistics, construction, and government zones.
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge: An iconic, visually stunning bridge and one of the busiest in the emirate, Sheikh Zayed Bridge sees thousands of vehicles pass through a Darb toll every day, especially during peak hours. Its curved, wave-like design is as functional as it is architectural.
- Sheikh Khalifa Bridge: Linking the city to Al Reem Island and Saadiyat Island, this bridge plays a central role in the automated road toll system. If you’re visiting cultural landmarks or beaches, expect to cross this checkpoint.
- Al Maqta Bridge: One of the oldest and most historically significant connections between mainland Abu Dhabi and the island core. The automated toll gates are located near the heritage area and the police college.
These Darb toll gates, located on the bridges, activate only during peak times (morning and evening rush hours). For detailed maps and real-time updates, the official Darb website provides complete location info and operational status.
Darb Toll Charges and Exemptions
The Darb toll gate system in Abu Dhabi charges a flat fee of AED 4 per crossing during specified peak hours. This fee is automatically deducted from the driver’s preloaded Darb account whenever a vehicle goes through an active gate.
Drivers can be charged multiple times in one day; however, the daily fee is limited to AED 16 per vehicle. This prevents regular commuters from being overcharged during workweeks. If you check your Darb account regularly, you can monitor daily charges and remaining balances to avoid unexpected deductions — especially useful if you rent a car in Abu Dhabi and plan to drive into the city.
Not everyone must pay. Several groups qualify for exemptions under the current rules and can use Darb for free:
- Senior Emirati citizens
- Persons with disabilities/special needs (upon verified documentation)
- Registered electric vehicles (application required)
To benefit from these exemptions, drivers must complete Darb registration through the official portal and submit supporting documents.
Note that driving through Abu Dhabi’s Darb toll gate without a valid account or plate registration may result in fines. The system uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), so tolls are applied regardless of whether the driver is aware.
How to Register Darb Account and Pay for Darb
If you work in Abu Dhabi or regularly commute into the city, you’re required to pass through toll gates that operate during rush hours. To avoid fines and ensure smooth travel, every vehicle passing a toll gate during peak hours must be registered in the system. If you need to register for Darb, make sure to do it before entering any active toll zone to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Darb registration guide:
- Visit the official Darb website or mobile app, which is available on Android and iOS.
- Click on “New User,” and you’ve just started the registration process.
- Enter your Emirates ID, vehicle plate number, and contact details.
- Pay the one-time registration fee of AED 100 per vehicle (AED 50 credited to your balance).
Here’s what you can do once your Darb account is active:
- Add funds to your balance with a debit/credit card.
- View your transaction history and toll deductions.
- Monitor your balance to ensure you can pay Darb toll fees during peak traffic times.
- Check and dispute Darb toll fines directly through the portal.
Important Note: All vehicles passing through toll gates must be registered, including non-Abu Dhabi-plate cars.
The Darb website or app can also be used to download monthly statements and track your route usage. If you believe you’ve been charged incorrectly, submit a dispute form within 10 working days. Common reasons for mistaken charges include plate misreads or system glitches.
If you’re experiencing issues, you can get help. Reach out to customer support anytime, and they’ll do their best to assist you promptly.
- Incorrect deduction? Log in and report the issue through the app.
- Missed payment? You will get notifications via SMS and email; please ensure payment is made within five days to avoid escalation.
- Vehicle sold? Remove it from your account to prevent future Darb toll gate charges.
Working Time of Darb Toll Gates During Ramadan
During Ramadan and public holidays, the Darb toll gates in Abu Dhabi work on a modified schedule to adapt to shifts in traffic patterns and working hours.
Timings during Ramadan 2025 are typically shortened and may differ from standard days. The Department of Municipalities and Transport usually announces these adjustments in advance.
Key reminders for drivers:
- Crossing a toll gate is still chargeable during peak hours (even in Ramadan) unless an official exemption is announced.
- You can monitor updated schedules directly through the Darb website or app, where changes are published ahead of time.
- Make sure to top up your Darb balance before Ramadan to avoid missed payments or fines.
Valuable features of the Darb system:
- Real-time push notifications about toll gate timings and updates.
- In-app alerts for low balance or failed deductions.
- Live chat and contact options in Abu Dhabi for any inquiries.
Important: Even if the schedule changes, Darb fees still apply during designated peak periods. Always verify if your travel falls under a paid window.
Penalties for Non-Payment
Failing to pay the Darb toll can result in hefty fines, particularly if it occurs multiple times.
- First offence: AED 100
- Second offence: AED 200
- Third and further offences: AED 400 each
- These fines apply if you pass through Darb in Abu Dhabi without Abu Dhabi toll system registration or a sufficient balance.
Avoid penalties by taking these simple steps:
- Always keep your Darb account balance topped up. The usual fee for crossing a Darb toll gate during peak hours is AED 4 each time you pass through.
- Link your vehicle to your Darb wallet and enable automatic top-ups via card.
- Make sure your car is registered correctly in the Darb in Abu Dhabi system.
Disputing a fine:
- You can file a complaint through the Darb website or mobile app.
- Attach proof of payment or registration when submitting your dispute.
- Response times may vary, but most are resolved within a few working days.
Future Updates to Darb in 2025
As Abu Dhabi continues to upgrade its traffic and transport infrastructure, several changes to the Darb Abu Dhabi toll gate system are expected in 2025. Here’s what vehicle owners should prepare for:
Possible Developments:
- New toll gates may be added on high-traffic routes to ease congestion.
- Changes to the Darb Abu Dhabi toll gate system timings are being considered to reflect real-time traffic patterns and Ramadan-specific adjustments.
Integration with Other Systems:
- Closer alignment between the Darb toll system in Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s Salik is expected.
- Expect future integration with RTA services and real-time cross-emirate notifications.
- Increased Automation:
- Darb uses AI-based traffic data to optimize toll operations and anticipate congestion.
- More features will be introduced in the mobile app, including smart alerts for low balance or unpaid tolls and vehicle-specific notifications for active toll days.
To prepare your vehicle for the Abu Dhabi Darb toll gate, ensure your account is active and link your plate number to the app for real-time updates.
Final Recap
The Darb toll gate system is a fundamental part of driving in Abu Dhabi, today in 2025. Avoid fines by knowing when and where tolls apply. Track trip history and account balance easily via the app.
If you’re familiar with Salik in Dubai, Darb works similarly.
To avoid penalties, register your vehicle, keep your balance topped up, and monitor official updates to the system.
