DARB Timing – Abu Dhabi Salik Timings 2026

Sana Jamal
Aug 10, 2025
5:45 pm

Driving on Abu Dhabi’s highways is a breeze. until you hit a toll! Don’t get caught out by DARB tolls. This ultimate guide is your key to understanding DARB Timings – Abu Dhabi Salik Timings in 2026. We’ll cover everything from peak hours and free days to registration, payment methods, and insider tips to avoid fines.

What is DARB and How Does it Work?

DARB, Abu Dhabi’s automated road toll system, was launched in 2021 to reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow, especially during peak hours. It uses state-of-the-art technology, including RFID and number plate recognition, to make your commute smooth and hassle-free.

Abu Dhabi DARB Toll Gate Locations

Strategically placed near key bridges leading into Abu Dhabi city, DARB toll gates are located at:

Sheikh Zayed Bridge
Mussafah Bridge
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bridge
Al Maqtaa Bridge

The Technology Behind DARB

DARB uses a combination of RFID and ANPR. Vehicles registered with DARB have an RFID tag linked to their account, so tolls are deducted seamlessly. ANPR cameras capture plates of unregistered vehicles so tolls are charged accurately for all.

DARB Timings Abu Dhabi Salik Toll Gates

Darb Weekday Peak Hours (Monday – Saturday)

Time Period	Weekday Darb Toll Active
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Yes
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Yes
All other times	No

Darb Weekday Peak Hours

Darb Free Days and Times

Sundays
All UAE Public Holidays

Darb Timings During Ramadan 2026

Time Period	Ramdan Darb Toll Active
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM	Yes
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Yes
All other times	No

Darb Ramadan Timing

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DARB Abu Dhabi Toll Fees

DARB Toll Fee Structure

Every time you pass through a DARB toll gate during peak hours, AED 4 will be deducted from your registered account.

Darb Daily and Monthly Caps

Daily and monthly caps will be applied on vehicles passing tolling gates in peak hours outside of holidays as follows:

Daily cap for an individual’s vehicle passing tolling gates in peak hours outside holidays is 16 AED.

First Vehicle: Monthly cap for an individual’s first vehicle passing tolling gates in peak hours outside holidays is 200 AED.

Second Vehicle: Monthly cap for an individual’s second vehicle passing tolling gates in peak hours outside holidays is 150 AED. Individual can reorder their vehicle (New reordering will be effective next month)

Third Vehicle: Monthly cap for an individual’s third vehicle passing tolling gates in peak hours outside holidays is 100 AED. Individual can reorder their vehicle (New reordering will be effective next month)

Darb Payment Methods

DARB offers a variety of payment options for your convenience:

Online
Pre-paid cards at retail outlets
Auto top up from your bank account

Darb Fees Exemptions

Vehicles passing through the toll gates are exempted from the toll fees in the following cases:

Automatically Exempted Vehicles (No Exemption Request):

Vehicle Type	Exempt from DARB Tolls?	Notes
Emergency Vehicles	Yes	Ambulances, armed forces, and civil defense vehicles with official numbers and logos.
Public Transportation	Yes	Public transport buses and Abu Dhabi public taxis.
Motorcycles	Yes	All motorcycles.
School Buses	Yes	School buses operated by the Integrated Transport Center.
Passenger Buses	Yes	All passenger buses with a capacity of 26 passengers or more (as specified by the licensing authority).
Police Vehicles	Yes	Vehicles with official logos and numbers of Abu Dhabi Police, Ministry of Interior, or other local Emirates Police forces.
Trailer Vehicles	Yes	All trailer vehicles.

Exempted Vehicles by Exemption Request:

Vehicle Type	Exempt from DARB Tolls?	Notes
People of Determination Vehicles	Yes (with exemption)	One vehicle per person with disabilities is exempt after submitting an exemption request through the DARB website or app.
Low-Income Family Vehicles	Yes (with exemption)	One vehicle per eligible family is exempt after submitting an exemption request through the DARB website or app.
Senior Citizen Vehicles	Yes (with exemption)	One vehicle per senior citizen is exempt after submitting an exemption request through the DARB website or app.
Retired Citizen Vehicles	Yes (with exemption)	One vehicle per retired citizen is exempt after submitting an exemption request through the DARB website or app.

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Registering for a DARB Account

Why You Need a DARB Account

Registering your vehicle with DARB to avoid fines and to pay tolls smoothly.

Documents Required

Emirates ID
Traffic code number (found on your vehicle registration card)
Registered mobile number
Active email address

Darb Online Registration

Go to DARB website or download DARB app.
Click on “Create New Account” and select “Individual” as the service type.
Enter your email and verify it through OTP sent to your inbox.
Choose your Emirate.
Enter traffic code number, registered mobile number and password.

How to Avoid DARB Toll Fines

Check Your Account Balance: Check your DARB account balance regularly and top up as needed to avoid insufficient fund fines.
Plan Your Trips Around Peak Hours: If possible plan your trips during off peak hours to minimize tolls.
Update Your Vehicle Info: Keep your vehicle and contact information updated in your DARB account to avoid any issues.
Know the Grace Period: Know the grace period (if any) for new vehicle registration or topping up after crossing a toll gate.

Final Thoughts

Easy peasy! With a little knowledge and planning you’ll be navigating Abu Dhabi’s DARB toll system in no time! Know the timings, fees and registration process and you’ll avoid fines and have a stress free drive in the capital. So keep this guide handy, stay updated and hit the road!