Dubai’s Salik, the city’s well-known toll gate operator, has kicked off 2025 on a high note. The company revealed that its net profit for the first quarter surged to AED 370.6 million, marking a solid 33.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

Before taxes, Salik’s profit hit AED 407.2 million in Q1, reflecting a similar 33.6% year-on-year jump. Even when compared to the final quarter of 2024, profits showed a healthy increase of 8.2%, underscoring the company’s upward momentum.

More Cars on the Road, More Revenue for Salik

One of the main reasons behind this impressive performance is simple: more cars are passing through Salik’s toll gates. In the first three months of the year, the company recorded 158 million chargeable trips — a clear sign of Dubai’s ever-growing road usage.

A big boost came from two new toll gates that started operating in November 2024. Plus, the rollout of a flexible toll pricing system in January 2025 has helped manage traffic while also enhancing revenues.

Thanks to these moves, Salik’s total income climbed to AED 751.6 million for the quarter, up 33.7% from last year. Operating profits (before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) also rose sharply by 37.9%, reaching AED 519.6 million.

Dubai’s Busy Roads Reflect Economic Momentum

Beyond Salik’s own initiatives, the broader picture is also playing in the company’s favor. Dubai’s commercial activity remains lively, and tourism is thriving. This naturally translates into more vehicles on the road.

Altogether, Salik saw a 35.1% increase in the total number of trips across its network in Q1 2025, including discounted journeys. This rise isn’t just about more toll gates — it’s a reflection of Dubai’s growing economy, ongoing investments, and efforts to diversify its income sources.

Looking ahead, Salik’s ability to adapt through strategic expansions and smart pricing policies seems to position it well for sustained growth, even in a changing economic landscape.