Abu Dhabi commuters to face toll payments from January 2

Abu Dhabi commuters to face toll payments from January 2

Motorists entering Abu Dhabi will have to pay for the privilege from January 2 as the dedicated ‘Darb' toll system goes live.

The four toll gates in the capital can be found near one of the four bridges connecting Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland, at Al Maqtaa Bridge, Musaffah Bridge, Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bridge.

Commuters will be charged AED4 per crossing/vehicle, while there is a AED16 cap per vehicle for private vehicles. Charges do not apply on Fridays or on public holidays.

Regular Arabian Business columnist Alex Malouf, who is corporate communications director MEA at Schneider Electric in the UAE capital, said: “The new Darb toll gate system is going to obviously mean more costs for Abu Dhabi residents and visitors. We live just outside the city, and I go in every day for the school run and for work.”

Those exempt from the charges include, people of determination, senior Emirati citizens, low-income Emiratis and retired Emiratis. The fees will also not apply to taxis, school buses, towed vehicles, public buses with 26 seats or more, electric vehicles and motorbikes.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has also announced the launch of a park and