Salik Company PJSC: Comprehensive Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Salik Company PJSC, established as a public joint stock company in June 2022, is Dubai's exclusive toll gate operator. The name "Salik," meaning "seamless mobility" in Arabic, reflects the company's mission to provide efficient and barrier-free transportation solutions. Operating under a 49-year concession agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Salik manages the Emirate's automatic toll gates, utilizing advanced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technologies. As of January 2026, Salik operates 10 strategically located toll gates across Dubai, including Al Barsha, Al Garhoud, Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Mamzar South and North, Al Safa North and South, Airport Tunnel, Jebel Ali, and Business Bay Crossing.

Mission and Vision

Salik's mission is to enhance urban mobility by providing seamless and efficient tolling solutions, contributing to Dubai's status as a global hub for innovation and smart city development. The company's vision is to lead in sustainable and smart mobility solutions, ensuring a smooth and efficient transportation experience for all users.

Industry Significance

As the sole operator of Dubai's tolling system, Salik plays a pivotal role in managing traffic flow, reducing congestion, and supporting the city's rapid growth. The company's advanced technological infrastructure and strategic initiatives have set benchmarks in the transportation sector, influencing regional and global standards.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Operational Excellence: Ensure efficient and uninterrupted tolling operations across all gates.

Technological Innovation: Integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

Sustainable Growth: Diversify revenue streams and expand service offerings to support long-term financial stability.

Areas of Specialization

Tolling Operations: Management and maintenance of toll gates using RFID and ANPR technologies.

Smart Mobility Solutions: Development of barrier-free parking systems and digital payment solutions.

Infrastructure Expansion: Design and construction of new toll gates and related infrastructure.

Key Technologies Utilized

RFID Technology: For seamless vehicle identification and toll collection.

ANPR Systems: To accurately capture and process vehicle number plates.

AI-Powered Parking Solutions: Implemented in partnership with Parkonic to offer smart parking experiences.

Primary Markets Targeted

Urban Commuters: Residents and visitors utilizing Dubai's road network.

Tourists: Travelers accessing Dubai's attractions and business hubs.

Commercial Fleets: Businesses requiring efficient logistics and transportation solutions.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Initial Public Offering (IPO): In September 2022, Salik listed 24.9% of its shares on the Dubai Financial Market, raising approximately AED 1.7 billion. The Dubai Investment Fund (DIF), ultimately controlled by the Government of Dubai, retains a 75.1% stake.

Recent Financial Performance

2023: Salik reported record total revenue of AED 2.1 billion, with toll usage revenue increasing by 11.7% year-on-year to AED 1.845 billion.

H1 2025: The company achieved a 39.5% year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching AED 1.527 billion, driven by the addition of two new toll gates and the introduction of variable pricing.

Utilization of Capital

The funds raised through the IPO and subsequent operations have been allocated towards:

Infrastructure Expansion: Construction of new toll gates and related facilities.

Technological Upgrades: Implementation of advanced tolling and parking systems.

Operational Enhancements: Improvement of customer service platforms and back-end operations.

Pipeline Development

Key Projects and Milestones

New Toll Gates: In November 2024, Salik added two new toll gates—Business Bay and Al Safa South—to enhance traffic management and efficiency.

Barrier-Free Parking Solutions: Launched in July 2024, the partnership with Emaar Malls introduced a seamless parking payment system at Dubai Mall, marking Salik's entry into the ancillary revenue sector.

Partnership with Parkonic: In November 2024, Salik partnered with Parkonic, the UAE's largest private parking operator, to integrate its eWallet system across 107 locations, expanding its services beyond Dubai.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Salik eWallet: A digital payment solution enabling seamless toll and parking fee transactions.

Advanced Tolling Systems: Utilization of RFID and ANPR technologies for efficient toll collection.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Leveraging traffic data to optimize toll pricing and infrastructure planning.

AI Integration: Incorporation of artificial intelligence in parking management systems to enhance user experience.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad: Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Al Haddad has been instrumental in Salik's strategic direction and expansion initiatives.

Neelakantan Krishnaswamy: Head of Enterprise Risk Management. Krishnaswamy oversees risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Anwar El Khatib: Chief Legal Counsel. El Khatib manages legal affairs and compliance matters.

Mohammad Alhawi: Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Investment. Alhawi contributes to Salik's strategic partnerships and governmental relations.

Leadership Changes

As of January 2026, there have been no significant changes in Salik's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The tolling and smart mobility sector in Dubai is characterized by rapid technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainable transportation solutions. Salik's exclusive concession agreement with the RTA positions it uniquely in the market, with limited direct competition in tolling operations.

Competitor Analysis

While Salik faces competition in the broader smart mobility and parking solutions market, its strategic partnerships, such as with Parkonic, enhance its competitive edge by expanding service offerings and geographic reach.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Key Partnerships

Emaar Malls: Introduced barrier-free parking solutions at Dubai Mall, enhancing customer experience.

Parkonic: Integrated Salik's eWallet system across 107 parking locations, marking Salik's first expansion beyond Dubai.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Salik's exclusive rights to operate toll gates in Dubai, coupled with its strategic partnerships, provide a strong foundation for sustained growth and market leadership. The company's focus on technological innovation and customer-centric services differentiates it from potential competitors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Growth Opportunities

Geographic Expansion: Leveraging partnerships to extend services beyond Dubai.

Service Diversification: Enhancing ancillary revenue streams through innovative mobility solutions.

Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing eco-friendly technologies and practices to align with global sustainability goals.

Contact Information

Official Website: www.salik.ae

LinkedIn: Salik Company PJSC

This comprehensive market research report provides an in-depth analysis of Salik Company PJSC, highlighting its strategic initiatives, financial performance, technological innovations, and market positioning within Dubai's transportation infrastructure sector.