UAE residents say tolls and parking fees cost more than fuel - here’s how they save money

Dubai: Fuel prices may be up this July, but for many UAE motorists, it’s not petrol that’s stretching their budgets, it’s Salik tolls and paid parking.

According to a recent poll conducted on the official Gulf News’ Instagram account, 67 per cent of respondents said they find daily toll and parking charges harder to manage than fuel costs.

With new peak-hour pricing (for both Salik and public parking) in place, many are adapting their routines to save money while keeping convenience intact.

Gulf News spoke to everyday commuters who shared their tips, routines, and small hacks that help keep costs in check.

For Olga Sukhanova – founder of COLABB, who regularly drives across the city for errands and meetings, time is often more valuable than the toll fees.

“I generally accept the rules of the game, saving time is often worth the cost. That said, I’ve definitely had a few moments where I forgot to top up my Salik account and ended up with a Dh50 fine for late payment, which can be frustrating,” she said.

“When I’m not in a rush, I take the scenic route down Jumeirah Beach Road, it’s toll-free and a much more pleasant drive.”

While Jumeirah Beach Road may have more traffic lights and lower speed limits, drivers who don’t mind a slower pace can enjoy scenic views of the coastline. The D94 route offers a toll-free alternative that is both pleasant and a little picturesque.

Katherine Read, founder of The Holiday Mode and Short Stay Circle, is constantly on the move, juggling meetings and errands across the city. Using main roads is unavoidable, but the toll and parking charges add up quickly.

“I find myself topping up my Salik account more often than I fill my fuel tank, and that says a lot,” she said. “The hardest part is that these costs aren’t one-offs you can budget for - they’re daily expenses that pile up, especially when you’re trying to grow a business. Paid parking contributes too, but the Salik charges definitely sting the most when you’re always on the road.”

Akshay Nimbalkar, a data scientist, says he’s actively changed how he drives to cut down on tolls and parking fees. “Honestly, Salik and paid parking impact my budget more than fuel these days. I avoid certain routes, even if they’re faster, just to skip tolls.”

For areas with heavy traffic and limited parking, like Downtown Dubai or the Marina, he switches to Dubai Metro or ride-hailing apps. “For short errands, it’s more cost-effective. I don’t mind hopping on the Metro if it means I don’t have to worry about parking or Salik.”

For Sumit Augustine, a PR professional, the difference in cost hasn’t been dramatic, but she still avoids Salik routes whenever possible.

“I’ve been consciously taking longer roads that don’t have Salik for daily commutes like school drop-offs and office trips. I just leave earlier so I can reach on time without the added toll costs,” she said. 

But convenience still wins when it needs to. “If I’m running late or it’s an emergency, I’ll take the Salik route. It’s still the fastest way to get where I need to go.”

On weekends, Sumit switches to public transport. “Using the Metro or buses means I don’t have to worry about parking or hourly fees. It’s convenient and cost-effective.”

With variable pricing for Salik and parking fees, UAE drivers are finding smart ways to save daily. From toll-free routes to public transport, small changes help cut costs without losing convenience.