Salik has no immediate plans to expand the number of gates in Dubai, its chairman has said.
The company — which is exclusively authorised to operate, manage and develop the traffic toll system in Dubai — runs eight toll gates in the emirate and will be in control of any new gates through a 49-year concession agreement.
On Tuesday, the Dubai government announced plans to sell a 20 per cent stake in Salik through an initial public offering as it looks to boost the size of its capital markets.
There had been speculation on social media in recent days over potential plans to add further gates along key arteries such as the E311 after people noticed the IPO being advertised on road signs.
According to new agency Wam, Salik chairman Mattar Al Tayer said that any decision to expand the road toll system or add further gates will depend on the outcomes of the transport strategy being constantly revised by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority.
Existing toll gates in Dubai can be removed or modified subject to a decree by the chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
New toll gates can also be added subject to the council’s approval, once the Roads and Transport Authority conducts a “comprehensive traffic study in co-ordination with Salik”, Ibrahim Al Haddad, Salik's chief executive, told The National in an interview on Tuesday.
“Today we have an opportunity to add a gate because of traffic needs and we have provided alternatives … the plan from an engineering standpoint is ready,” Mr Al Haddad said.
“The timing to add a new gate will be subject to final approval.”
Long lead-in time
In its IPO prospectus, Salik says there is normally a long lead-in time before any new gate is opened.
“A new gate typically takes approximately nine to 10 months from conception to become operational, and new gates are typically announced three to six months prior to operation,” it said.
The prospectus said there are plans to “strategically expand the network of toll gates to cover high-traffic routes while optimising the traffic flow”.
“With eight gates built in a span of 11 years, the directors believe that the Salik Tolling Business has demonstrated its ability to meet the government’s traffic management goals whilst offering Dubai motorists a seamless mobility experience,” it said.
“Additionally, the creation of five interconnected urban centres in Dubai (as per the 2040 Urban Master Plan) to meet the needs of Dubai’s fast-growing population will create traffic on new roads, and historically, new gates were added in line with population growth.”
Salik said it will provide the RTA with up-to-date insights on traffic flow within Dubai to help the transport authority with any decisions regarding “new gate additions designed to optimise traffic flow within Dubai’s main traffic arteries”.
The emirate's population is forecast to grow more than 70 per cent growth between 2020 and 2040.
A total of 481 million journeys through Salik’s gates were registered last year.
Future growth plans for the business could include Salik introducing dynamic pricing at its toll gates — higher toll fees for specific lanes or during peak hours — which would increase revenue and reduce congestion, its prospectus said.
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
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You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
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RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m
Winner: Ferdous, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-3 Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 2,400m
Winner: Basmah, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6pm: UAE Arabian Derby Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 2,200m
Winner: Ihtesham, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6.30pm: Emirates Championship Group 1 (PA) Dh1,000,000 2,200m
Winner: Somoud, Patrick Cosgrave, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
7pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Group 3 (TB) Dh380,000 2,200m
Winner: GM Hopkins, Patrick Cosgrave, Jaber Ramadhan
7.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Conditions (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: AF Al Bairaq, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
UAE and Russia in numbers
UAE-Russia ties stretch back 48 years
Trade between the UAE and Russia reached Dh12.5 bn in 2018
More than 3,000 Russian companies are registered in the UAE
Around 40,000 Russians live in the UAE
The number of Russian tourists travelling to the UAE will increase to 12 percent to reach 1.6 million in 2023
MIDWAY
Produced: Lionsgate Films, Shanghai Ryui Entertainment, Street Light Entertainment
Directed: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Aaron Eckhart, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Darren Criss
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Results:
5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1.400m | Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1,400m | Winner: AF Saab, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,600m | Winner: Majd Al Gharbia, Saif Al Balushi, Ridha ben Attia
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (PA) Listed Dh 180,000 1,600m | Winner: RB Money To Burn, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh 70,000 2,200m | Winner: AF Kafu, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 2,400m | Winner: Brass Ring, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
Fixtures
Sunday, December 8, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v USA
Monday, December 9, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – USA v Scotland
Wednesday, December 11, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v Scotland
Thursday, December 12, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v USA
Saturday, December 14, ICC Academy, Dubai – USA v Scotland
Sunday, December 15, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v Scotland
Note: All matches start at 10am, admission is free
