With Dh751.6 Million in Q1 Revenue and 158 Million Chargeable Trips, Dubai’s Exclusive Toll Operator Sets the Pace for Innovation and Expansion
Salik Company PJSC (“Salik”), Dubai’s exclusive toll gate operator, has kicked off 2025 with a commanding performance, reporting a 33.7% year-on-year revenue surge in the first quarter. With total revenues reaching Dh751.6 million, Salik’s impressive growth comes on the back of strategic pricing reforms, network expansion, and increased investment in ancillary services, reinforcing its role as a pivotal player in the emirate’s evolving mobility ecosystem.
Tolling Milestone: 158 Million Chargeable Trips in Q1
Salik’s core tolling business remains the backbone of its operations. Following the introduction of variable pricing on January 31, 2025, and the inauguration of two new toll gates—Business Bay and Al Safa South—in November 2024, the company recorded 158 million chargeable trips in Q1 2025.
39.3 million trips occurred during peak hours (Dh6),
107.5 million during off-peak hours (Dh4),
11.2 million trips past midnight (Dh0).
This marks a 35.1% year-on-year increase in total trips, underlining Salik’s strategic move to improve road efficiency and meet rising demand.
Revenue Composition
Of the Dh751.6 million total revenue:
Toll usage fees contributed Dh665.6 million, a 35.5% rise year-on-year.
Fines brought in Dh68.4 million, up 16.2%, from approximately 786,000 net violations (0.4% of traffic).
Tag activation fees reached Dh11.5 million, a 17.4% increase.
Ancillary revenue streams, including smart parking and insurance services, contributed Dh3.3 million, demonstrating promising traction.
Profits and Margins at Industry-Leading Levels
Salik reported robust profitability metrics:
EBITDA surged 37.9% year-on-year to Dh519.6 million, up from Dh376.9 million in Q1 2024.
EBITDA margin expanded to 69.1%, positioning Salik among the top in the sector.
Net profit before tax reached Dh407.2 million, up 33.6%.
Net profit after tax stood at Dh370.6 million, also up 33.7%.
Free cash flow was a highlight, reaching Dh626.7 million, a 77.8% increase year-on-year, with a margin of 83.4%. Meanwhile, net debt dropped 10.6% to Dh4.65 billion, bringing the Net Debt/EBITDA ratio to a comfortable 2.7x.
Strategic Expansion: Beyond Tolling
Salik’s ambition to evolve into a holistic mobility solutions provider is well underway, with growing momentum in non-core revenue streams:
Dubai Mall: Barrier-free parking payment launched in July 2024.
Parkonic: A 5-year partnership supporting Salik’s e-wallet integration across 107+ UAE parking sites.
Liva Insurance: A digital initiative contributing Dh0.5 million through streamlined vehicle insurance renewal.
Customised Salik tags: New offerings tailored for corporate clients.
The recently signed MoU with ENOC will also enable smart payments for fuel and services using Salik’s digital wallet—an innovation aligning with Dubai’s broader smart city goals.
Leadership Insights
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of Salik’s Board of Directors, highlighted that 2025 began with strong momentum:
“Our exceptional Q1 performance reflects a continued focus on delivering long-term value to shareholders. Dubai’s robust economic growth and visionary leadership have created a strong foundation for sustainable progress.”
Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, added:
“Profitability is robust, with EBITDA growth of more than 35 per cent, delivering an industry-leading margin. Our core tolling business continues to thrive, and our non-core partnerships are gaining traction. We remain on track to meet our 2025 guidance.”
Outlook for FY2025
Salik has reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance:
Total revenue growth of 28–29% year-on-year.
4–5% growth expected from the existing network, excluding new gates.
EBITDA margin to remain in the 68–69% range.
Workforce and Emiratization
Salik’s employee base grew 29% year-on-year, with Emiratization at 29.6% and female representation at 20.4%, underlining the company’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Conclusion
Salik’s Q1 2025 results present a compelling picture of a company not only consolidating its dominance in tolling but also innovating at the intersection of technology, urban mobility, and customer experience. With bold expansions, strategic partnerships, and a clear roadmap, Salik is fast becoming a benchmark for smart mobility in the region—and beyond.
