Salik Recharge: A Guide to Topping Up Your Account 2026

Dubai’s Salik system is an automated toll solution designed by the RTA in 2007 to ease traffic flow. By placing a rechargeable Salik tag on your vehicle’s windshield, tolls are automatically deducted as you pass through a toll gate, eliminating the need to stop and pay.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor driving in the city, keeping your Salik account topped up is essential for a smooth journey. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for every Salik recharge method available, so you can easily manage your account and avoid unnecessary fines.

Understanding Your Salik Recharge Options

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers several convenient ways to add credit to your Salik account. You can choose from online methods using an app or website, or offline methods like SMS, kiosks, and banks.

Most methods allow you to pay with a credit/debit card or a Salik recharge card. When paying directly online, you must top up in multiples of AED 50.

What is a Salik Recharge Card?

A Salik recharge card is a scratch card that reveals a 12-digit number. It’s one of the most common ways to top up your Salik account. You can buy these cards for AED 50, AED 100, or AED 200 at many petrol stations and supermarkets across Dubai.

How to Recharge Salik Online

Online methods offer a quick and easy way to add funds to your account from anywhere. You can use the official Salik website or several popular mobile apps.

1. Using the Official Salik Website

The Salik website lets you top up using a credit/debit card or a recharge card number.

Steps for Online Payment:

1. Navigate to the official RTA Salik portal.
2. Log in with your Salik account credentials.
3. Go to the “Recharge a Salik Account” option.
4. Select “Online Payment” as your method.
5. Enter your details, including your phone number and the top-up amount (e.g., AED 50, 100).
6. Provide your credit or debit card details to complete the transaction.
7. The balance will be updated in your Salik account upon confirmation.

Steps for Using a Recharge Card Number:

1. On the Salik portal, select “Recharge Number” as your method.
2. Enter your Salik account details (plate number, category, etc.).
3. Type the 12-digit number from your scratch card and click “Recharge.”
4. You will receive a success notification on the screen.

2. Through the Smart Salik App

The Smart Salik app offers the same flexibility as the website, allowing for both direct payment and recharge card top-ups.

Steps for Topping Up:

1. Download the Smart Salik App from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Log in using your Salik account number and PIN.
3. Tap the “Recharge Now” button on the home screen.
4. Choose your preferred method: “Online Payment” or “Recharge Number.”
5. If paying online, enter the amount and your card details.
6. If using a card, enter the 12-digit number manually or scan it with your phone’s camera.
7. A confirmation message will appear once the transaction is complete.

3. Via the RTA Dubai Drive App

The Dubai Drive app consolidates many RTA services, including Salik management.

1. Download the RTA Dubai Drive app and log in to your RTA account.
2. Select “Salik” from the main services menu.
3. Enter your Salik Account Number and PIN to view your balance.
4. Choose to recharge via “Online Payment” or “Recharge Number.”
5. Follow the prompts to enter your payment details or the scratch card number.

Through the Dubai Now App

DubaiNow integrates over 130 city services into one platform, making it another convenient option for Salik recharge.

1. Install the DubaiNow app and sign in.
2. Find the “Salik Services” section.
3. Enter your Salik account details to link it.
4. Select your top-up method (online payment or recharge card).
5. Complete the transaction by entering the required details.

How to Recharge Salik Offline

If you prefer not to use an online service, there are several reliable offline methods available.

1. By Phone Call

You can recharge your account using a Salik scratch card by calling the automated helpline.

1. Scratch your recharge card to reveal the 12-digit number.
2. Dial the Salik helpline at 800-SALIK (800-72545).
3. Choose your preferred language.
4. Follow the voice prompts to enter the 12-digit recharge number.
5. You will receive an SMS confirming your new balance.

2. Via SMS

Recharging via SMS is simple but incurs a service charge of 30 fils. You will need a recharge card.

1. Open your phone’s messaging app.
2. Type your message in the following format: R[space]12-Digit-Recharge-Number[space]Salik-Account-Number[space]Salik-PIN
3. • Example: R 123456789012 1234567 1234
3. Send the message to 5959.
4. A confirmation SMS with your updated balance will be sent to you.

3. At a Self-Service Kiosk

RTA has placed self-service kiosks in several locations for cash top-ups.

1. Find a Salik kiosk at a customer happiness center. Locations include Al Barsha, Deira, Al Kifaf, and Umm Ramool.
2. Log in on the screen using your details.
3. Select the “Recharge” option.
4. Choose your top-up amount and insert cash into the machine.
5. Your account will be credited instantly.

Where to Find a Salik Kiosk?

Salik Kiosks are currently installed at six different places in Dubai. These areas include 

• Al Barsha
• Diera
• Al kifaf
• Al Tower
• Al Aweer
• Umm Ramool

You can use the RTA Smart Drive App to locate the exact addresses of these kiosks. 

Through Banks

Many banks in Dubai offer Salik recharge services through their ATMs, mobile banking apps, and online banking portals. Affiliated banks include Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), and RAKBANK. The specific channels (ATM, app, etc.) vary by bank, so it’s best to check with your bank directly for the available options.

Important Salik Account Information

To manage your account effectively, keep the following details in mind.

Salik Recharge Limits

• Minimum Top-Up: AED 50 per transaction.
• Maximum Account Balance: AED 50,000.

Fines for Insufficient Balance

You must recharge your account within five working days of passing through a toll gate with insufficient funds.

• Insufficient Funds Violation: AED 50 for each trip through a toll gate after the 5-day grace period expires.
• Unregistered Plate Violation: If you pass through a toll gate without a registered Salik tag, you have 10 working days to register. After that, you will be fined AED 100 for the first trip, AED 200 for the second, and AED 400 for each subsequent trip.

How to Check Your Salik Balance

Staying aware of your balance helps you avoid fines. You can check it easily:

• Online: Log in to the official Salik website, Smart Salik app, Dubai Drive app, or DubaiNow app.
• Offline: Call the Salik helpline at 800-72545 and follow the automated instructions.

FAQS

1. What is the quickest way to do a Salik recharge online?
The fastest online methods are using the Smart Salik app or the official Salik website. Both allow you to top up in under a minute with a saved credit/debit card.

2. Can I do a Salik recharge by plate number only?
You cannot recharge with just a plate number. You need your Salik Account Number and PIN for most methods. If you don’t know them, you can retrieve them via the Salik website.

3. Where can I buy a Salik recharge card in Dubai?
Salik recharge cards are widely available at petrol stations like ENOC, EPPCO, and ADNOC, as well as at major supermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu.

4. How does the Salik tag work?
The Salik tag uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. When your car passes through a toll gate, a scanner reads the tag on your windshield and automatically deducts the AED 4 toll fee from your account.

5. How much does a new Salik tag cost?
If you buy a Salik tag online via the official website, it costs AED 120. This includes AED 50 for the tag, AED 50 in prepaid toll credit, and a AED 20 delivery fee. If you purchase it in person from an authorized dealer, the cost is AED 100 (AED 50 for the tag and AED 50 in credit).

6. What happens if I don’t recharge my Salik account on time?
If you pass through a toll gate with insufficient funds, you have a 5-day grace period to recharge. If you fail to top up within that time, you will be fined AED 50 for that trip.

Conclusion 

The Rechargeable Salik tags offer a quick and efficient way of toll fee collection at different toll gates in Dubai. Users can perform Salik recharge in Dubai by online top-ups through the Salik App, Salik Website, Dubai Now, and RTA Dubai Drive App or by offline recharge through Salik helpline calls, SMS, kiosks, ATMs, CDMs and Banks. Recharge your Salik tags today by following our above step-by-step guide and enjoy seamless and smooth traveling across different parts of the city.