September 2, 2025 | Abu Dhabi, UAE: The new Abu Dhabi Darb toll tariff has officially started today. Motorists in the capital will still pay Dh4 every time they pass through a Darb gate, but there are two big changes: the evening toll hours have been extended, and the daily and monthly limits have been removed. Officials say the goal of Abu Dhabi Darb Toll Tariff is to make traffic flow better during busy hours.
What Has Changed in the Abu Dhabi Darb Toll Tariff?
The Abu Dhabi Darb toll tariff is designed to control road use during the busiest times of the day. From September 1, the evening toll hours have been extended.
- Evening hours are now from 3pm to 7pm, instead of the earlier 5pm to 7pm.
- Morning hours remain from 7am to 9am, Monday to Saturday.
- No tolls are charged on Sundays or public holidays.
- Daily and monthly caps are cancelled. Earlier, the system had a maximum charge of Dh16 per day, and monthly limits of Dh200, Dh150, and Dh100 for the first, second, and third vehicles in a household. These caps no longer apply.
- Exemptions remain the same. Senior citizens, retirees, people of determination, and low-income families will continue to be exempt.
This means that anyone driving frequently during peak hours may end up paying more than before, but the ITC says these changes and Abu Dhabi Darb Toll Tariff are important to reduce congestion on main roads.
Why the Changes Were Introduced
The new Abu Dhabi Darb toll tariff has been introduced to improve road conditions in the city. Abu Dhabi’s population is growing, and with more cars on the road, rush-hour traffic has become a daily challenge.
By extending the evening toll hours, officials hope drivers will spread out their travel times instead of all leaving between 5pm and 7pm. Removing the daily and monthly caps also discourages excessive car use during busy hours, pushing people to carpool or use public transport instead.
For example, a commuter who earlier paid no more than Dh16 per day may now pay more if they cross toll gates several times. While this may feel like an added expense, transport experts believe that in the long term, it will lead to less crowding on the roads and a smoother driving experience.
How the System Works
The Abu Dhabi Darb toll tariff was first launched in January 2021. It uses electronic toll gates placed at key points on major roads. Here’s how it works:
- Registration: Every car must be registered in the Darb system. The one-time fee is Dh100, and Dh50 of that amount is added as credit to the driver’s account.
- Automatic Deduction: Each time a registered car passes through a toll gate during peak hours, Dh4 is deducted from the account balance.
- Account Management: Motorists can log in to the Darb app or website to check balances, recharge, and review trip history.
The system is operated by Q Mobility, a subsidiary of ADQ, which works alongside the Integrated Transport Centre and the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
What Motorists Can Do?
The updated Abu Dhabi Darb toll tariff means drivers may need to adjust their daily travel habits. Here are a few steps motorists can take:
- Plan your journey. Try to avoid peak hours if possible by leaving a bit earlier or later.
- Carpool when you can. Sharing rides with colleagues or friends can cut costs.
- Consider public transport. Buses and other public options remain toll-free and can save money.
- Track your usage. With no caps in place, monitoring daily crossings is more important than ever.
- Use the Darb app. Keeping an eye on account balances and top-ups avoids last-minute issues.
Authorities are also encouraging drivers to think about eco-friendly choices, such as using fewer cars per household or choosing sustainable transport when available.
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