Salik's Q1 Revenue Declines Amid Reduced Dubai Traffic

May 11, 2026

78 min

May 11, 2026 08:31

Salik Q1 revenue slips on slower Dubai traffic, but profit steadies

## Revenue and Traffic Trends

Salik, Dubai's toll operator, reported a 3% decrease in revenue for the first quarter of 2026, totaling Dh728.9 million. This decline is attributed to reduced toll usage and softer traffic trends, particularly in March. The company noted that regional disputes involving the US, Israel, and Iran impacted traffic movement.

Total trips through Dubai's toll gates fell by 6.4% year-on-year to 197.2 million, with chargeable trips dropping 7.7% to 145.7 million. Despite these challenges, Salik's net profit remained stable at Dh369.3 million, and the EBITDA margin slightly improved to 69.6%.

## Financial Performance

Revenue from toll usage fees decreased by 6% to Dh625.5 million. However, the impact was mitigated by Dubai's variable toll pricing system, which charges higher fees during peak hours. Peak-hour trips increased by 36.6% to 53.7 million, while off-peak trips declined by 29.4%.

Salik's ancillary revenue streams, including parking payment solutions and digital wallet services, grew significantly, with a 147% increase to Dh8 million. The company expanded its digital payment systems at Dubai International Airport and announced a partnership with Valtrans for digital valet parking payments.

## Expansion and Future Plans

Salik generated Dh636.5 million in free cash flow, a 1.6% increase year-on-year, and reduced net debt by nearly 12%. The company plans to expand into mobility services, including partnerships for EV charging and fuel payment trials. Salik's partnership with Parkonic has also grown, integrating e-Wallet systems across numerous locations.

Despite the slowdown in traffic, Salik's CEO, Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, emphasized the company's healthy profitability and disciplined financial performance.

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