Driving in Abu Dhabi is about to feel a little different—and no, it’s not just the desert heat playing tricks on you.
Starting Monday, September 1, the emirate’s DARB toll system is rolling out new rules, and if you’re a daily commuter, you’ll want to know the fine print before hitting the road.
What’s changing in the DARB toll timings?
The morning rush-hour toll window stays put—7am to 9am, Monday to Saturday.
But the evening toll slot is now creeping in earlier, running from 3pm to 7pm. Translation? That post-lunch coffee run might cost you.
The good news: Sundays and public holidays are still toll-free, so your weekend drives remain blissfully untouched.
Daily and monthly caps—gone for good
Here’s the plot twist: Abu Dhabi is scrapping the daily and monthly caps.
That means no more Dhs16-a-day limit or the old monthly maximums of Dhs200, Dhs150, or Dhs100 per vehicle. From September, it’s simple math: every pass through a toll gate = Dhs4, every single time.
Exemptions still apply
Before you panic, the usual exemptions remain:
- People of Determination
- Senior citizens
- Retirees
- Low-income families
So, while heavy commuters may feel the pinch, the most vulnerable groups are still protected.
A new operator joins the road
The toll system also gets a new operator—Q Mobility, part of ADQ—working with Abu Dhabi authorities to keep the transition smooth.
What this means for drivers
If you’re a multiple-trips-a-day driver, your fuel budget isn’t the only thing taking a hit. You may want to:
- Rethink your routes
- Plan errands around non-peak hours
- Or, honestly, invest in a killer playlist for those scenic detours.
One thing’s for sure: Abu Dhabi’s roads are about to get a whole lot more strategic.
