Dubai residents are finding clever ways to save money and time while avoiding hefty Salik Fees during peak traffic hours. With toll charges rising to AED 6 during rush hours, many commuters are rethinking how they plan their daily routines. Instead of being stuck in endless traffic jams, they are turning the situation into an opportunity for fitness, socializing, and quality family time.
Creative Detours and New Routines
For some residents, changing their driving routes has made all the difference. Take Emaad Hassan, who finishes work at 5 pm. Instead of diving straight into peak-hour congestion, he heads towards Al Khail Road and the Infinity Bridge.
By reaching Al Mamzar just before traffic piles up, he spends time on personal activities like grabbing a snack or working out at the gym. When he finally drives home to Sharjah, it’s past the evening rush, and his journey is smoother and cheaper.
Others have negotiated flexible working hours with their employers. Mohammed Shareef, who works near Sheikh Zayed Road, now starts at 7 am and finishes by 4 pm. This simple shift means he reaches home before evening traffic thickens, avoiding extra toll charges and enjoying precious time with his family.
Turning Delays into Opportunities
Not everyone sees waiting as wasted time. Some residents, like Faiz, prefer to relax at cafés with friends after work, chatting and brainstorming business ideas until the Salik fees drop post-8 pm. Others head outdoors. Marketing executive Ahmed Al Dwari goes jogging at Al Mamzar Beach after work.
By the time he’s finished his run, traffic has cleared and toll rates are back to normal.
Meanwhile, his brother Husam takes an early-bird approach. By leaving home at 5:30 am, he crosses toll gates for free, gets his morning jog at Kite Beach, and arrives at his office in Al Quoz before most of the city wakes up. For him, an early start not only saves money but also adds hours of quality time with his children later in the day.
Conclusion
These strategies are about more than avoiding Salik Fees. They reflect how Dubai residents are adapting to city life with creativity and balance. By reshaping their schedules, they are not only saving on tolls but also reclaiming valuable personal time that would otherwise be lost in traffic.
In the end, beating the system isn’t just about money. It’s about building a routine that blends work, leisure, and family, while still staying one step ahead of rush-hour chaos. Thanks for reading till the end. Let us know what you think in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more content like this.
