The agreement covers Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity, where Salik will implement barrierless technology to tackle traffic bottlenecks along key corridors and prevent misuse of designated parking areas. The systems aim to enhance space utilisation and ease congestion within the zones managed by the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority. Both parties will examine technical integration between their mobility platforms to establish unified access control standards, according to details released with the announcement.
Salik chief executive Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad said the deal expands the company’s role beyond toll operations. “This agreement reflects Salik’s strategic ambition to expand its role as an integrated mobility solutions provider, leveraging partnerships to deliver enhanced operational outcomes… This initiative also marks the launch of a new smart mobility vertical for Salik, reinforcing our contribution to Dubai’s vision for intelligent, connected infrastructure,” Al Haddad said. The initiative aligns with the authority’s push to update infrastructure across its economic zones.
Engineering and sustainability chief officer at the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri described the collaboration as part of ongoing digital efforts. “Our collaboration with Salik reflects DIEZ’s ongoing commitment to adopting advanced digital solutions and forging strategic partnerships that contribute to delivering more efficient and seamless services for businesses operating within our economic zones,” Al Katheeri said. The official noted that the partnership builds on the authority’s digital transformation activities.
The memorandum of understanding will lead to deployment of Salik’s e-wallet payment solution and other digital tools to facilitate seamless transactions for users in the three free zones. Officials from both organisations indicated that the measures will support commercial activity while improving overall flow management. Salik data places the combined parking capacity involved at more than 21,000 spaces.
Salik operates 10 toll gates across Dubai and holds exclusive rights to the emirate’s toll infrastructure under a 49-year concession from the Roads and Transport Authority that runs until 2071, according to company information. The public joint stock company, listed since June 2022, recently partnered with Shamal to enable cashless parking payments at Dubai Harbour’s Harbour West Car Park, with that agreement taking effect on July 13. That project allows motorists to settle fees directly through Salik accounts without tickets or cash.
The partnership fits within the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, a framework that government bodies have positioned as a driver for the emirate’s growth as a global business and investment centre. The three free zones host a range of international firms that rely on efficient mobility to support daily operations. Further assessments under the memorandum will focus on tighter integration to pair economic expansion with operational improvements.
