With over 18,000 kilometres of roads and about 2000 kilometers of highways, Dubai is one of the busiest traffic hubs in all of the Middle East. With over 1.5 million cars, trucks, and vans crawling its streets, it is no surprise that traffic jams are an everyday occurrence. However, to keep the situation under control, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority implemented an extensive project to collect tolls and help motorists navigate through this vibrating metropolis. Besides the state-of-the-art system of tolls, traffic cameras, and special software, one of the most popular things is the Salik smartphone app. If you live and drive in Dubai, you have it on your phone since it is among the top 10 most popular apps in UAE. Today, we will explain the basics behind the Salik app and how to efficiently perform a Salik balance check.
What Is the Salik App?
The Salik app is software designed for mobile devices and is free on Google Play and the Apple Store. It is connected to the tag device on your windshield and automatically charges your account when you pass through one of the tolls scattered throughout the city. This is the safest, fastest, and most accurate way of collecting the tolls from thousands of vehicles driving through Dubai’s highway system each minute. However, besides just paying as you go, the Salik app is also convenient in helping motorists avoid traffic jams, informing them about construction, closed roads, and other relevant information. Of course, to travel seamlessly through an extensive network of Dubai’s highways, your Salik balance needs to be topped with funds. You should periodically check Salik balance to ensure you have enough money in your account. Here is how to do it:
How To Perform a Salik Balance Check?
There are several ways to do a Salik balance check using your account number quickly. All methods are safe and easy to use and will get you the desired information in no time. Let’s start.
1. Sign in to the Salik app
The most obvious way is to take your phone and log on to the Salik app. When you use your account credentials, the app will take you to the main screen (dashboard), where you will see the amount of money you have left. You can also easily navigate to the top of your account or see details about your previous trips, costs, etc.
2. SMS
The Salik balance check through SMS is an extremely fast and convenient way to find out the exact amount of money you have left. All you need to do is send an SMS to number 5959 and type in your Salik account number with your PIN (for confirmation). In just a few moments, you will get a reply with the exact amount of your current balance.
3. Salik. ae
If you have a computer, you can go to the Salik website at www.salik.ae, choose your desired language (Arabic or English), and log in. After you log in, your balance will be displayed at the top of the page. First-time users can also register on the Salik website.
4. Visit RTA Website
Since Dubai’s Road and Transit Authority made the Salik app, you can also perform a Salik balance check on the RTA website (www.rta.ae). All you need to do is select the “Check My Balance” option, enter your mobile phone number and license plate details (type of license and number), and click on the “check balance” button. The amount will be displayed immediately.
5. Phone Call
If you are a foreigner, expat, or tourist and you get behind the wheel in Dubai, you might forget to install the Salik app, but, in that case, you can still check the Salik balance of your car by calling the Salik operators. The service is available 24/7 by calling 800 SALIK (72545) from any mobile phone or landline. When the call is connected, you will be asked to choose your preferred language (Arabic or English). Then, you will need to select the option to check the account. The service will tell you the Salik balance after you provide the account number and PIN.
International Customers
+971 4 2335000 or +971 4 2335005
Local customers, toll-free, 24/7
6. Salik Kiosk
Another super-convenient way is the Salik kiosk. Those characteristics of blue kiosks that look like ATMs are scattered all over Dubai in almost all public places. You can use them to top up the Salik balance and check it using the “Check Salik Balance” option. Then, the system will ask you to enter the account number and PIN code, and in no time, you will see your Salik balance displayed on the screen.
you can check the Salik kiosk locations in UAE here
Important Tips For Salik Balance Check
The Salik app is a modern app designed to help motorists drive in Dubai; millions of daily users prove it. If you spend a lot of time in the car and check the balance often, you can set up notifications that will alert you if your Salik balance is low. You can also link it to your credit card so it can be automatically topped up when needed.
Always remember your account number and PIN code. This will make the Salik balance check seamless and fast; you will get the desired information in seconds.
Logging to the app or website using a public Wi-Fi network is recommended to log out as soon as you finish the Salik balance check. Since the app and the website contain your personal information, credit cards, and phone numbers, immediately logging out will minimize the risk of information theft.
read more on how to deactivate the Salik tag