If you’re newly moving to Abu Dhabi or go there with your car frequently, you might have heard about Darb toll gate. You may be wondering about the system and its rules, that’s why we are bringing you this article.
This guide includes all the important information and details about Darb in Abu Dhabi so keep reading to find all the answers you want.
- What’s darb?
- Darb System, location, timing and peak hours
- Darb Fees, Registration and Payment
- How Can You Avoid Paying Darb’s Fines?
- What time DARB is free?
- What Are the Peak Timings for Darb Toll Gates During Ramadan?
- Who Is Exempted from the Darb Fee?
- How Can You Apply for Darb’s Exemption?
- Darb Contact Information
- Darb Office working hours
1. What Is Darb?
Darb is a toll gates system in Abu Dhabi applied on the 2nd of January, 2021. The goal of this system is to reduce traffic jams across the emirate and encourage residents to use public transportation more to eliminate congestion.
Besides, it’s a smart system as they are using automated toll gates and sensors instead of the actual gates; this is to save your time and effort so you don’t pay in person through each gate.
In addition, the registration on Darb toll gates’ system isn’t only for Abu Dhabi’s residents but also for any UAE residents who pass through any of its toll gates.
2. How Does Darb’s Toll Gates System Work?
The Darb toll gates system works with the latest technologies; the toll gates are automated so once you pass through any of them, your vehicle is identified through its plate number; then a specified fee is deducted from your account’s wallet.
In addition, you don’t need to place any tags on your vehicle as the plate number is enough. The process is so easy and hassle free to ease everything for you.
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3. Where Are Darb Toll Gates Located?
Darb toll gates are located across the four bridges that are leading to Abu Dhabi; the gates are positioned on:
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bridge
- Al Maqtaa Bridge
- Mussafah Bridge.
4. What’s Abu Dhabi toll gate timing?
In Abu Dhabi, drivers should take note of the Abu Dhabi toll gate timings. Charges are applied only during peak hours, set from 07:00 am to 09:00 am and again from 3:00 pm to 07:00 pm, from Monday to Saturday. The good news is you won’t face any DARB charges outside these designated times on weekdays. So, plan your journeys wisely!
5. When Is Darb Fee Collected and What Are the Peak Hours?
DARB fees are deducted automatically each time you pass a toll gate during peak hours.
As of September 2025, peak hours are:
- Morning: 7 am – 9 am (unchanged)
- Evening: 3 pm – 7 pm (updated from 5 pm – 7 pm)
6. How Much Is the DARB Fee After the 2025 Update?
The updated DARB toll system now charges AED 4 for every crossing during peak hours, no matter how many times you pass through the gates in the same day.
Updated Peak-Hour Fees:
- AED 4 per crossing during peak hours
- No daily or monthly caps anymore
- Charges apply from Monday to Saturday
- Sundays and public holidays remain toll-free
This update means heavy commuters should plan trips carefully to avoid high accumulated costs during peak hours.
Daily and Monthly Toll Caps Have Been Removed
This is one of the biggest updates. All caps have been cancelled, including:
- Daily cap: AED 16 (removed)
- Monthly cap (first vehicle): AED 200 (removed)
- Monthly cap (second vehicle): AED 150 (removed)
- Monthly cap (third+ vehicle): AED 100 (removed)
7. What is The Main Difference Between Salik and DARB?
Salik in Dubai, Abu Dhabi’s toll gate system, DARB, uses RFID technology to automate toll collection. However, they operate differently. Salik relies on tags placed on vehicle windscreens, while DARB uses vehicle number plates to collect toll charges.
Are you Moving to Dubai? Get to Know More About Salik in Dubai From Here
8. How Do You Register for a Darb Account?
You can register through the Darb website or mobile app. Make sure you have:
- Traffic code number
- Emirates ID
- Registered mobile number
- Active email address
Steps to Register:
- Download the Darb app or visit the website
- Select Create New Account
- Choose Individual
- Enter your email
- Insert the OTP sent to your email
- Select the emirate where your vehicle is registered
- Enter your traffic code number
- Enter the OTP sent to your mobile
- Set a password
- Your Darb account is now active
9. How Can You Top Up Your Darb Account’s Wallet?
You can top up your wallet through logging in to your Darb’s account. Here are the different ways to do it after logining in:
- You can press on the “Top-up” button which is beside your wallet’s name.
- From the vehicles page, just press on any of your vehicles and the system will enable you to top up the chosen wallet.
- You can also charge your wallet from the profile page by pressing on your name at the top right of the display.
Moreover, if you’re still wondering how to recharge your account through Darb toll gates system, it’s through topping up your wallet; it’s the same process.
Before passing through Darb toll gates, you can easily check your balance through your account to avoid any violations.
10. How Can You Pay Darb’s Toll Gate Fee?
Paying Darb’s fee is through topping up your account’s wallet; then the fee will be automatically deducted whenever you pass through any of its toll gates.
In addition, you can recharge your Darb’s wallet from your account through the website or the mobile app using your credit/debit card.
11. Do You Need a Darb Account for Each Vehicle You Have?
No, you don’t as you can insert more than one vehicle for the same account. Besides, Darb’s website is connected to the Federal Traffic System so whenever you have a new car it will appear on the system.
12. How Can You Know About Your Darb’s Fines?
You can easily know about your Darb’s fines by checking your account through the website or the mobile application.
13. How Much Does the Vehicle Registration Cost?
The total registration fee is AED 100 per vehicle; it’s divided into AED 50 for the registration and AED 50 as a balance in your account’s wallet.
14. How Can You Avoid Paying Darb’s Fines?
There are a number of violations regarding Darb’s system if you did any of them, you will be penalised.
To avoid paying any fines, you should stick to Darb’s toll gates rules and don’t make any of the following violations:
- Didn’t Register on the System.
When you pass through any of Darb toll gates without registering, they give you a grace period of 10 working days to register; if you didn’t, it will be a violation.
- Violation Costs:
- AED 100 (first time)
- AED 200 (second time)
- AED 400 (third time)
These times are counted for each time you pass through any of the toll gates after the end of the grace period.
- Don’t Have Enough Credit in Your Wallet.
If your vehicle’s plate doesn’t belong to Abu Dhabi and you passed through Darb’s toll gate without enough balance in your wallet, you will have a grace period of 5 days to recharge; in case you didn’t, it’s considered a violation.
- Violation Costs:
- AED 50
For Abu Dhabi’s residents, in case you didn’t have enough credit while passing from a toll gate, you will pay the total fee before renewing, waiving, cancelling, exporting, or amending your vehicle at the Driver Licensing Department.
- Tampering Your Vehicle’s Licence Plate.
In case you tamper with the vehicle’s licence plate in order to avoid paying Darb’s fee, you will be penalised.
- Violation Costs:
- AED 10,000
- Causing a Damage.
You will be charged a fine if you cause damage to any toll gate or electronic payment machine.
- Violation Costs:
- AED 10,000
15. When is the DARB toll-free?
Darb is free on:
- Sundays
- Public holidays
- All non-peak hours
This helps reduce costs for weekend and off-peak travel.
16. What Are the Peak Timings for Darb Toll Gates During Ramadan?
In Ramadan, the peak hours change; however, the fee is the same. Find below the charging timings during the Holy month:
- Morning peak hours: 8 am – 10 am
- Evening peak hours: 2 pm – 4 pm.
17. Who Is Exempted from the Darb Fee?
Not everyone needs to worry about tolls! The system thoughtfully supports essential services and vulnerable groups.
Automatically Exempted Vehicles:
- Emergency vehicles (ambulances, armed forces, civil defense)
- Public transport buses
- Motorcycles
- School buses authorized by the ITC
- Passenger buses (26+ passengers)
- Police vehicles
- Trailer vehicles
Exemptions by Request:
- Vehicles for People of Determination (after approval)
- Vehicles registered to senior citizens, retirees, and families with limited income
This thoughtful approach ensures that help gets where it’s needed and that vulnerable groups have support.
18. Can I enter Abu Dhabi without DARB?
No, you can’t, as entering Abu Dhabi without registering for DARB can result in fines. If you pass through a toll gate without registration, you’ll be fined AED 100 for the first instance, AED 200 for the second, and AED 300 for the third and subsequent instances. It’s essential to register your vehicle to avoid these penalties.
19. How Can You Apply for Darb’s Exemption?
You can apply for exemption through the website or application. Moreover, the exemption request for the four categories is limited to only one vehicle.
Here are the steps you should follow to submit an exemption request:
- Log into your account on darb
- Select Exemption Request
- Choose your category
- Upload documents
20. Can You Contact Darb in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, surely you can contact them. The Darb toll gates have a customer care system to easily reach them.
Here is the contact numbers and information of Darb:
- Toll free number: 800 850
- Email: customer.care@itc.gov.ae
21. What Are the Working Hours of the Darb’s Office?
You can reach them at Darb’s office in Abu Dhabi for any inquiries or requests. Here is the office’s opening hours and address:
- Location: On Al Khor street, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi.
- Working Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Fridays: 7:30am – 12 pm
- Saturdays: off
Key takeaways:
- Darb is Abu Dhabi’s automated toll system that charges AED 4 for every peak-hour crossing.
- New 2025 peak hours: 7 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday.
- No more daily or monthly caps on toll charges.
- All drivers must register through the Darb app or website before using the toll gates.
- Exemptions continue for People of Determination, senior citizens, retirees and low-income families.
With these updated Darb rules in place, planning your trips in Abu Dhabi becomes much easier. Staying aware of the new fees and timings helps you avoid fines and move around the city smoothly.
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