The Mechanics of the Darb Abu Dhabi System<\/strong><\/h2>![\"City](\"https:\/\/www.propertyfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/City-of-Abu-Dhabi.webp\")
<\/figure>The DARB system was established under Law No. (17) of 2017 to manage the flow of vehicles across the city’s major arteries. The name “Darb” translates to “path” or “road” in Arabic, reflecting its role in directing the city’s transport future. The system automatically identifies vehicles as they pass under the gantries, deducting the relevant fee from a pre-funded electronic wallet. This hands-free approach allows for uninterrupted travel, though it requires motorists to be diligent about maintaining a sufficient balance in their accounts. <\/p>
Primary Toll Gate Locations and the 2026 Expansion<\/strong><\/h2>For several years, the Darb system was focused exclusively on the four bridges that connect Abu Dhabi Island<\/a> to the mainland. These original gates are located at the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Bridge, Al Maqtaa Bridge, and Mussafah Bridge. However, as of May 4, 2026, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has activated two additional gates to manage expanding urban traffic. The first new addition is the Ghantoot Toll Gate, located on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street near the border with Dubai. The second is the Al Qurm Toll Gate, situated on Wahat Al Karama Street at the entrance and exit of Sheikh Zayed Street.<\/p>Operating Times and Peak Hour Schedules<\/strong><\/h2>The charging schedule for Darb is divided into peak and non-peak periods to incentivise travel during quieter times of the day. For the original four bridge gates, tolls are only active from Monday to Saturday during the morning peak (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and the evening peak (3:00 PM to 7:00 PM). Outside of these specific hours, as well as all day on Sundays and public holidays, crossing the original bridge gates is free of charge. This structure allows residents living in Abu Dhabi to plan their commutes more effectively to avoid unnecessary costs.<\/p>
24-Hour Operation for New Toll Gates<\/strong><\/h2>![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/www.propertyfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Traffic-on-A-Highway.webp\")
<\/figure>It is crucial for motorists to note that the two new gates activated in May 2026—Ghantoot<\/a> and Al Qurm<\/a>—operate differently from the original four. Unlike the bridge gates, these new installations are active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every crossing under these specific gates will incur a fee regardless of the time of day or whether it is a public holiday. This shift highlights the city’s evolving strategy to manage high-density transit routes that connect the capital to its northern neighbours and eastern suburbs.<\/p>Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Al Qurm<\/strong><\/h3>
<\/figure>The DARB system was established under Law No. (17) of 2017 to manage the flow of vehicles across the city’s major arteries. The name “Darb” translates to “path” or “road” in Arabic, reflecting its role in directing the city’s transport future. The system automatically identifies vehicles as they pass under the gantries, deducting the relevant fee from a pre-funded electronic wallet. This hands-free approach allows for uninterrupted travel, though it requires motorists to be diligent about maintaining a sufficient balance in their accounts. <\/p>
Primary Toll Gate Locations and the 2026 Expansion<\/strong><\/h2>For several years, the Darb system was focused exclusively on the four bridges that connect Abu Dhabi Island<\/a> to the mainland. These original gates are located at the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Bridge, Al Maqtaa Bridge, and Mussafah Bridge. However, as of May 4, 2026, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has activated two additional gates to manage expanding urban traffic. The first new addition is the Ghantoot Toll Gate, located on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street near the border with Dubai. The second is the Al Qurm Toll Gate, situated on Wahat Al Karama Street at the entrance and exit of Sheikh Zayed Street.<\/p>Operating Times and Peak Hour Schedules<\/strong><\/h2>The charging schedule for Darb is divided into peak and non-peak periods to incentivise travel during quieter times of the day. For the original four bridge gates, tolls are only active from Monday to Saturday during the morning peak (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and the evening peak (3:00 PM to 7:00 PM). Outside of these specific hours, as well as all day on Sundays and public holidays, crossing the original bridge gates is free of charge. This structure allows residents living in Abu Dhabi to plan their commutes more effectively to avoid unnecessary costs.<\/p>
24-Hour Operation for New Toll Gates<\/strong><\/h2><\/figure>It is crucial for motorists to note that the two new gates activated in May 2026—Ghantoot<\/a> and Al Qurm<\/a>—operate differently from the original four. Unlike the bridge gates, these new installations are active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every crossing under these specific gates will incur a fee regardless of the time of day or whether it is a public holiday. This shift highlights the city’s evolving strategy to manage high-density transit routes that connect the capital to its northern neighbours and eastern suburbs.<\/p>Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Al Qurm<\/strong><\/h3>
Operating Times and Peak Hour Schedules<\/strong><\/h2>The charging schedule for Darb is divided into peak and non-peak periods to incentivise travel during quieter times of the day. For the original four bridge gates, tolls are only active from Monday to Saturday during the morning peak (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and the evening peak (3:00 PM to 7:00 PM). Outside of these specific hours, as well as all day on Sundays and public holidays, crossing the original bridge gates is free of charge. This structure allows residents living in Abu Dhabi to plan their commutes more effectively to avoid unnecessary costs.<\/p>
24-Hour Operation for New Toll Gates<\/strong><\/h2><\/figure>It is crucial for motorists to note that the two new gates activated in May 2026—Ghantoot<\/a> and Al Qurm<\/a>—operate differently from the original four. Unlike the bridge gates, these new installations are active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every crossing under these specific gates will incur a fee regardless of the time of day or whether it is a public holiday. This shift highlights the city’s evolving strategy to manage high-density transit routes that connect the capital to its northern neighbours and eastern suburbs.<\/p>Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Al Qurm<\/strong><\/h3>
<\/figure>It is crucial for motorists to note that the two new gates activated in May 2026—Ghantoot<\/a> and Al Qurm<\/a>—operate differently from the original four. Unlike the bridge gates, these new installations are active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every crossing under these specific gates will incur a fee regardless of the time of day or whether it is a public holiday. This shift highlights the city’s evolving strategy to manage high-density transit routes that connect the capital to its northern neighbours and eastern suburbs.<\/p>Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Al Qurm<\/strong><\/h3>