Darb tolls in Abu Dhabi apply during weekday rush hours – locations, fees and how it works
Dubai: If you drive into Abu Dhabi city during rush hours, you’ve likely passed under a Darb toll gate. The emirate has recently updated its toll system with new rules.
Here’s a complete guide to the Darb toll system, including toll gate locations, peak-hour charges, who needs to pay, and which vehicles are exempt.
What is the Darb toll system?
The Darb toll system is part of Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to reduce traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, and to promote public transport.
It is managed by Q Mobility and applies only when driving into Abu Dhabi island via key bridges. There is no need to install a physical tag on your vehicle, your plate number is automatically recognised by the system when you pass under a toll gate.
Where are the toll gates located?
There are four Darb toll gates, all located on bridges leading into Abu Dhabi city:
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge
- Sheikh Khalifa Bridge
- Al Maqtaa Bridge
- Mussafah Bridge
When do you have to pay?
Toll fees only apply during peak hours on weekdays:
- Morning Peak: 7am – 9am
- Evening Peak: 3pm to 7pm
- Fee: Dh4 per crossing
No charges apply on:
- Sundays
- Public holidays (as officially announced in the UAE)
How are toll fees collected?
- For Abu Dhabi vehicles: You can enable or disable auto-payment through the Darb system.
- For vehicles registered outside Abu Dhabi: Fees are deducted from your Darb wallet automatically, provided the vehicle is registered on the platform.
To renew, cancel, export, or amend your vehicle registration, all outstanding toll fees must be cleared.
Are there daily or monthly caps?
Recently Abu Dhabi announced it is updated it’s DARB road toll system and the biggest change is that they’re scrapping the daily and monthly caps.
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) announced on August 14, that from Monday, September 1, 2025, the DARB toll scheme will no longer have a daily or monthly fee cap for private vehicles.
The move ends the current limits of Dh16 per day and Dh200, Dh150, and Dh100 per month, depending on the number of vehicles registered.
Who is exempt from paying toll fees?
Some vehicles are automatically exempt, no need to apply:
- Ambulances, police, armed forces, and civil defence vehicles with official plates/logos
- Public transport buses and school buses
- Taxis authorised in Abu Dhabi
- Motorcycles and trailers
- Passenger buses with 26+ capacity
Others must apply for an exemption through the Darb platform:
- People of Determination: One vehicle per person
- Senior Citizens (UAE nationals): One vehicle per person
- Retired UAE Citizens: One vehicle per person
- Low-income UAE families: One vehicle per family
Each exemption request must be approved and renewed as needed.
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