Dubai Salik targets parking payments, AI and new mobility services in 5-year expansion

Dubai’s Salik plans to expand across parking payments and other mobility services while exploring AI under a renewed five-year technology partnership.

Dubai’s Salik is planning to expand its role beyond road toll gates across parking payments and other mobility services while exploring the use of artificial intelligence and advanced digital technology.

The exclusive operator of Dubai’s road toll gates outlined its plans as it renewed a five-year technology contract with US-based tolling company TransCore, extending a partnership that dates back to 2006.

The renewed partnership will support the efficiency of Salik’s portfolio and development of its technological capabilities as the company strengthens its role as an integrated payment platform.

Salik plans to expand the application of its platform across various mobility services, including parking payments and other existing and future services.

The company said the expansion is intended to provide customers with a more seamless and convenient experience.

Dubai Salik targets parking payments

Ibrahim Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, said: “The renewal of our contract with TransCore builds on a long-standing relationship founded on technical expertise, innovation and collaboration, and marks an important step in the continued development of Dubai’s tolling system in line with the highest standards of efficiency, reliability and operational excellence.

“Over the next five years, we look forward to leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced technologies and digital solutions to further enhance the future readiness and performance of our operations, while strengthening Salik’s portfolio and expanding its application across a broader range of mobility services.

“Through this continued partnership, we aim to deliver greater convenience and seamlessness for customers, while supporting Dubai’s vision of a smarter, more integrated and sustainable mobility ecosystem.”

AI plan for Dubai toll system

The five-year partnership will also explore opportunities to deploy artificial intelligence technologies and advanced digital solutions.

These technologies would be used to enhance operational efficiency, improve system performance and support the tolling system as Dubai’s smart mobility ecosystem develops.

The contract includes the continued development of systems and technologies supporting tolling operations, using technical expertise and solutions intended to improve efficiency, reliability and future readiness.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Salik, witnessed the renewal of the partnership. The agreement was signed by Ibrahim Al Haddad, Chief Executive Officer of Salik, and Whitt Hall, Chief Executive Officer of TransCore, alongside officials from both companies.

Salik operating expenses expected at 5% to 5.5% of revenue

Salik said there has been no material change from the previous contract in terms of its expected financial impact on results.

The company expects annual operating expenses to remain at a similar level, ranging between 5 per cent and 5.5 per cent of total annual revenues.

This comes despite the renewed agreement introducing enhancements to contractual, operational and regulatory frameworks.

These include strengthened requirements covering sustainability, governance, cybersecurity, maintenance and business continuity.

The contract also provides for system upgrades to support Salik’s future expansion plans, including requirements associated with existing services and future initiatives or activities.

Salik and TransCore partnership

Salik’s collaboration with TransCore on Dubai’s road toll system began in 2006, when the US company contributed to the design and development of Dubai’s original tolling system.

The scope of the partnership subsequently expanded as the tolling system and its operational and technological requirements developed.

Whitt Hall, CEO of TransCore, said: “We value our long-standing relationship with Salik and the renewal of this contract reflects our shared commitment to building on the collaboration and achievements delivered over the years. In the coming years, we look forward to supporting Salik’s ambitions and vision to continue developing Dubai’s tolling system.

“We remain committed to leveraging our expertise and technological capabilities to deliver solutions and services in line with the highest standards of efficiency, quality and reliability, contributing to Dubai’s ambitious vision of developing an advanced, smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem.”

The renewed agreement forms part of Salik’s investment in technology, AI and innovation as it develops integrated payment solutions and expands its mobility services in Dubai.