Salik Company, Dubai’s exclusive toll gate operator, has announced the combined valuation of the two new toll gates at Business Bay and Al Safa South at a total of AED2.73 billion ($740 million). The Business Bay Gate is valued at AED2.27 billion and the Al Safa South Gate at AED469 million.

 

The new gates are expected to be operational by the end of November 2024, a WAM report said. The gate at Business Bay Crossing is on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South is on Sheikh Zayed Road, positioned between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street, which will expand Salik’s toll gate network in Dubai from eight to ten.

 

These additions aim to optimise traffic flow by redirecting vehicles to routes with higher capacity, thereby alleviating congestion. RTA has conducted detailed traffic impact studies to ensure that the placement of each gate aligns with its strategic goals for traffic management optimisation.

 

As per the Concession Agreement with RTA, Salik has the exclusive rights to construct, operate, and maintain the toll gates until end of June 2071.

 

Sustainable mobility solutions

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Salik, commented: “The launch of the two new gates highlights the commitment of both the Roads and Transportation Authority and Salik Company to advancing sustainable mobility solutions and improving Dubai’s transport infrastructure. These strategic investments underscore our dedication to sustainable growth and providing more seamless mobility across Dubai by enhancing travel efficiency and reducing traffic congestion. The new gates will play a crucial role in optimising travel time and reducing congestion on some of Dubai’s busiest routes.”

 

Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, added: "We are extremely pleased with the progress we are making on our long-term objectives, in line with our ambition to become a global leader in mobility solutions. We are thriving in the tolling business and remain focused on strengthening our core business offering as we expand our footprint within Dubai.”

 

Salik’s Board has approved the valuation of the two new gates.

 

The differences between the valuation by Salik and the valuation by the Roads and Transport Authority, did not exceed the 5%. Accordingly, and as per the terms of the concession agreement the average of the two valuations was adopted as the final value for the two new gates, in line with the concession agreement.

 

Commitment to transparency

This reflects commitment to transparency and accuracy in financial and operational assessments, as well as the alignment of future visions between Salik and the Roads and Transport Authority.

 

Regarding the payment schedule for the gate’s valuation, an agreement has been reached with the Roads and Transport Authority on a repayment plan for the total valuation amount for the two new gates over a period of six years starting from the end of November 2024.

 

The annual instalment will be AED455.7 million, to be paid in two equal instalments of AED227.9 million each, every six months, which will be provided from the company's own financial resources.

 

Salik expects to see an increase in annual revenue-generating trips with the operation of the Business Bay and Al Safa South gates supported by the positive macro-economic factors in Dubai. Upon their operational launch which is expected to be by the end of November 2024, the new gates are expected to generate a revenue impact from the starting date till the end of the year 2024.

 

In light of the new gates, revenue-generating trips are now expected to increase in the range of 7-8% for 2024 versus previous guidance of 4-6%, with a robust EBITDA margin of 67-68%, versus previous guidance of 65-66%.--TradeArabia News Service