If you drove into Abu Dhabi today, you have already passed one of them.
Two new Darb toll gates went live on 4 May 2026 in Abu Dhabi. Unlike the existing Darb gates that charge only during peak hours, these two operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every single crossing is charged — AED 4 per pass, any time, any day.
Here is everything you need to know: where the gates are, what you pay, who is exempt, and how to register if you have not already.
⚡ Quick Brief — New Darb Toll Gates
- 📅 Live from 4 May 2026
- 📍 Gate 1: Ghantoot — Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street
- 📍 Gate 2: Al Qurm — Wahat Al Karama Street, entrance/exit of Sheikh Zayed Street
- 💸 Fee: AED 4 per crossing, 24 hours, 7 days a week — no peak-hour limit
- ✅ Exemptions for senior citizens, People of Determination, low-income citizens and retirees (one vehicle per person)
- ⚠️ No Darb account? You have 10 working days after your first crossing to register before fines begin
What Is Darb — And How Is It Different From Salik?
If you live in Dubai, you know Salik — Dubai’s road toll system that deducts AED 4 from your linked account each time you pass through a gate, but only during set hours. Darb works the same way in Abu Dhabi, with one important difference for these two new gates.
The Two New Gates — Exact Locations
Both gates were placed after detailed traffic studies by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). Each has a confirmed alternative route for drivers who want to avoid the charge.
| Gate | Location | Alternative Route |
|---|---|---|
| Ghantoot Toll Gate | Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street, Ghantoot — main arterial entry to Abu Dhabi from Dubai | Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Street |
| Al Qurm Toll Gate | Wahat Al Karama Street at the entrance and exit of Sheikh Zayed Street | Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street or Arabian Gulf Street |
Who Is Exempt — Full List
Exemptions carry over from the existing Darb framework. Each eligible person gets one vehicle registered toll-free. Exemptions are not automatic — you must apply through the Darb platform.
| Category | Exemption | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Senior citizens (aged 60+) | One vehicle toll-free | Apply via darb.ae or Darb app |
| People of Determination | One vehicle toll-free | Apply via darb.ae or Darb app |
| Low-income citizens | One vehicle toll-free | Apply via darb.ae with supporting documents |
| Retired citizens | One vehicle toll-free | Apply via darb.ae or Darb app |
| Emergency vehicles (ambulances, civil defence) | Full exemption, automatic | No registration needed |
| Police vehicles | Full exemption, automatic | No registration needed |
| Public transport buses and authorised taxis | Full exemption, automatic | No registration needed |
How to Register for Darb — Step by Step
If your vehicle does not have a Darb account yet, you have a 10-working-day grace period after your first crossing to register before fines start. Here is how to do it.
📱 Register for Darb Online or via App
- Visit darb.ae or download the Darb app from the App Store or Google Play
- Select “Individual” under Create New Account
- Enter your valid Emirates ID, vehicle plate details and active email address
- Verify your email via the one-time password (OTP) sent to you
- Pay the one-time registration fee of AED 100 per vehicle — AED 50 is credited back to your toll wallet
- Top up your Darb wallet to ensure sufficient balance for upcoming crossings
Darb Timings — Existing Gates vs New Gates
It is important to understand that the 24/7 charging applies specifically to the two new gates. Existing Darb gates follow the standard peak-hour schedule.
| Gate Type | Charging Hours | Sunday / Public Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Ghantoot Gate (new — 4 May 2026) | 24 hours, every day | Charges apply |
| Al Qurm Gate (new — 4 May 2026) | 24 hours, every day | Charges apply |
| Existing Darb gates (standard) | Mon–Sat: 7:00am–9:00am and 3:00pm–7:00pm | Free on Sundays and public holidays |
Why Abu Dhabi Is Expanding Darb
The ITC states that both gate locations were selected after traffic studies measuring density and mobility patterns on those specific roads. The Ghantoot corridor is one of the highest-volume cross-emirate routes in the country. Al Qurm sits at a key entry point to Sheikh Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi’s central spine.
The broader Darb network has been expanding steadily in 2026. Two gates were already installed on Dubai-Abu Dhabi highways in April 2026. The network now covers more points on the main Dubai-Abu Dhabi routes than at any time since Darb launched in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new Darb toll gates in Abu Dhabi?
A: Two new Darb toll gates activated on 4 May 2026. The Ghantoot Gate sits on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street in the Ghantoot area. The Al Qurm Gate sits on Wahat Al Karama Street at the entrance and exit of Sheikh Zayed Street. Both charge AED 4 per crossing, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How much do the new Abu Dhabi Darb gates cost?
A: AED 4 per crossing at both new gates. There is no peak-hour window — the charge applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Sundays and public holidays.
How is Darb different from Salik?
A: Both systems charge AED 4 per crossing and use number plate recognition with a prepaid wallet. The key difference is timing: most Darb gates charge only during peak hours (7:00am–9:00am and 3:00pm–7:00pm, Monday to Saturday), and Salik in Dubai also charges only at specific peak times. The two new Darb gates activated on 4 May 2026 are unusual because they charge 24/7 with no time restriction.
How do I register for Darb?
A: Visit darb.ae or download the Darb app (iOS and Android). Select “Individual” under Create New Account, enter your Emirates ID and vehicle plate, verify your email, and pay the AED 100 registration fee (AED 50 is credited back). You have 10 working days after your first crossing at a Darb gate to register before fines begin.
Who is exempt from Darb toll charges?
A: Senior citizens (60+), People of Determination, low-income citizens and retired citizens each qualify for one exempt vehicle. Emergency vehicles, police, civil defence and public transport buses are automatically exempt. Exemptions must be applied for through the Darb platform — they are not applied automatically for eligible residents.
What is the alternative route to avoid the Ghantoot toll gate?
A: The ITC recommends Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Street as an alternative to avoid the Ghantoot gate. For the Al Qurm gate on Wahat Al Karama Street, alternatives are Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street or Arabian Gulf Street.
Sources: Gulf News, Gulf Today, Darb Official Website. Published 4 May 2026.
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