Salik posts AED 728.9 million revenue and AED 369.3 million net profit in Q1 2026
Salik Q1 2026 revenue AED 728.9m and net profit AED 369.3m; toll trips declined while peak-time journeys surged and active accounts rose to 2.8m in Dubai.
Key quarterly results reported by Salik
Salik reported revenue of AED 728.9 million for the first quarter of 2026 and a net profit of AED 369.3 million, nearly unchanged from the AED 370.6 million recorded in the same period last year. The company said its net profit margin stood at 50.7 percent, underpinned by steady recurring income from toll operations. These figures mark a continuation of Salik performance following the introduction of flexible tolling in January 2025.
Margins and operating profitability strengthened
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization reached AED 507.2 million, producing an EBITDA margin of 69.6 percent. That margin improved by 143 basis points quarter on quarter and by 44 basis points year on year, reflecting tighter cost control and operational efficiency. Management credited the margin expansion to disciplined expense management and the resilient nature of the toll revenue model.
Traffic patterns show mixed shifts in trip types
Total trips recorded through Salik gates fell to 197.2 million in the quarter, down 6.4 percent from 210.8 million in Q1 2025 and down 12.1 percent from 224.3 million in Q4 2025. Chargeable trips numbered 145.7 million, a decline of 7.7 percent year on year and 13.6 percent quarter on quarter. The company noted that the overall volume decline coincided with a changing mix of trip timing and pricing.
Peak period journeys rose while off peak demand eased
Trips during peak hours that attract the higher AED 6 toll increased to 53.7 million, a jump of 36.6 percent compared with the prior year. Off peak trips subject to the AED 4 toll fell to 75.9 million, down 29.4 percent year on year. Journeys occurring after midnight and exempt from tolls grew to 16.2 million, up 44.6 percent, indicating shifting travel habits across different parts of the day.
Active accounts climb after introduction of flexible tolling
Active Salik accounts rose 7.5 percent year on year to reach 2.8 million, roughly 14 months after Dubai implemented a flexible tolling system on January 31 2025. The increase in registered users suggests growing consumer adoption of Salik electronic services and reflects the company efforts to expand its digital account base. Company officials said higher account penetration supports long term recurring revenue despite short term changes in trip volumes.
Board and executive emphasize resilience and strategic growth
Chairman Mattar Al Tayer said the first quarter results demonstrate Salik ability to maintain a consistent performance in a testing operating environment. He highlighted the robustness and flexibility of Salik business model, which is built on recurring revenue streams and critical traffic infrastructure in Dubai. Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad said the company is broadening its remit beyond toll collection by expanding the Salik electronic portfolio and strengthening strategic partnerships in digital mobility.
Salik indicated it will continue to pursue additional revenue streams and deploy advanced technologies to enhance service delivery. The company emphasized efforts to deepen collaboration with mobility partners and to leverage data driven tools to optimise tolling and customer experience. Executives signalled that future initiatives will balance operational efficiency with investments in digital products.
Overall the quarter underscores a divergence between headline revenue and underlying travel patterns, with higher priced peak trips and account growth offsetting a decline in total volumes. Salik remains focused on sustaining margins and executing its roadmap for digital expansion while monitoring evolving commuter behaviour.