Dubai Airports has teamed up with Salik to introduce a new digital parking payment system, allowing motorists to use e-wallet services for seamless, cashless parking transactions starting January 22 across airport facilities.
Dubai Airports, Salik Collaborate to Enable Digital Parking Payments from January 22.
Dubai Airports and Salik Enter Long-Term Partnership to Transform Parking Experience at DXB
Dubai Airports and Salik, the emirate’s road toll and mobility solutions operator, have entered into a major long-term partnership aimed at transforming how motorists pay for parking at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The agreement will see Salik’s digital E-Wallet payment system rolled out across all paid parking facilities at the airport, enabling a fully cashless, seamless parking experience for travellers and visitors.
The collaboration represents a significant step forward in Dubai’s broader smart mobility and digital infrastructure ambitions, reinforcing the city’s commitment to frictionless travel, advanced transport solutions, and sustainable operations. Under the agreement, the Salik E-Wallet system will be introduced across all three passenger terminals at DXB, as well as the Cargo Mega Terminal, covering thousands of parking spaces used daily by airport guests, employees, and service providers.
Leadership Witnesses Landmark Agreement
The signing ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both organisations, underlining the strategic importance of the partnership. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of Salik, witnessed the formalisation of the deal, which will remain in effect for a period of 10 years.
The agreement is designed to modernise parking payment systems at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, ensuring that DXB continues to set benchmarks for passenger convenience and operational efficiency. Implementation of the Salik E-Wallet parking solution is scheduled to begin on January 22, 2026, marking a key milestone in the airport’s ongoing digital transformation journey.
Scope of the E-Wallet Parking Rollout
Once fully implemented, the Salik E-Wallet solution will be available across all paid car parks at Dubai International Airport. The system will cover approximately 7,400 designated parking spaces, distributed across Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the Cargo Mega Terminal.
This wide-ranging rollout ensures that the vast majority of vehicles entering DXB’s parking facilities will be able to use Salik’s digital payment option, reducing reliance on cash, tickets, and manual payment processes. By allowing motorists to pay automatically through their Salik E-Wallet accounts, the system is expected to significantly reduce congestion at parking exits and improve traffic circulation around the terminals.
Integration with Existing Parking Infrastructure
A key component of the agreement involves the technical integration of Salik’s E-Wallet system with the existing car park management platforms currently operated by Dubai Airports’ appointed parking concessionaire. Salik will work closely with both Dubai Airports and the concessionaire to ensure that the system functions smoothly within the airport’s established infrastructure.
Under the terms of the deal, Salik will take full responsibility for the integration, operation, and ongoing maintenance of the E-Wallet system. This includes ensuring system reliability, transaction accuracy, and compatibility with existing access and control technologies used across DXB’s parking facilities.
Dubai Airports, in turn, will continue to offer multiple payment methods to accommodate all users. While the Salik E-Wallet will serve as a major new digital payment option, traditional channels will remain available, ensuring inclusivity and flexibility for all airport users. The introduction of the E-Wallet is intended to complement—not replace—existing payment solutions, while gradually encouraging a shift toward fully digital transactions.
Enhancing the Parking and Traffic Experience
One of the primary objectives of the partnership is to improve traffic flow and vehicle throughput around the airport terminals. Parking congestion, particularly during peak travel periods, can significantly impact the overall airport experience. By enabling automated, ticketless payments through the Salik E-Wallet, vehicles will be able to exit parking areas more quickly, reducing queues and minimising delays.
The move is also expected to improve safety and operational efficiency by limiting the need for drivers to stop at payment machines or interact with physical infrastructure. This aligns with Dubai Airports’ long-term vision of creating seamless, contactless journeys from curb to gate and back again.
Parking, often described as the first and last point of contact for airport guests, plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the airport experience. By modernising this element of the journey, Dubai Airports aims to enhance convenience, reduce stress for travellers, and support smoother airport operations.
Supporting Dubai’s Smart City Vision
The Salik–Dubai Airports partnership also supports Dubai’s broader smart city ambitions, which focus on leveraging technology to improve mobility, sustainability, and quality of life. With millions of vehicles already registered under Salik accounts across the UAE, the integration of the E-Wallet system at DXB offers a familiar and trusted payment solution for a large segment of airport users.
Currently, more than 4.7 million vehicles in the UAE are linked to Salik accounts, making the E-Wallet system one of the most widely adopted digital mobility platforms in the country. By extending its use to airport parking, the partnership capitalises on this existing user base while encouraging greater adoption of digital payment solutions.
The move also reflects Salik’s evolving role beyond traditional tolling operations. Over recent years, the company has expanded its portfolio to include seamless parking solutions at key destinations across the UAE, positioning itself as a comprehensive mobility and digital payments provider.
Record Passenger Volumes at DXB
The timing of the agreement is particularly significant given Dubai International Airport’s continued growth in passenger traffic. DXB remains one of the busiest airports globally, serving as a major hub for international travel and trade.
Between July and September, the airport handled 24.2 million guests, bringing total passenger traffic for the first nine months of 2025 to 70.1 million. These figures underscore the importance of efficient ground-side operations, including parking and road access, in supporting the airport’s high-volume traffic.
As passenger numbers continue to rise, the need for scalable, technology-driven solutions becomes increasingly critical. The introduction of the Salik E-Wallet system is expected to help manage growing demand while maintaining high service standards.
Salik’s Strategic Vision
Commenting on the partnership, Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, Chief Executive Officer of Salik, highlighted the strategic importance of integrating the company’s E-Wallet solution at Dubai International Airport.
He noted that the initiative reflects Salik’s commitment to delivering efficient, user-friendly mobility solutions while supporting the emirate’s broader transport and sustainability goals.
By extending the E-Wallet system to DXB, Salik aims to enhance the experience for road users while expanding its presence beyond toll roads. The partnership aligns with the company’s strategy to diversify its services and accelerate growth through digital mobility platforms.
Al Haddad emphasised that the agreement builds on the momentum Salik has already established in seamless parking solutions across prominent locations in the UAE. It also strengthens Salik’s position as a trusted digital payments partner for major infrastructure operators and destinations nationwide.
Dubai Airports’ Focus on Guest Experience
From Dubai Airports’ perspective, the collaboration with Salik is part of a broader effort to elevate the end-to-end airport experience. Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports, described parking as a critical touchpoint that significantly influences how guests perceive their journey through the airport.
He explained that the introduction of Salik’s E-Wallet system offers a fast, reliable, and widely recognised digital payment option that simplifies parking processes and reduces congestion at exit points. This, in turn, supports Dubai Airports’ long-term vision of seamless access and efficient movement across its facilities.
Griffiths also highlighted the advantage of leveraging a system already used by millions of drivers across the UAE. By offering a familiar payment solution, the airport can deliver greater convenience while contributing to Dubai’s smart city objectives.
The initiative complements Dubai Airports’ ongoing efforts to enhance digitalisation, sustainability, and operational efficiency, building on recent innovations in contactless payments and automated systems.
Looking Ahead
As the January 2026 implementation date approaches, both organisations will focus on technical integration, system testing, and awareness campaigns to ensure a smooth rollout. Signage, communication materials, and on-site guidance are expected to help motorists understand how to use the new E-Wallet parking option.
The partnership between Dubai Airports and Salik marks a significant milestone in the evolution of airport ground transport services in the UAE. By combining digital payment technology with large-scale infrastructure, the initiative is set to redefine parking convenience at one of the world’s busiest airports.
Ultimately, the collaboration reflects Dubai’s continued investment in smart, sustainable, and customer-centric mobility solutions—ensuring that as passenger volumes grow, the journey remains efficient, intuitive, and stress-free from arrival to departure.
