Motorists commuting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi must be keen on the latest Darb Timing updates following the decision by the government of Abu Dhabi to introduce two new toll gates along critical corridors connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This is just one of the several measures being taken by the government to enhance the movement of traffic and smart transportation.
These toll gates will be crucial for many daily commuters including individuals commuting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi on a regular basis. It will be vital to understand all the latest Darb timing requirements, toll rates, and exemptions.
Darb Timing 2026: Quick Overview
For those seeking an immediate solution, below is the updated Darb Timing overview:
- Timing for old Darb gates: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily from Monday through Saturday.
- Traditional Darb toll gates will not have any charges applied during Sundays and public holidays.
- Timing for Ghantoot and Al Qurm toll gates: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Fee for toll remains AED 4 per trip.
- New toll gates started functioning from May 4, 2026.
- It is necessary for drivers to have active Darb accounts to avoid facing penalties.
What Is Darb?
Darb is the Abu Dhabi electronic toll system which was established to help control traffic congestion as well as enhance efficient road use. The Darb system uses vehicle registration plate recognition technology to automatically charge vehicles for the toll fees incurred as the drivers use certain critical roads.
Since the inception of this system, Darb has significantly influenced the management of traffic in Abu Dhabi Island and other parts of the city.
Two New Darb Toll Gates Added in 2026
Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) along with Q Mobility made an announcement regarding the launch of two new toll gates that have become operational as of May 4, 2026.
New Darb Toll Gates:
Location of the New Darb Toll Gates
- Ghantoot Toll Gate
- Ghantoot Toll Gate is situated at Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street (E11)
- It lies near the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border
- This toll gate has been established for regulating heavy traffic moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
- Al Qurm Toll Gate
- It is located at Wahat Al Karama Street
- It regulates the entry and exit routes of Sheikh Zayed Street
- It is set up with the purpose of traffic regulation within the Abu Dhabi city boundaries.
Darb Timing in 2026
One of the most searched areas amongst drivers from the UAE is the new Darb Timing schedule.
Existing Darb Toll Gate Timing
In case of the conventional Darb toll gates, the charges will be levied on peak hours traffic.
| Period | Darb Timing |
| Morning Peak Hours | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Evening Peak Hours | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Days Applicable | Monday to Saturday |
| Sunday | Free |
| Public Holidays | Free |
Drivers passing through toll gates during these peak hours are charged AED 4 per crossing.
Important Change: New Highway Toll Gates Operate 24/7
However, unlike the present Darb toll gates that levy charges during the peak hours only, the newly opened Ghantoot and Al Qurm toll gates have different operations.
- Darb Timing for New Toll Gates
- Runs round the clock 24 hours
- Runs throughout the week 7 days
- Levy charges at all times
- AED 4 charge per crossing
This implies that the users of the road routes from Dubai to Abu Dhabi can be charged at any time.
Darb Toll Charges Explained
The rate of Darb remains:
AED 4 Per Crossing
All vehicles that cross through any toll gate during charging periods will have to pay a fee of AED 4. This amount will be directly deducted from the total Darb account balance of the driver.
The recently opened Ghantoot and Al Qurm gates will have an AED 4 fee imposed on all vehicles, which will be payable round the clock.
Why Were New Toll Gates Installed?
According to Abu Dhabi officials, installation of new toll gates has multiple benefits linked to the transportation system of Abu Dhabi such as:
Efficient Movement of Traffic
New toll gates would help distribute traffic better along important highways and urban streets.
Alleviating Traffic Jams
Traffic analysis showed that certain regions experienced higher vehicle density especially those located on the road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Promoting Intelligent Transportation
Installation of new toll gates is aligned with Abu Dhabi’s intelligent transportation vision.
Who Are Eligible For Darb Fees Exemptions?
The current exemptions criteria have not been modified.
They are:
- Senior Citizens
- Citizens with Determinations
- Citizens with low income levels
- Retired Citizens
One car per exempt person is eligible for exemptions based on approved exemptions regulations.
Requirements for Darb System Registrations
Vehicle owners need to register their cars to the Darb system and have enough money in their accounts to pay for toll fees.
Noncompliance to register their car or having adequate balance will attract sanctions.
Darb Fines Drivers Should Know About
Violations committed include:
Unregistered Vehicle
Once drivers cross for the first time, they get the chance to register their cars within a certain timeframe; failure to do so would result in hefty penalties.
Inadequate Balance
Whereby fines can be issued if vehicles move during the period when toll charges apply and there is insufficient balance in the Darb wallet.
Vehicle Number Plate Manipulation
This involves tampering with car number plates as a means of evading paying of toll charges; number plate manipulation is an offense that Darb considers.
Alternative Routes for Drivers
Alternative routes have also been mapped out in the event where motorists opt not to use the newly implemented toll points.
In relation to travel by the Ghantoot corridor, other roadways are provided as alternative routes via Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road. Further alternatives to the Al Qurm toll zone have been made.
Communities Affected by Darb Toll Charges Implementation
The new toll gate implementation is projected to affect:
Commuters moving daily between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Logistics and transport firms
- Traveling businessmen
- Taxi and ride hailing services
- Commercial delivery services
Frequent travelers should review their travel schedules and account balances to avoid unexpected toll charges.
Final Words
The latest Darb Timing update represents one of the biggest additions to the Abu Dhabi toll network in its history. As more toll gates are now open at the busiest routes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, car owners will need to be up to date regarding the timing, fee structure, and registration procedure of tolls.
Due to an increased number of cars in the UAE, it has become imperative for the authority to opt for modern technologies like Darb to offer smooth journeys to the public.
