Dubai Airports, Salik Sign 10-Year Deal to Launch Ticketless Parking with E-Wallet Payments

Dubai International Airport is taking another decisive step towards frictionless travel. From January 22, 2026, motorists using DXB’s parking facilities will no longer need paper tickets or queue at payment kiosks, thanks to a new ticketless payment system launched under a 10-year agreement between Dubai Airports and Salik.

Under the partnership, Salik’s E-Wallet will be fully integrated with Dubai Airports’ existing parking infrastructure across Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the Cargo Mega Terminal. The system will automatically deduct parking fees from a driver’s existing Salik account when exiting the airport, creating a seamless and contactless experience.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Mattar Al Tayer, signalling the strategic importance of the initiative for Dubai’s broader smart mobility vision. In total, more than 7,400 parking spaces at DXB will transition to the new digital payment model.

For passengers and visitors, the change addresses one of the most common airport pain points - congestion at parking exits. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, described the car park as both the first and last touchpoint of a journey, noting that faster exits will significantly improve the overall airport experience.

With more than 4.7 million vehicles already linked to Salik across the UAE, the solution leverages a system that drivers are already familiar with. While the Salik E-Wallet will become a primary option, Dubai Airports confirmed that alternative payment methods will remain available to ensure inclusivity for all users.

The timing of the rollout is notable. Dubai International Airport recently recorded its busiest quarter in 65 years, handling over 24 million passengers in Q3 2025 alone. As traffic volumes continue to rise, automation and digital integration are becoming operational necessities rather than upgrades.

For Salik, the deal marks a strategic expansion beyond road tolling into airport infrastructure and smart parking solutions. CEO Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad said the agreement aligns with the company’s long-term goal of supporting sustainable, technology-driven mobility across the emirate.

Such infrastructure-led digital upgrades also strengthen Dubai’s appeal for global investors and entrepreneurs exploring business setup in dubai , reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as a city where public services, transport, and digital systems move in sync with economic ambition.