Sharjah has implemented a groundbreaking electronic toll collection system named ‘Masar’ specifically designed for heavy commercial vehicles, marking a significant technological advancement in the region’s transportation infrastructure. This innovative system utilizes artificial intelligence and advanced sensor technology to automatically process fees without requiring trucks to stop at checkpoints.
The system represents a collaborative effort between the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority and the Sharjah Central Finance Department, replacing traditional manual collection methods with a fully automated, data-driven approach. Engineer Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority, described the project as “a pioneering initiative in electronic fee collection for commercial trucks and represents a qualitative leap in institutional work systems.”
Masar’s technological framework integrates with the emirate’s existing digital payment infrastructure through the ‘Tahseel’ smart payment gateway, enabling secure cashless transactions and real-time financial reporting. Waleed Al Sayegh, Director General of the Central Finance Department, emphasized that the project “strengthens integration between government entities by connecting electronic toll gates to the digital wallet.”
Beyond financial processing improvements, the system delivers multiple operational benefits including reduced congestion at checkpoints, decreased transit times for commercial vehicles, and minimized human error in fee collection. Environmental advantages are also significant, as reduced idling time for trucks contributes to lower emissions across Sharjah’s transportation network.
The implementation supports Sharjah’s broader smart city initiatives and reflects the emirate’s commitment to technological innovation in public infrastructure. Officials confirm that the automated system enhances transparency, accelerates collection processes, and improves overall logistics efficiency throughout the region.