UAE: Abu Dhabi to levy airport, hotel taxes

Abu Dhabi is introducing taxes on airline passengers and hotel guests as it seeks to compensate for a downturn in govt revenues from low oil prices. Airline passengers departing from or transiting through Abu Dhabi Airport will be charged an airport tax of US$9.53 from June 30. "Airlines will be responsible for collecting the fee and shall transfer the proceeds to Abu Dhabi Airports Company," it said. Dubai and Sharjah, also part of the UAE, have announced similar airport taxes effective from June 30, as they try to compensate for the impact of an economic slowdown in the region. Abu Dhabi has also imposed a 4% municipality tax on hotel bills, as well as a $4 charge per night per room, from the beginning of this month. <br/>