After Dubai, Sharjah adds 35 dirham as airport fee

DUBAI — The emirate of Sharjah has added a new fee for those traveling out of its international airport, following the lead of its neighbor in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. The state-run WAM news agency reported the 35-dirham ($9.50) fee was approved during a meeting on Tuesday led by Sharjah’s deputy ruler Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al-Qasimi. The fee mirrors the one announced by Dubai on March 30. It’s a charge on passengers transiting through or leaving by Sharjah International Airport. Children under 2 and flight crews will be exempt. While airport fees are levied across the world, Dubai and Sharjah’s announcement comes as oil prices have slumped to under $40 a barrel, squeezing countries across the Gulf. Sharjah International Airport is the home of low-cost airline Air Arabia.