Before the introduction of the B747-400, nearly all transcontinental flights from Australia and the Far East to Europe stopped to refuel in Dubai. For every passenger that landed at the Dubai airport, the airlines had to pay what was known as the ‘PLO Tax’which, IIRC, was 10 UAE Dirhams (~USD2.70) to the UAE government, which then forwarded the funds to the PLO.
Millions of passengers passed through Dubai every year. Presumably, the practice has been discontinued.
Not surprised and I would bet the practice continues. Thank you for posting