Dubai tycoon Khalaf Al Habtoor has urged Emirates to explain why its outbound Dubai flights cost more than double the price of inbound and transit flights, in a powerful statement on social media this weekend.

In a video posted on his Instagram page, the outspoken chairman of real estate and hospitality firm Al Habtoor Group claimed that the cost of a first class ticket from Dubai to London is around AED35,000 ($9,528), whereas the cost of a flight from Mumbai to London via Dubai is AED18,000 ($4,900).

“The difference is huge!” he pronounced, arguing that UAE citizens should be charged less, not more than others, to travel from Dubai.

Al Habtoor’s full statement on Instagram said: “I am addressing this #video to @Emirates Airlines. While I was comparing prices with my friends today, I realised that tickets from #Dubai are almost double the price of tickets for flights via Dubai.

“For example; the price of a first class ticket on a flight from Dubai to #London is roughly AED35,000. While the price for a flight from #Mumbai to London, via Dubai is almost AED18,000, and from #Colombo to London via Dubai is AED14,000.

“The difference is huge! Should the price not be better for #UAE citizens and residents flying from UAE? #EmiratesAirlines should look into this and take immediate action. #KAH #airplane #travel.”

Arabian Business has contacted Emirates for comment.

In another video, Al Habtoor also he hit out at Beirut-based carrier Middle East Airlines for using the term ‘Persian Gulf’ instead of ‘Arabian Gulf’.

“What a disappointment, to see#MiddleEastAirlines - the Lebanese official carrier - use the term "Persian Gulf" for our #ArabianGulf.

“What a disappointment that this beautiful country, once a favourite among #GCCcitizens, is falling under the Iranian influence and the rule of the Mullahs. Officially, #Lebanon, as an #Arabic country, recognizes the Gulf by its correct name "Arabian Gulf", but the country is so lost to the Iranians that it does recognise its identity anymore.

“I hope that Lebanon's honest men and women will be able to save Lebanon and bring it back to heart of the #Arab World before it is too late. #KAH #LB #MEA.”

Oman’s national carrier Oman Air was forced to issue a public apology when it, too, used the term ‘Persian Gulf’ on in-flight maps last month.