10/11/2011 | C. Martin
New figures released by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing have shown an 11% year-on-year rise in the number of guests in the emirate's hotels, hitting 6.6 million during the January-September period of 2011.
The figures indicate the increasing popularity of Dubai holidays among tourists from across the world.
Hotels and hotel apartments in Dubai posted a total revenue of Dh10.96 billion (£1.87 billion) during the first nine months of this year, up 19% from the corresponding period in 2010.
Political instability in other parts of the Middle East helped encourage more tourists to take luxury holidays in Dubai.
Tourists also find the emirate more affordable now.
Peter Mansourian, the general manager of the Grand Millennium hotel in Dubai, said: "With what's happening in the Middle East, I think it's a safe place to come.
"Nobody wants to go to Bahrain these days, so the Saudis are coming here."
Copyright Press Association 2011