Despite tourism figures highlighting a decline in UK outbound travel during quarter two of 2012, Dubai continued to perform strongly as a destination, reporting an 11 per cent increase in guest numbers.

According to the latest report from the department of tourism and commerce marketing, hotel and apartment bookings in Dubai were up to 170,452 from 154,180 during the same period of 2011.

Figures also show a five per cent increase in the average length of stay with UK visitors now choosing to stay for seven nights.

Self catering apartments saw the most dramatic surge in guest bookings, with year on year increases of 33 per cent for quarter two.

The significant rise in the popularity of apartments can be attributed to the growing appeal of Dubai amongst the family market, as an increasing range of accommodation options, gives families even more flexibility and makes holidays more affordable.

Ian Scott, director UK and Ireland for the DTCM, commented: “We are delighted with the UK results for quarter two, and confident that visitor numbers will continue to be positive throughout the year.

“Increasingly, families are realising that Dubai can offer them a fun and affordable family holiday with a relatively short flight time of only seven hours.”

Dubai currently has the largest number of new hotel rooms under development in the Middle East and Africa region.

According to a recent study by STR Global, Dubai has over 11,000 rooms under development, 4,000 of which are set to open by the end of the year.