The Dubai Department of Tourism & Commence Marketing has announced that over the past 12 months, the destination has seen an overall increase of 6.6 per cent in its UK visitor figures.

The total number of UK visitors at the close of 2012 rose from 643,195 in 2011 to 685,629.

The overall number of guest nights throughout the year rose 11.64 per cent to 3,136,348.

Figures are in direct comparison to 2011 statistics.

Dubai is currently served by 147 direct flights per week from the UK. 

Some 63 flights depart from Heathrow, 21 from Gatwick and a further 63 from regional airports.

As of March 31st 2013, Qantas will also operate a twice daily flight to Dubai from London Heathrow increasing the overall total to 161 flights per week.

Ian Scott, UK & Ireland director, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, commented: “Last year proved to be a strong year for Dubai in terms of visitor numbers with statistics rising once again for the fourth consecutive quarter.

“This year will see developments throughout the destination including the addition of 4,000 beds across a range of four and five star hotels, 11,000 beds in planning and additional airlift, making the destination even more accessible to the UK consumer.”