Abu Dhabi sees 10 per cent UK arrivals increase

UK visitors to Abu Dhabi are becoming more regular, the local tourist board has said.

Brits have been booking flights to Abu Dhabi in their droves over the last few months, as the UAE destination has reported a surge in visitors from the UK.

The first three months of the year saw 510,114 British guests staying in hotels in the Emirati city, which makes a 10 per cent year-on-year increase.

Furthermore, those visiting appear to be staying longer, with a 25 per cent increase in visitor nights, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) said in a statement.

Lawrence Franklin, director of strategy and policy at the ADTA, said: “Our sterling first quarter performance can be attributed to the dynamic programme of events, both business and leisure, which have taken place over the past three months.”

Motorsports fans are expected to cause another surge in people booking Abu Dhabi flights later this year, as the city’s Yas Marina circuit plays host to the penultimate Grand Prix in the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship in November.

Written by Nicholas Scott