Dubai sees increase in tourism and business

Business and tourism in Dubai continues to grow in spite of worldwide financial struggles, according to an economic advisory.

Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of The Advisory Council of the Government of Dubai, says that the Real Estate Regulatory Agency has projected over 28,000 homes being built in the country this year, a significant increase in property in Dubai.

"Here in Dubai, we represent the trade, investment and knowledge hub for the Gulf, which has a population of 40 million and an economy that has grown three-fold in only five years to $1 trillion (£700 billion)," he says.

The number of airline passengers in the emirate increased in the final two months of 2008, adds Mr Alabbar, with 1.5 million people arriving to visit property in Dubai.

Almost 1,300 business licenses were also issued in the same period.

News of the increase in passenger arrivals follows a recent announcement by Singapore Airlines that it plans to double flights to and from the United Arab Emirates.