The overall number of people travelling to Dubai is set to go up this year, experts have predicted.

A report by Globalysis revealed that visitor numbers in 2008 are likely to be eight per cent up on those recorded 12 months earlier.

The organisation said this would be due to a number of factors, including improvements to the accessibility of Dubai from overseas and successful marketing initiatives.

Furthermore, it stated that its "high-quality tourism offerings" are becoming increasingly attractive to "globally-minded" holidaymakers.

Commenting on the findings, Jason Pereira of Globalysis observed: "The performance of Dubai's travel and leisure sector in 2008 has been favourable and the outlook moving forward remains bright."

Meanwhile, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing has revealed about seven million people booked accommodation in the region during 2007.

The organisation has predicted that in two years time, this number could possibly increase to ten million.