Dubai International Airport has been awarded Airport of the Year for the Middle East region, as part of the seventh annual Aviation Business Awards (ABA).

The ABA's recognise the aviation industry in the Middle East for success and increased results - they cater to niche sectors, such as airports, cargo and individual airlines.

Executive senior vice president of international affairs and corporate communications for Dubai Airports Jamal Al Hai said: "We are very glad to win this prestigious award and feel greatly encouraged to carry on our efforts to deliver quality offerings and customer service."

As a whole, the Middle East is a growing region for both tourism and business and Dubai International Airport received over five million passengers in September alone. The emirate also has Dubai World Central which, until the recent introduction of Al Maktoum passenger terminal, specialised in cargo operations.

According to Airports Council International's passenger rankings, Dubai is the second busiest city in the world, only behind London in footfall figures.