Air traffic in Abu Dhabi significantly increased in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period last year, the UAE's al-Ittihad reported Monday (August 20th).

Airport officials said the city's five airports attracted 7.2 million passengers; an increase of 22% compared with the first half of 2011.

"The airports have seen remarkable growth in the number of passengers and airlines and the number of flights and destinations served by these airports," said Ahmed al-Hadabi, chief operating officer for airport operations at Abu Dhabi Airport Company.

Al-Hadabi attributed the growth rate to the stability and strength of the local economy, including growth in tourism, exhibitions and businesses.