Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) saw retail sales rise 15% to $148 million and passenger traffic increase 12%, reaching 11 million in 2010 following the second Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Announcing its annual results on Sunday (January 30), the airport operator also reported cargo had increased 16% to 438,000 tonnes, while air traffic movements were also up.

ADAC chief executive James Bennett said Abu Dhabi's appeal as a business and tourist destination contributed to the airport's positive outcome.

"We would like to express our warmest appreciation to all our partners for their contribution to one more year of dynamic growth and smooth operation for Abu Dhabi International Airport," he said.

Dubai International Airport also released its annual figures on the same day, announcing a 15% increase in passenger numbers to 47.2 million in 2010. Annual cargo traffic rose to 2.27 million tonnes, a robust 17.7% rise over the 1.93 million tonnes recorded in 2009, following the opening of the Al Maktoum International Airport to cargo operations.