The ‘secret’ is out. Dubai’s landmark ‘hidden’ beach has been named the world’s second-most eye-catching destination. This is according to a survey that used eye-tracking technology to decide on the 10 top spots on the planet.
A study by Kuoni ranks Al Sufouh Beach as the second-most eye-catching beach in the world. The Al Sufouh Beach is a stretch of raw beach with no vendors and sun loungers. The beach is located between Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. It is wide, with golden sand that gently slopes down into the placid Arabian Gulf water. The ‘hidden’ Al Sufouh Beach is also known by other names such as Secret Beach and Black Palace Beach.
Kuoni is a Zurich-based travel and tourism firm. “Dubbed as one of Dubai’s hidden gems, this beach is a must-visit for those looking for fantastic views across the water as well as a glimpse of some of Dubai’s most impressive buildings, the perfect spot for taking in a sunrise or sunset,” the study said.
Top 10 eye-catching destinations
Niyama Private Island Beach in the Indian Ocean island nation of Maldives took the top spot. Bai Sao in Vietnam, Cape Drastis in Greece and Pensacola Beach in the US rounded out the top five, with spots from the UK (Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland), Hawaii (Na Pali Coast, Kauai), Italy (Numana Alta Beach), Thailand (Railay Beach, Krabi) and the Philippines (Boracay White Beach) also making it to the top 10.
Niyama Private Island Beach in the Indian Ocean island nation of Maldives took the top spot.
The Kuoni study used eye-tracking technology to determine the rankings. The study assessed a total of 61 destinations and beaches from around the globe. The eye-tracking software calculated the total number of times people looked at different destinations. The average time someone looked at one area was recorded alongside viewing durations.
The ’secret’ of Dubai’s hidden beach
Hidden behind a row of palm trees, Al Sufouh Beach is one of Dubai’s best spots to unwind. It is perfect for spending a quiet and relaxing time on the shell-clad shoreline in the city-emirate. It is nicknamed ‘Secret Beach’ given its hidden location behind a row of palm trees. With shallow, crystal-clear waters and soft white sands, it is home to two serene ultra-luxurious resorts.
Between 2009 and 2015, Dubai’s coastline grew six per cent. Located along the western coast of Dubai, the Al Sufouh zone stretches across seven square kilometres towards the north-western
side of Dubai Marina, an artificially designed canal city with a two-mile-long stretch of pristine sand facing the Arabian Gulf waters.
The Palm Jumeirah added more than 300 kilometres to Dubai’s original, 72-kilometres–long coastline, providing the perfect geometry to create the longest stretch of new beachfront.
With temperatures ranging between 15 and 50 degrees Celsius in winters and summer, tourists drove in dozens to one of the safest cities in the world. The Lonely Planet remarked: “If you’re looking for long, empty stretches of sand, with only the quiet lapping of waves for company, you’ve come to the wrong place. Dubai’s beaches are buzzing, all-action hotspots during peak season.”
Eight public beaches in Dubai have received the Blue Flag certification reflecting a clean, safe and well-maintained environment to enjoy.
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