Located on a man-made peninsula just minutes from the centre of Doha, The Pearl Qatar is the ultimate in high end living. The Pearl-Qatar (TPQ) in Doha, Qatar is an artificial island spanning nearly four million square metres. It is the first land in Qatar to be available for freehold ownership by foreign nationals.[1] As of spring 2012, there are more than 5000 residents,[2] compared to more than
3000 residents in spring of 2011.[3]
Once fully completed, The Pearl will create over 32 kilometers of new coastline, for use as a residential estate with an expected 15,000 dwellings and 45,000 residents by 2015. Developed by United Development Company (UDC) and master planned by architecture and design firm Callison, the island is located 350 metres offshore of Doha’s West Bay Lagoon area. Residential development on the island is intended to incorporate various national and international themes including aspects of Arabic, Mediterranean and European culture. Commercial and educational facilities are also planned to support the various residential precincts. Visitors can now access most areas of the Pearl except the Isola Dana tail section which is still closed. The name "The Pearl" was chosen because the island is being built on one of Qatar's previous major pearl diving sites. Qatar was one of the major pearl traders of Asia before the Japanese introduced cheaper more affordable pearls just before Qatar's oil boom. Once completed The Pearl will represent a string of pearls. There will be over 13 islands when finished. The largest of the islands will feature a large range of luxury villas, apartments, three 5 star hotels and over two million square meters of international retail, restaurants, cafes and entertainment. Eight other private islands will be for sale to private owners with the opportunity to build upon them whatever they wish.
