The Pearl Island



The Pearl Island (جزيرة اللؤلؤة) in Doha, Qatar, is an artificial island with an area of nearly four square kilometers. It is the first land in Qatar to be available for freehold ownership by foreign nationals. As of 2018, there were 27,000 residents.

Once fully completed, The Pearl was expected to create over 32 kilometers of new coastline, for use as a residential estate with an expected 18,831 dwellings and 45,000 residents by 2018.

In 2004, when the project was first revealed, the initial cost of constructing the island stood at $2.5 billion. It is now believed the project will cost $15 billion upon completion.

Residential development
Residential development on the island is intended to incorporate various national and international themes, including aspects of Arabic, Mediterranean, and European culture. The Pearl Island is divided into 12 districts (also referred to as precincts), each of which has a distinct architectural style.

Porto Arabia Towers
Total number of towers will be 31 with a total of 4,700 apartments. The address format is Unit 1234, 1 Porto Arabia. Some references use PA-1 for convenience.

Viva Bahriya Towers
There will be 29 towers in total. The address format is "Unit 1234, 1 Viva Bahriya", with "VB‑1" being the shorter, convenient version.

Qanat Quartier
The Pearl Island's "Venice-like community" has an extensive canal system, pedestrian-friendly squares and plazas and beachfront townhouses. The first residents started to live in Qanat Quartier in 2012. When complete there will be:
 * 977 residential apartments in 31 buildings
 * 188 townhouses
 * 15 bridges, including a replica of Venice's Rialto Bridge
 * 200 retail units
 * 320,000 square feet of retail space
 * 1,135 parking spaces for cars
 * 200 moorings in the marina
 * Kempinski Resort and Spa

Abraj Quartier
This precinct is located by the entrance of The Pearl Qatar, and will have 7 towers including the tallest buildings planned for the development, at 40 storeys high.

Commercial attractions
The Central Authority Directorate (TCAD), which provides services like property registration and residency permits, opened on 3 December 2011. The island was also host the 2023 Qatar Classic Cars contest and exhibition and to several events during the 2022 World Cup.

The Pearl Island has several restaurants, as well as a coffee bar.

Hotels
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, opened in 2014, is the largest hotel in The Pearl, and is located on its own islet. The hotel features 281 rooms, a 1,100 m2 ballroom and conference halls. It has a beach with provisions for water sports and swimming, a 3,000 m2 spa and tennis facilities. Boat tours are offered by the hotel. Seven restaurants are located in the hotel.

The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar opened in 2022 as the brand's second property in the country. Like Marsa Malaz Kempinski, it is located on its own island. The hotel features 193 rooms, more than 10 restaurants, a ballroom with a capacity of 300 guests, and water sports facilities.

Transport
Modes of transport varies from precinct to precinct. Golf carts are heavily used in Porto Arabia and Medina Centrale, while boat taxis are available in Porto Arabia and Qanat Quartier. Limousines are available in Porto Arabia, Medina Centrale, Qanat Quartier and Viva Bahriya. There are also bus stations that go to the Legtaifiya station. The M110 bus route goes from Porto Arabia and goes to parts of Viva Bahriya, then to the metro station.