The Pearl Island

The Pearl Island (Arabic: جزيرة اللؤلؤة, romanized: jazīrat al-lu'lu'a) in Doha, Qatar, is an artificial island with an area of nearly 4 square kilometres (1.5 sq mi). It was the first land in Qatar to be available for freehold ownership by foreign nationals. The Pearl created 32 kilometres (20 mi) of new coastline, and by 2024 it had around 52,000 residents. In 2004, when the project was first revealed, the initial cost of constructing the island stood at $2.5 billion. This figure was later revised to approximately $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 The total number of towers is 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 The Pearl Island currently has six hotels. Two of them, the 281-key Marsa Malaz Kempinski and the 193-key The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar, are located on their own islets. The other four hotels are the 199-key Retaj Baywalk Residence, the 250-key Sedra Arjaan by Rotana, the 414-key Hilton Doha The Pearl, and the 161-key Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar. 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, with routes 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. Gallery See also Land reclamation Lusail References External links The Pearl Island – Official Website