The Pearl-Qatar
The Pearl-Qatar () in Doha, Qatar, is an artificial island spanning nearly four square kilometers. It is the first land in Qatar to be available for freehold ownership by foreign nationals. As of 2018, there are 27,000 residents. Once fully completed, The Pearl will 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. Developed by United Development Company and planned by architecture and design firm Callison, the island is located 350 meters offshore of Doha's West Bay Lagoon area. 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. Etymology. 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. The Pearl-Qatar helps to represent Qatar's rich past in the pearl industry. The Pearl is said to resemble a string of  pearls. Districts. The Pearl is divided into 12 districts (also referred to as precincts), each of which has a distinct architectural style. The districts are: Residential development. Residential development on the island is intended to incorporate various national and international themes, including aspects of Arabic, Mediterranean, and European culture. There are twelve precincts that make up The Pearl-Qatar Island. 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 total . The address format is "Unit 1234, 1 Viva Bahriya", with "VB‑1 being the shorter, convenient version. Qanat Quartier. The Pearl Qatar'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: Designed by Serendipity By Design LLC a Master Planning, Architecture and Interior Design consultancy based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 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. There will be more than 13 islands when construction is completed. The largest of the islands will feature a range of luxury villas, apartments, three five-star hotels and over two million square meters of international retail, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment facilities. Eight other private islands will be for sale to private owners with the opportunity to build upon them whatever they wish. The Central Authority Directorate (TCAD), which provides services like property registration and residency permits, opened on 3 December 2011. Restaurants. The Pearl-Qatar is home to a wide selection of dining  outlets covering the full range of cuisines from South American to French/Lebanese through to casual options such as Alison Nelson's Coffee Bar. "Time Out Doha" Awards 2012: Midori, the Japanese restaurant in Porto Arabia, took out Best Newcomer in the awards. Pampano, also operated by Hospitality Development Company (HDC), a fully owned subsidiary of United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl-Qatar, received the "Highly Commended" certificate in the Best South American category. Porto Arabia Restaurants: The Pearl Qatar is also home to a number of cafés, lounges, bakeries and confectioneries Retail. The island is  home to many renowned luxury brands Hotels. Marsa Malaz Kempinski is the largest hotel in The Pearl, and is located on its own islet. The hotel features 281 rooms, a 1,100 m ballroom and conference halls. It has a beach with provisions for water sports and swimming, a 3,000 m spa and tennis facilities. Boat tours are offered by the hotel. Seven restaurants are located in the hotel. Beach resorts. Nikki Beach Resort and Spa was to be located at the end of Porto Arabia. The original completion date was scheduled for July 2012, but construction was stopped due to  an alcohol ban. As of 2017 no progress had been made. Taliamare Beach Club is at the Qanat Quartier beach. It opened in 2017. 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.