Overview
The Pearl-Qatar is an artificial island development located approximately 350 metres off the coast of Doha’s West Bay district. Spanning nearly four million square metres of reclaimed land, The Pearl is a mixed-use development comprising residential towers, townhouses, villas, retail and dining outlets, hotels, marinas, and public spaces. It is one of Qatar’s most prominent real estate developments and a landmark of the Doha skyline.
Development
The Pearl-Qatar was developed by United Development Company (UDC), a Qatari publicly listed company. Construction began in 2004, with the first residents moving in around 2009-2010. The development is organised into ten interconnected precincts, each with a distinct architectural character. Notable precincts include Porto Arabia, Viva Bahriya, Medina Centrale, Qanat Quartier (inspired by Venetian architecture), and Giardino Village.
At full build-out, The Pearl is designed to accommodate a residential population of approximately 45,000 and attract an additional flow of visitors for retail, dining, and leisure.
Foreign Ownership
The Pearl-Qatar is one of the designated areas in Qatar where non-Qatari nationals may acquire freehold property. This provision, established under Law No. 16 of 2018 (and its predecessors), was a significant policy innovation that opened the Qatari property market to foreign buyers. Property ownership at The Pearl confers eligibility for residency permits, making the development particularly attractive to foreign professionals and investors seeking long-term residency in Qatar.
Economic and Urban Significance
The Pearl represents a multi-billion-dollar investment in Doha’s urban expansion and is a key component of the real estate and tourism sectors. It has served as a model for subsequent designated freehold developments, including Lusail City and West Bay Lagoon, and has contributed to the growth of Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon economy by attracting foreign capital and residents.
Significance
As one of Qatar’s most internationally visible developments, The Pearl-Qatar embodies the country’s ambition to create world-class urban environments, attract global talent and investment, and diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons.