The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar is an artificial island of nearly 4 square kilometres off northern Doha, near the West Bay Lagoon, with marinas, waterfront restaurants, shops and homes. It is open to everyone with no entry fee, and it suits visitors who want an evening walk by the yachts, a meal by the water or photographs in the Venetian-style Qanat Quartier.

The island was reclaimed from the sea and planned to add about 32 kilometres of new coastline. United Development Company, Qatar's largest private shareholding company, is developing it in phases across 12 districts. It was the first land in Qatar where foreign nationals could buy property freehold, and Law No. 16 of 2018 and a 2020 Cabinet decision confirmed it among the freehold zones open to non-Qataris. Its population was put at 27,000 in 2018 and about 52,000 by 2024.

Porto Arabia, Qanat Quartier and the other districts

Porto Arabia, the first district to be built, is a ring of residential towers around a large marina with superyacht berths and a promenade of cafés, restaurants and shops at street level. Qanat Quartier takes its style from Venice, with pastel buildings, canals and small bridges; it received the island's first residents in 2012 and is a favourite with photographers. Medina Centrale has a central square with restaurants, a cinema and boutiques. Other districts mix towers, townhouses and villas around marinas and beaches.

Marina walks, boutiques and yacht charters

Most visitors come for an unhurried walk along the Porto Arabia waterfront, looking at the yachts and stopping for coffee or dinner. Shops range from international chains to luxury boutiques, and licensed operators run boat trips and yacht charters from the marinas. Seasonal events and waterfront festivals are held on the island.

Land area, cost and Porto Arabia's 31 towers

The development covers about 13.9 square kilometres in total, of which about 4 square kilometres is land. When it was announced in 2004 its cost was put at about USD 2.5 billion, later revised to around USD 15 billion. Porto Arabia has 31 towers with about 4,700 apartments. Qanat Quartier has 15 bridges, including a replica of Venice's Rialto Bridge, and a marina with 200 moorings. The island has six hotels and hosted events during the 2022 World Cup.