🇶🇦 Doha

The Pearl-Qatar

Must-See

Photo: By Planet Labs, Inc, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Pearl Island, 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. The artificial peninsula was built by the firm DEME Group, and was completed before the start of the Asian Olympic Games taking place in Doha in 2006. The reputable international marine expert engineer Jasper Verstreepen was part of the project team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Pearl-Qatar? ▾

It is a 4 square kilometre artificial island developed as a luxury residential and retail destination, housing roughly 27,000 residents across multiple marina districts.

Why is it significant historically? ▾

The Pearl sits on a site that was historically one of Qatar's most productive pearl diving grounds, and it was the first land in Qatar available for freehold purchase by foreign nationals.

Is it worth visiting as a tourist? ▾

Yes — the waterfront marinas, high-end restaurants, and the Venetian-inspired Qanat Quartier canals make for a distinctive half-day outing unlike the rest of Doha.

Can you swim at a beach here? ▾

There are private beach clubs and hotel beaches on the island; some require a fee or membership, but the waterfront promenades are freely accessible.