THE PEARL-QATAR

The Pearl-Qatar

One of the leading publicly listed and most diversified companies in the Middle East, United Development Company (UDC) is leading Qatar’s drive to modernity while delivering high returns for its investors

United Development Company (UDC) is reviving the tradition of building vibrant cities on the waterfront of the Arabian Gulf. The company has created The Pearl-Qatar, an exclusive Riviera-style development known for its architectural elegance and technical perfection. With a price tag in excess of $14 billion, it is one of the most ambitious urban development projects in the world. Home to a mix of nationalities from around the world, upon completion in 2013 it will house over 41,000 people who seek a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle in the Gulf, or a great investment opportunity.

Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar’s first phase, is already thriving with as diverse restaurants as celebrated Manhattan-based ‘candy store for adults’ Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar, as well as opera star Placido Domingo and celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s Mexican restaurant Pampano, and world-class brands such as Gianfranco Ferré, Hermes and Vera Wang, making The Pearl-Qatar a shopping and dining haven. Moreover, the recent unveiling of towers, villas and townhouses has also brought more residents to Porto Arabia to enjoy a lavish lifestyle surrounded by Qatar’s crystal blue waters.

The Pearl-Qatar is a four-phase development made up of ten distinct districts, each with its own characteristics. Qanat Quartier will be the Venice of the Middle East, while Viva Bahriya is architecturally themed to echo the very best of the Mediterranean; a perfect destination for families seeking relaxed, beachfront living. On the east of Viva Bahriya, the coliseum-style layout of Floresta Gardens provides Roman-inspired architecture that is perfect for those looking for community living. Those who seek a secluded getaway can turn to the gated communities of Perlita Gardens or Giardino Villas.

Legendary opera tenor Placido Domingo’s recent live performance at The Pearl-Qatar Legendary opera tenor Placido Domingo’s recent live performance at The Pearl-Qatar

Upon completion, The Pearl-Qatar will host a diverse range of housing options, including beachfront villas, luxury apartments and townhouses, as well as three 5-star hotels and several boutique hotels. Three award-winning marinas will complement this, while schools, health clinics and other services will make it possible to live on the island without ever needing to leave it. Residents will be able to enjoy the island’s IT infrastructure, which offers complete connectivity and a host of home automation capabilities to enhance convenience and security. Residents will be able to control all functions of their home from abroad. A ‘smart card’ will also allow residents to perform all sorts of transactions on the island without the need for cash or credit cards.

The Pearl-Qatar is the first development in Qatar to offer freehold property rights to international investors. With this project, UDC intends to build “a precinct akin to the finest European cities, Venice’s famed canals and Renaissance architecture,” according to UDC’s MD and president Khalil Sholy.