The Pearl Island
مشروع اللؤلؤة
Artificial island with marinas, luxury boutiques, and restaurants.
The Pearl Island is an artificial island off the northern coast of Doha and one of Qatar’s most prominent landmarks. Launched in 2004, it became the first area in the country to offer freehold ownership to foreign nationals.
Covering around 4 square kilometers, the island features residential, commercial, and leisure districts connected by promenades, canals, and marinas. Designed as a “city within a city,” The Pearl blends Mediterranean, Arabic, and modern architectural styles.
Today, it is an upscale waterfront community of towers, villas, hotels, cafés, boutiques, and beaches – a contemporary showcase of Qatar’s urban and coastal lifestyle.
How to Get There
From Doha by taxi or transfer ~14 min.
From Lusail by taxi ~14 min.
From Al Wakrah by taxi ~35 min.
From DOH airport (Doha) by taxi/transfer ~18 min.
Description
What it is
The Pearl Island is Qatar’s largest mixed-use artificial island, located north of central Doha. It is a modern luxury district combining residential towers, marinas, retail spaces, and beaches.
Key features
- Announced in 2004 with an estimated cost of US$15 billion upon completion.
- Covers 4 km² with 32 km of new coastline.
- Comprises 12 districts, each with distinct architectural styles – Arabic, Mediterranean, and European.
- Home to around 27,000 residents (as of 2018).
- The first area in Qatar allowing freehold ownership by foreign nationals.
What to see
- Porto Arabia – main marina with 31 residential towers, restaurants, and shops.
- Viva Bahriya – beachfront towers inspired by Arabic architecture.
- Qanat Quartier – “Venice-style” area with canals, bridges, and pastel-colored houses.
- Medina Centrale – central hub with shops, cafés, and cinemas.
- Marsa Malaz Kempinski and The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island – luxury island resorts.
History
Developed by United Development Company (UDC) in the early 2000s, The Pearl Island was envisioned as a premier residential and investment destination. Initially budgeted at US$2.5 billion, the final cost rose to about US$15 billion.
The island’s first residents moved into Porto Arabia and Qanat Quartier after 2012, marking the beginning of its transformation into a vibrant mixed-use district.
Today, The Pearl stands as a symbol of Qatar’s urban innovation, featuring luxury living, international hotels, yacht marinas, and cultural events that attract both residents and visitors year-round.
Practical information
Location: northern Doha, between Katara and West Bay Lagoon.
Getting there: by car (via Al Qutaifiya bridge), taxi, or bus from Legtaifiya Metro Station (M110 line).
Access: open to the public; some residential and hotel areas are private.
Visiting hours: open 24/7; shops and restaurants typically 10 am–10 pm.
Visit duration: 2–4 hours, including dining and marina walks.
Best time: November–March, especially evenings.
Special notes: internal transport includes golf carts and water taxis; parking available in Porto Arabia and Medina Centrale.
