What is The Pearl-Qatar?
The Pearl Qatar is a phased mixed-use development comprising 10 distinct, themed districts that include beachfront villas, elegant town homes, luxury apartments, exclusive penthouses, five-star hotels, marinas, and upscale retail and restaurants all situated on a multibillion dollar (USD) man-made island encompassing 985 acres (400 hectares) of reclaimed land just off the shore of the Arabian Peninsula in the state of Qatar. It is Qatar’s first international luxury residential development that offers international investors freehold title ownership. The Pearl-Qatar is a destination in its own right - a lavish, secure and exclusive island retreat with a Riviera-style community.

 Where in Qatar is the project?
The Pearl-Qatar is situated off the eastern shore of Qatar, approximately 20 kilometres north of the downtown central business district of Doha and directly north of West Bay. The island has been positioned with the greatest respect for the marine environment and topography.

 Who is the developer?
The project developer is United Development Company (UDC), Qatar's largest private sector shareholding company whose mission is to identify and invest in long-term projects that contribute to the country's growth and provide good shareholder value. UDC's founders, who on launch in 1999 held 45% of the shares, are among Qatar's most successful investors and developers. Equity is also held by a large number of other Qatari and regional investors.

 What is the rationale behind the project?
UDC has made The Pearl-Qatar a unique living and cultural experience that integrates the best of the country's past and present. It offers a diversity of high quality living environments - from high-end luxurious villa living with private sandy beaches to fashionable apartment-style accommodations with sweeping sea views. Diversity of housing choices with the highest quality of accommodation were key objectives in the project's master planning.

The Pearl-Qatar is a secure, family oriented environment, like no other destination in the Middle East. On par with the best of the Mediterranean, it has become the Arabian Riviera (Riviera Arabia) by offering a lifestyle reminiscent of France and Italy in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. The Pearl-Qatar, with 40 kilometres of reclaimed coastline and 20 kilometres of pristine beaches, is a tourist destination in its own right.

 Is Qatar ready for a development of this nature?
Since Qatar has joined the ranks of the world’s wealthiest and most advanced nations (with the highest per capita income among the Arabian states), it naturally seeks to develop its resources and build world-class environments. The people of Qatar deserve nothing less than the finest developments to express their rich cultural heritage and national destiny. The Pearl-Qatar lives up to these expectations reflecting Qatari cultural values and economic strength while being sensitive to environmental stewardship.

 Why was the name The Pearl-Qatar chosen?
Both the island's name and location, on the site of a former pearl diving site, reflect the country's strong cultural ties with the sea. This is an island rediscovered. The name pays homage to the previous mainstay of the economy - pearl fishing. Although pearling is no longer a key economic driver, it has left a legacy of skills, stories, music, art and poetry that is a source of identity and pride for Qatari's today.

 Will the island be linked to the main land?
Yes, a causeway has been constructed. Although The Pearl-Qatar is an exclusive retreat, the causeway ensures the island is closely integrated with, and has easy access to Doha's thriving community.

 Is investment restricted to Qataris only and are there any conditions applied to ownership?
The project is open to investors both from within Qatar and overseas. This is the first project in Qatar to offer freehold residential rights to the international community.

 Are mortgages available to local and international investors and, if so, through which financial partners?
Mortgages are available for up to 25 years; up to 85% of the total purchase price can be financed.

 What are the terms of sale?
Initially a deposit of 20% is required upon reservation. The remaining 80% is due upon completion.

 How many residences will be on the island and how many people will eventually reside on The Pearl-Qatar?
When fully developed, the island will house approximately 18,000 luxury villas, town homes , penthouses and apartments which will, in total, be home to up to approximately 41,000 residents. Exclusive luxury villas will be located in clusters, around the island's perimeter, with private beaches that offer stunning sea views. Medium-sized private, luxury villas and fashionable apartments, also have breathtaking sea views.

 When will the first investors take up residency?
Residents have been moving in since the fall of 2009.

 How many hotels will there be on the island?
Current plans are for at least three five-star hotels.

 How many marinas will there be and what is their capacity?
In total there will be three marinas with mooring for approximately 1000 boats. Extensive private and public moorage is planned and the island will have canals, lakes and interior navigable coves. The island will host a yacht club of world-class standing to cater to the international, regional and local yachting community.

 What is the retail capacity of the project?
The total space available will be approximately two million square meters of retail, leisure and restaurant space, which will be targeted at the top end of the market.

 What community facilities will there be on the island?
Locations have been identified for at least two schools. In addition, there will be several kindergarten and day care centres. The island will have several public parks and accessible open spaces.

 What sets The Pearl-Qatar apart from other urban development ventures in the Arabian Gulf?