The Pearl Island has been an icon of luxury living in the Gulf States since it was opened to the public in the late 2000s. Located off Doha's prestigious West Bay area, this man-made island of around 1,000 acres is hailed as a wonder of modern architecture.
The Pearl rises from a shallow seabed that was once a famous spot for pearl diving. The island provides plenty of opportunities for a luxurious waterfront lifestyle, with kilometers of beautiful white sand beaches, large marinas, and an extensive canal system.
Home to opulent residences, shops, and restaurants, The Pearl is a self-sufficient community where you never have to go far to get what you need. From your daily supplies to a beach holiday, everything can be found right on the island.
In addition, living in The Pearl puts you just minutes away from the best destinations in the state. The West Bay District, where you'll find some of Qatar's most impressive skyscrapers and luxury dining and shopping options, is within walking distance. Doha's amazing cultural attractions are just a short drive away, as are some of the top beach resorts, shopping destinations, desert adventures, and the best that the Gulf Region has to offer.
Here’s what you need to know about living in The Pearl Qatar:
Unique Districts
Porto Arabia
Qanat Quartier
Viva Bahriya
Medina Centrale
Abraj Quartier
Perlita Gardens
Giardino Village
Floresta Gardens
Costa Malaz
Isola Dana
Things to Do in The Pearl Qatar
Exploring Your Real Estate Options
Check out the Pearl properties
A Brief History
The Pearl Island is the flagship project of United Development Company, and had an initial budget of $2.5 billion and an estimated total budget of $ 15 billion.
The development welcomed its first 12,000 residents in 2009, but with the completion of the rest of the island's infrastructure, the population has risen to around 27,000 as of 2018. In total, the island can accommodate approximately 50,000 residents.
The Pearl was the first urban development in Qatar to offer freehold ownership to non-Qataris, allowing expats in the state to own properties that include land and buildings.
Living in The Pearl Qatar: Unique Districts
The Pearl is composed of ten districts or precincts, each with a unique theme, architectural style, and set of features. If you're looking for the perfect home or investment property on the island, start by knowing what each district has to offer.
Porto Arabia
Porto Arabia was one of the first districts in The Pearl to be completed. Dubbed "the cosmopolitan heart of The Pearl-Island", this precinct is designed in the modern Mediterranean style and boasts a wealth of upscale leisure and recreational destinations. International luxury brands, numerous bars and restaurants, and climate-controlled shopping centers provide unparalleled retail and dining experiences.
Porto Arabia is home to The Pearl's main marina, which features 891 berths for yachts, boats, and other watercraft. The district's main thoroughfare is the waterfront La Croisette, a stunning 2.5 kilometer walkway lined with high-end shops and restaurants.
There are over 7,200 residential units in Porto Arabia, including gorgeous townhomes and more than 415 condos in the district's 31 towers.
Qanat Quartier
Qanat Quarter channels Venetian chic, with low-rise, pastel painted buildings lining the canals that wind through the district. With its laidback design and rather secluded location on the island's western peninsula, Qanat Quartier offers more privacy compared to the precincts in the central areas of The Pearl.
True to its Italian inspiration, Qanat Quartier features charming piazzas with canopied storefronts of luxury brands, as well as a wide array of restaurants and coffee shops. The district boasts a gorgeous beachfront and a huge parking area that can accommodate more than 1,100 cars.
Homes in Qanat Quartier are apartments with one to five bedrooms, as well as two to three bedroom townhouses. There are over 1,100 residential units, many of which front a scenic canal.
Viva Bahriya
One of the major districts in The Pearl Island, Viva Bahriya exudes a tranquil, family-friendly atmosphere. The architecture in this precinct is Moorish-inspired, with most of its 28 towers capped by an Arabic style dome. The towers are built directly on white sand beaches surrounding a lagoon with a small resort island in the middle.
With fewer shops and restaurants, Viva Bahriya is quieter and less busy than other districts in The Pearl. It is truly designed for the idyllic beachfront lifestyle, with a 103-berth marina and an exclusive marina club rounding up the vibe.
There are around 1,780 Moroccan-inspired residential units in Viva Bahriya, including elegant condos, lofts, and townhouses.
Medina Centrale
Found right at the heart of the island, Medina Centrale is The Pearl's very own version of a downtown. It is an integral part of living in The Pearl Qatar as many of the celebrations and events on the island are held here. Medina Centrale connects the bustling Porto Arabia and the idyllic Viva Bahriya, and combines the best elements of the island's various districts.
Plazas, green parks, promenades, children's play areas, and piazzas provide plenty of wide open spaces and a traditional Mediterranean town feel. The architecture here is also Mediterranean inspired, with pastel colored mid-rise buildings defining the scene. Canopied storefronts, sidewalk cafes, and large classical style street fountains complete the vibe.
Medina Centrale is also home to the 1,900-seat NOVO Cinemas, as well as to Megapolis, a 6,000 square meter family entertainment center. The district has 538 residential apartments and a parking space that can accommodate around 3,600 cars.
Abraj Quartier
The gateway to The Pearl, Abraj Quartier welcomes residents and guests with two imposing skyscrapers straddling the road that connects the island to the mainland. Abraj Quartier is aptly named The Avenue of Towers, thanks to the seven skyscrapers that dot its skyline, each rising 36 to 42 storey's.
The district is home to prime office and commercial spaces, as well as upscale studios, two to three bedroom apartments, and opulent penthouses that offer stunning views of the island, the gulf, and the mainland. With its highly accessible location, Abraj Quartier is considered one of the most desirable districts in The Pearl for both business and residence.
On the northern side of the district is a beachfront lined by gorgeous townhomes. A boardwalk offers a wealth of amenities, including a number of shops and restaurants.
Perlita Gardens
Located south of Medina Centrale, Perlita Gardens was The Pearl's first gated community. Its defining feature is the lush landscaping that evokes the serenity of living amid nature. This gives residents utmost privacy and isolation while being within walking distance of the bustling Medina Centrale and its numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Residences in Perlita Gardens include spacious villas, townhomes, and apartments. Each development comes with exclusive amenities, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and gardens.
Giardino Village
Giardino Village is a sprawling gated community located just north of Medina Centrale and Viva Bahriya. What makes this precinct unique is the wide variety of housing options available for both individual investors and large scale developers.
Giardino Village features villa plots and completed villas, as well as low rise apartment buildings and mixed use buildings and plots. Lush landscaping and pedestrian paths and tracks give the district a truly residential feel.
Giardino Village also boasts its own shopping mall - the Giardino Mall - as well as a clubhouse that houses a gym, a lounge, an outdoor swimming pool, and a tennis court. The district is also home to United International School, a British curriculum school that can accommodate up to 2,500 students.
Floresta Gardens
With its lush garden environment and secluded location east of Viva Bahriya, the district of Floresta Gardens is a tranquil gated community that's perfect for families. It has its own shopping mall - the 3,500 square meter Floresta Galleria Mall - and a large kids' area, as well as other amenities like a center piazza, wellness centers, and a clubhouse.
This gated community offers a variety of housing options, including ten mid-rise apartment buildings and three gated villa communities. The district features a unique layout reminiscent of a coliseum, with residential buildings and villas designed in the Mediterranean style.
Costa Malaz
Located on an isolated peninsula east of Giardino Village, Costa Malaz features beautiful waterfront views and an unmistakable tropical getaway vibe. The luxurious Kempinski Hotel, built on an islet on the precinct's central bay, sets the standard for the quality of life in Costa Malaz. Arabian and European inspired architecture, a private beach, a luxury spa, and other features combine for a year round resort experience.
Costa Malaz is home to Mediterranean style beachfront villas, as well as to expansive villa plots. Residents get direct access to the beach, as well as to canals that link to those in the Qanat Quartier district.
The villas in Costa Malaz are larger than the villas in other precincts, providing residents with utmost privacy and tranquility.
Isola Dana
Named after the most valuable pearl in the world, Isola Dana is a showcase of what luxury living in The Pearl Qatar is all about. The district comprises nine islands linked to the main island by a guard gated causeway that branches to each island's private causeway.
Dubbed the Crown Jewels of The Pearl, the Isola Dana islands feature private beaches and marinas, and are served by a 4-meter deep channel that allow the passage of larger vessels. Expansive lot areas provide plenty of space to build palatial beachfront homes with highly distinctive architecture.
With such spectacular and exclusive features, Isola Dana is fast establishing itself as one of the most prestigious addresses in the world.
Things to do in The Pearl-Island
With the wide diversity of the various districts, living in The Pearl means you'll never run out of things to see and do. Every day, there's always something different to experience and explore.
Shopping
The Pearl features over two million square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space. You can choose from a variety of shopping options, from luxury shops and boutiques to sprawling shopping malls where you can find large grocery stores, outlet shops, services, and more.
The major retail districts on the island are Porto Arabia and Medina Centrale, but there are plenty of options in other precincts as well. In addition to luxury brands, such as Armani, Versace, Lalique, and even Bentley and Ferrari, you will also find unique specialty stores selling handcrafted jewelry, gifts, pottery, chocolates, and so much more.
Dining
Dining is a must-indulge activity in The Pearl, with numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, coffee shops, and bake shops offering an endless variety of cuisines and experiences. You have a choice of casual and fine dining, street food fare, charming and innovative cafes, waterfront dining, and more. Whether you're craving for Asian or Middle Eastern food, French or Italian cuisine, American barbecues with a pint of beer, or just a sweet dessert to go with a cup of espresso, The Pearl has something to delight your palate.
Entertainment
From spending long hours at the beach and jogging at a park to watching a live performance and having a nightcap afterwards, The Pearl offers an unending array of leisure and entertainment activities for the entire family.
The top entertainment destinations on the island include:
Events
There's always an exciting event to look forward to in The Pearl. While many community activities take place at the Medina Centrale district, the other precincts also have their own array of events, including those organized and hosted by the hotels and resorts on the island, such as Marsa Malaz Kempinski and Hilton Doha The Pearl.
Popular events in The Pearl include live performances, car shows, triathlons, football matches, yoga and dance classes, water sports training and competitions, and more.
And with everyone gripped with excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2022 to be held in Qatar, The Pearl is also gearing up to welcome guests to the island and provide them with unforgettable experiences.
Nearby attractions
The Pearl has a great location that puts you close to many of the top attractions in Qatar. When you feel like venturing off the island, here are some of the nearby destinations to visit:
Step back into history at this exciting marketplace built on the site of Doha's old trading market. This winding bazaar features traditional mud-daubed buildings, some of which are restored early 20th century structures. The souq, or marketplace, is a labyrinth of shops selling everything from gold jewelry and decorations to locally made clothing, shoes, rugs, furniture, and artwork. Other interesting finds are pearls, local perfumes, spices, tapestries, and more. A must do at Souq Waqif is to visit the Falcon Souq, where you can hold a falcon and even buy one as a pet.
Qatar's equestrian centre is a leading institution in preserving the legacy and traditions of Arabian horses. It is currently home to around 700 of them, including several World Champion stallions. The centre's visitors get the chance to have an up close encounter with these beautiful animals, learn about their history and breeding programs, and perhaps watch them in action in a horse show.
Katara Cultural Village is a fascinating destination where you can learn all about Qatar's culture and history in one location. It's home to two beautiful and unique mosques, as well as a Greek style amphitheatre, a planetarium, art galleries, a public beach, restaurants and coffee shops, and so much more.
The West Bay
Take a short drive from The Pearl to the neighboring West Bay and marvel at the eclectic skyline featuring some of Qatar's most stunning skyscrapers. Not to be missed are the award-winning Burj Doha, the Palm Towers, and the Tornado Tower. The West Bay is also home to upscale shops and restaurants, as well as Doha's top attractions, including Katara Cultural Village and Souq Waqif.
Explore Your Real Estate Options In The Pearl Island With 25 Spaces Real Estate
We are a full service real estate company specializing in the most significant property developments in Doha, Qatar, particularly The Pearl Qatar and Lusail City. As proud locals, we know the ins and outs of the complex and competitive Qatar luxury real estate market, and we leverage our expertise to help our clients close the best transaction.
We provide outstanding sales, leasing, and property management. You can trust us with all your real estate needs, whether you're looking to buy, sell, or rent out a property in The Pearl or Lusail City. It is our goal to exceed your expectations and consistently provide top level customer service with our market knowledge, professionalism, and operational efficiency.
Our office is located at the Medina Centrale precinct in the heart of The Pearl. Do drop by and get a taste of what living in The Pearl Island is all about. Enjoy a cup of coffee at our coffee bar while we talk about achieving your real estate goals.
Get in touch with 25 Spaces Real Estate by phone at (+974) 4464 2525 or by email at info@25spaces.com. You can also get in touch with by completing this short inquiry form.
