Project: The Pearl Qatar

[Dubai-Lover]

USD2.5bn Pearl of the Gulf
Qatar is set to unveil details of its prestigious Pearl of the Gulf real estate project next week. This comprises a 400 hectare man-made island costing USD2.5bn with completion slated for 2006. The development company says the initial market response to the project is beyond expectations.

[Dubai-Lover]

Construction begins on Qatar's largest real estate project - The Pearl of the Gulf
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar, today officially inaugurated the State's largest real estate project, the Pearl of the Gulf.


An image of UDC's The Pearl of the Gulf

His Highness marked the start of construction work by ordering dredgers to begin reclaiming land at a ground-breaking ceremony attended by Ministers, ambassadors and business leaders.
The Pearl of the Gulf is the brain-child of the United Development Company (UDC), and is both Qatar's largest real-estate project and the state's first development to offer freehold and residential rights to the international community. It will eventually cover 400 hectares of reclaimed land and house some 30,000 people in a multi-cultural residential and commercial community.

'We are proud to offer the first freehold properties in Qatar for international investors and look forward to welcoming the first residents in 2006,' said Mr. Hussein Al Fardan, Chairman of UDC, who presented the island's Master Plan at the launch ceremony, 'The Pearl of the Gulf has been designed to include all the latest facilities and services in an exclusive island retreat. It will become a peaceful haven offering a lush environment where families can live in secure harmony.'

Ten unique districts will be developed over the next five years with the first residents due to take up ownership in September 2006. These themed districts will house three luxury hotels, four marinas providing mooring for over 700 boats and 60,000 sq meters of retail and restaurant space.

Although the first release sales will not begin until May 2004, UDC is already receiving requests from individuals and corporate investors looking to acquire the first properties on the island. 'Our properties are available for anyone, including private home-owners and institutions. When the first residences come on sale later this year, we expect requests from a mixture of interested parties united in their ability to identify prime real-estate opportunities,' UDC Chairman continued.

The Pearl of the Gulf will be built 350m offshore close to the West Bay lagoon area of Doha. As well as accommodating three large bays, which maximize the available water and beach frontage, the island is also well situated for Doha's city centre and golf courses. This location has been especially selected to ensure residents are both separate, whilst at the same time integrated, with the thriving open economies of Qatar and Doha.

The island has also been positioned in close consideration with due consideration to the local environment and a comprehensive impact study was carried out during the planning phases. 'We have positioned the island with the greatest respect for the marine environment and topography. We will work with nature, not against it, throughout the development phase and beyond,' Mr. Hussein Al Fardan concluded.

[Dubai-Lover]

Qatar offers foreigners freehold
Qatar launched its USD2.5bn manmade island project, Pearl of the Gulf, yesterday which includes 1,500-2,000 freehold properties for sale to foreigners. This is the first time that foreigners will be able to buy homes in Qatar, and the law will be changed to permit it.

[Dubai-Lover]

wow the whole thing will be ready within 20 months

Pearl of Gulf, 20 month schedule
The United Development Company of Qatar has announced that the Pearl of the Gulf, a USD2.5bn manmade island will be ready in 20 months. It will cover 400 hectares, and include villas and apartments, eventually creating a new community for 30,000 residents. Foreigners can buy.

[Dubai-Lover]

Rediscovered island emerges offshore Qatar
Reclamation work on The Pearl-Qatar, the USD2.5 billion man-made island being built offshore the Qatari capital of Doha, is running a month ahead of schedule.


Reclamation work on The Pearl-Qatar is running a month ahead of schedule.

First signs of the rediscovered island emerging from the sea are now clearly visible from the city's prestigious West Bay Lagoon area.

The first phase of reclamation work, which began in April this year, is due for completion this month with some 4 million cubic metres of sand having been lifted and 1.7 square metres of land being reclaimed.

The Pearl-Qatar, an upscale, mixed-use project, the country's first international real estate development, the largest real estate project in the country and the first in Qatar to offer freehold and residential rights to international investors, is rediscovering an ancient pearl-diving reef.

'Progress has been swift largely due to the shallow waters in the area,' explained Abdul Rahman Abdulghani, Chairman, Qatar Dredging Company Q.S.C., which was awarded the 21-month contract to reclaim 998 acres of land which will make up The Pearl-Qatar.

Qatar Dredging's contract with United Development Company (UDC), the promoter and developer of The Pearl-Qatar, includes all reclamation work and revetment for shore protection and quay walls.

The Pearl-Qatar is being reclaimed to 2.5 metres above sea level and in all, some 14 million cubic metres of sand being lifted for the project.

'Early completion of this first phase will shortly allow piling contractors on-site to drive piles for the first seven of the 21, 20-storey towers which will surround the island's main marina,' said Nick Bashkiroff, Development Director, The Pearl-Qatar.

'The project's name and location, on the site of this former pearl diving site, leverages Qatar's traditions and strong historical and cultural ties with the sea.'

The first phase of the marina is due for completion in late 2006 when the first investors are due to take up residency on this Riviera-style island. In all, some 30,000 residents are expected to eventually live on The Pearl-Qatar in an up-scale, multi-cultural island retreat.

The four-phase development comprises 10 distinctly themed districts to be developed over five years and will include luxury hotels, four marinas with combined mooring for over 700 boats, and 60,000 square metres of luxury retail and restaurant space.

[Dubai-Lover]

The Pearl-Qatar awards Parsons International detailed engineering design contract
The Pearl-Qatar, the USD2.5 billion man-made island being built offshore the Qatari capital of Doha in the Arabian Gulf, has awarded a multi-million dollar contract to Parsons International Limited, the Middle East arm of the US-headquartered infrastructure development and programme management leader.



The scope of work includes the detailed engineering design of The Pearl Qatar's roads, infrastructure and landscaping.

The award follows a highly competitive international tender which attracted bidders from the Middle East, Europe and the USA.

'Parsons' edge in successful selection was its 60-year reputation based upon dependability and competency in managing some of the world's most challenging infrastructure projects,' said Nick Bashkiroff, Development Director, The Pearl-Qatar.

'This is a world-class project and we are committed to the appointment of world-class service providers needed to deliver a project of this level of exclusivity. A high level of quality delivery is what will differentiate The Pearl-Qatar which will be an aspirational address with facilities unsurpassed within the country, indeed the Middle East. It will be a destination of pride for all Qataris and investors.'

Covering some 988 acres, The Pearl-Qatar will be two-thirds the size of the Western Mediterranean island of Gibraltar. It will be linked to Qatar's mainland via a 355 metre-long, palm-tree lined, eight-lane super highway.

The Pearl-Qatar is the country's first international real estate venture, its largest real estate project and the first in Qatar to offer freehold and residential rights to international investors.

The project, which will create over 40 kilometres of new coastline, is being developed and promoted by United Development Company (UDC), Qatar's largest private sector shareholding company which is listed on the Doha Securities Market.

The rediscovered island, which is being built on a reclaimed pearl diving reef, will offer a Riviera-style community with 30,000 residents in 10 distinctly themed districts, three deluxe hotels, four marinas, leisure facilities and 60,000 square metres of luxury retail and restaurant space.

'This is an excellent win for Parsons which is establishing a portfolio of infrastructure clients around the Middle East covering some of the region's most ambitious and innovative projects,' said Lewis Case, Parsons Vice President and manager of Middle East Operations.

'The Pearl-Qatar will raise the bar for the region's freehold real estate, tourism and retail sectors and will be a priceless asset for Qataris and the country.'

Dredging work for The Pearl-Qatar is currently under way. The first investors are due to take up residency in late 2006 with the entire project due for completion in 2009.

Parsons International Limited has also produced an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of The Pearl Qatar, which has been submitted to The Supreme Council For The Environment & Natural Resources in Qatar.

'The Pearl-Qatar is being built with environmental concerns upper-most in mind,' said Bashkiroff. 'Through socio-conscious planning, we will create a diversity of environments and experiences that will be new to the region.

'The EIA has shown that new marine habitat would be created by the project and also that The Pearl-Qatar will have a positive effect on bird life. The new upland vegetation that is to be created by this project is likely to attract a variety of perching bird species currently limited to only parks and open spaces within Doha.'

[Dubai-Lover]

The Pearl-Qatar appoints Callison for main marina design and construction architecture
The Pearl-Qatar, the USD2.5 billion man-made island being built offshore the Qatari capital, Doha, has appointed Seattle-headquartered Callison Architecture Inc. as the prime consultant and design architect for master planning, design and construction services.

Callison provided the master planning and conceptual design services for the 988 acre island, which established the overall concept. The firm is currently providing design and construction services for the 21, 20-storey towers comprised of 3,116 fashionable apartments with sweeping sea views that overlook 410 imaginative town houses and 55,000 square metres of high-end retail with parking structures. These features are all contained in a Riviera-like boardwalk setting around a 400-boat slip marina – one of four planned for The Pearl-Qatar.

The first phase of The Pearl-Qatar is scheduled for completion late 2006. Callison is co-ordinating the design with local architectural firm, KEO International.

'Callison demonstrated immense creativity and style and produced designs which clearly differentiated the project and were aligned with the vision of the island's developers and promoters to produce an iconic asset for Qatar capable of attracting international investment,' said Nick Bashkiroff, Development Director, The Pearl-Qatar.

The Pearl-Qatar win is being developed and promoted by United Development Company (UDC) – the country's largest private sector shareholding company.

'The Pearl-Qatar is a unique project with a Riviera-style theme which will position it as truly world-class and differentiate it from other developments within the region and around the world,' said Charles Krimmert, Callison's Project Manager for The Pearl-Qatar.

'We are confident that the architectural experience will position The Pearl-Qatar to capitalise on the country's rich maritime and pearling history while leveraging the appeal of Qatar as the Arab world's richest per-capita nation and one of the region's most secure and relaxing living environments.'

Callison has incorporated unique concepts into a master plan in accordance with the brand identity for The Pearl-Qatar, which is the country's first international real estate venture and the first to offer freehold and residential rights to global investors.

The final master plan and brand identity are due for imminent launch following a soft-launch test marketing of the project, which has received interest from local, regional and international investors.

The Pearl-Qatar is being developed offshore Doha's prestigious West Bay Lagoon area. It will be linked to the mainland by an eight-lane, palm-tree lined super highway.

[Dubai-Lover]

The Pearl-Qatar freehold on sale
The first freehold properties ever offered for sale in Qatar went on the market yesterday. The Pearl-Qatar is offering 1,012 apartments, 28 penthouses and 140 town houses in seven towers due for completion in Q4 2006 or Q1 2007. Full freehold rights for foreigners are already part of Qatari law.

[Dubai-Lover]

Three towers on The Pearl-Qatar reserved in 24 hours
Some 456 apartments in three multi-storey towers, part of the first phase of The Pearl-Qatar, the island being reclaimed offshore Doha, have been reserved within 24 hours of them being released for sale.


La Croisette.

Developers of the US $2.5 billion Riviera Arabia island, United Development Company (UDC), have reported being inundated with enquiries following release of the towers, which will overlook Porto Arabia, the project's main marina.

'We have also received strong institution interest from potential investors in India, Europe, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,' said Nick Bashkiroff, Development Director, The Pearl-Qatar. 'Negotiations with these parties will continue this week.'

The West Porto Drive towers, the first of seven, 20-storey buildings in Phase One of the project, are the first freehold properties ever to be offered for sale in Qatar. The towers will skirt La Croisette, which will be a lively 2.5 kilometre long hub for diners and shoppers.

'The positioning of The Pearl-Qatar as the Riviera Arabia and one of the Middle East's most glamorous addresses has resonated with investors both within Qatar and throughout the GCC,' added Bashkiroff.

'We are now gearing up for our launch to the international market with a major presentation planned in London next month.'

[Dubai-Lover]

this is sdom great news!!!! you can see the island for the first time now

Pearl-Qatar rises from the sea a month early


Land reclamation continues.
First signs of the Pearl-Qatar Island emerging from the sea is now visible from Doha’s West Bay Lagoon area. Reclamation work on the US $2.5 billion man-made island is now running a month ahead of schedule according to Qatar Dredging Company.

The first phase of reclamation work, which began in April this year, is due for completion this month with some 4 million m3 of sand having been lifted and 1.7 m2 of land being reclaimed. The mixed-use project, which is Qatar’s first international real estate development is the largest real estate project in the country and the first in Qatar to offer freehold and residential rights to international investors.

“Progress has been swift largely due to the shallow waters in the area,” said Abdul Rahman Abdulghani, chairman, Qatar Dredging Company, which was awarded the 21-month contract to reclaim 998 acres of land which will make up The Pearl-Qatar.

Qatar Dredging’s contract with United Development Company (UDC), the promoter and developer of The Pearl-Qatar, includes all reclamation work and revetment for shore protection and quay walls. The Pearl-Qatar is being reclaimed to 2.5 m above sea level and in all, some 14 million m3 of sand is being lifted for the project.

“Early completion of this first phase will shortly allow piling contractors on-site to drive piles for the first seven of the 21, 20-storey towers which will surround the island’s main marina,” said Nick Bashkiroff, development director, The Pearl-Qatar. “The project’s name and location, on the site of this former pearl diving site, leverages Qatar’s traditions and strong historical and cultural ties with the sea,” he added.

The first phase of the marina is due for completion in late 2006 when the first investors are due to take up residency on the island. Around 30 000 residents are expected to eventually live on The Pearl-Qatar in an up-scale, multi-cultural island retreat.

The four-phase development comprises 10 themed districts to be developed over five years and will include a range of hotels, four marinas with combined mooring for over 700 boats and 60 000 m2 of retail and restaurant space.

Meanwhile, the Pearl-Qatar has chosen Action Global Communications to handle its international public relations requirements for the project. The contract will be overseen by Dubai-headquartered MCS/Action, the regional arm of the Nicosia-based Action Group.

[Bahraini Spirit]

ya this project is progressing quickly. I like this one.

[Dubai-Lover]

me too of course
any info on an official homepage yet?

am excited to see what they'll build on top of it
are there masterplans?

[Bahraini Spirit]

I don't think there is an official homepage yet. I haven't seen a masterplan besides those small pics that you posted above. Again, we'll have to wait and see.

[Qatar4Ever]

www.thepearlofthegulf.com

[Bahraini Spirit]

thanks man, great website.

[Bahraini Spirit]

I've just seen those renderings, wooow i totally love this project. Hopefully it turns out this way.

[Dubai-Lover]

thanks mate
i typed everything in google, yahoo,... and no result

why didn't they name it "thepearlqatar.com"?

[Dubai-Lover]

wow, turns out to be an incredibly great website

some construction pics



what's the tower in the background?

[Bahraini Spirit]

thats the ritz carlton doha.

[Dubai-Lover]

The Pearl-Qatar awards second site testing contract
Fugro Middle East, part of the Fugro Group of Companies, one of the world's leading companies in sub-surface exploration and geotechnical interpretation, has won its second contract for The Pearl-Qatar, the USD 2.5 billion island being reclaimed offshore Qatar in the Arabian Gulf.


Fugro Middle East won the award from the project's developers, United Development Company of Qatar, for structure specific site testing of the area around Porto Arabia, the island's main marina, in the face of competition from six GCC companies invited to tender.

'Fugro's expertise both in the region and with reclaimed projects was the deciding factor,' said Nick Bashkiroff, Development Director, The Pearl-Qatar.

Fugro Middle East will now immediately begin drilling land and marine bore on the Porto Arabia sites, which will house multi-storey residential towers which will flank the main harbour of the Riviera-style island.

'Laboratory testing of soil and rock samples will determine the parameters for foundation design and the construction work can then commence,' said Nick Willet, Deputy Manager, Fugro Middle East.

Fugro Middle East previously carried out the preliminary investigation and soil sampling for The Pearl-Qatar prior to the launch of reclamation work last April.

'We anticipate the work taking four months to complete and it will take place in tandem with reclamation operations,' explained Willet.

Reclamation of the The Pearl-Qatar is currently a month ahead of schedule and piling for the first seven of the multi-storey Porto Arabia towers is due to commence mid November.

'We are well on target to ensuring that these towers, which will house the first freehold properties in Qatar ever to be offered for sale to international investors, will be ready for residency on schedule late 2006/early 2007,' said Bashkiroff.

The 20-storey towers, which have been designed in four Mediterranean styles – Monaco, Tuscan, Provencal and Florentine - will feature a range of fashionable apartments, luxury penthouses and elegant town homes.

'Most will have sweeping views of what will be a regional yachting hub with a café style culture reminiscent of the best of the Mediterranean,' said Bashkiroff.