The Pearl-Qatar in Doha, Qatar, is a luxurious residential complex that is being developed on an artificial island, off the coast of Doha’s West Bay. The 4-square-km island created on reclaimed land has 32 kilometers of new coastline lined with private villas, dozens of apartments towers and hundreds of homes, along with luxury hotels and opulent stores and restaurants. As of spring 2012, more than 5,000 residents have already moved in. When construction completes by 2015, the island will have room for 41,000. The Pearl-Qatar is one of the most ambitious development project in Qatar, and the first development to offer freehold and residential rights to international clients.

The development’s name “Pearl” refers to the major pearl-diving industry that used to be based on the shallow seabed where the island is being built. Qatar was one of the major pearl traders of Asia before the Japanese introduced cheaper more affordable pearls just before Qatar's oil boom. The island’s design also resemble a string of pearls.

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The Pearl-Qatar’s first phase and gateway to the Island boasts of the world’s longest waterfront luxury retail walkway, the 3.5 kilometer marina-front pedestrian boardwalk “La Croisette”, which is home to international hospitality brands and high-end boutiques. The large Porto Arabia district encompasses 31 apartment towers around a circular lagoon with a central island and a marina with space for 750 boats. There are also more than 400 town homes, over 6,000 parking spaces and extensive space for retail stores including a multitude of internationally renowned outlets. These include brands like Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Roberto Cavalli and Elie Saab. There will also be a “Venice-like community” with extensive canal system, pedestrian-friendly squares and plazas and beachfront townhouses. There is even a replica of Venice’s Rialto Bridge.

When the project was first revealed in 2004, the initial cost of constructing the island stood at $2.5 billion. It is now believed the project will cost $15 billion upon completion.

Also see: Dubai's Enormous “The World” Artificial Archipelago

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Sources: Wikipedia / UDC Qatar / Google Sightseeing