Qatar's United Development Company (UDC) has recently signed a contract with a joint venture of J&P Avax and Joannou & Paraskevaides (J&P) Overseas Limited for roads and infrastructure works valued at QR1.036 billion ($283.3 million) for the Pearl-Qatar project.

The contract covers all infrastructure works for the island, including all road works, bridges, footbridges, flyovers and underpasses, street lighting and sign posting, sewerage and fresh water networks, and civil works for telecommunications.
The project is due for completion in 970 days.
The Pearl-Qatar is an artificial island with a surface of 400 ha being developed off the eastern shore of Qatar, 20 km north of the capital city of Doha. In five years, UDC, Qatar's largest private real estate developer plans to create the largest and most luxurious tourist destination in the Gulf area on the island. When fully developed, the project will include three five-star hotels with a total capacity of 800 beds, 8,000 luxury villas, houses and apartments, four marinas, schools, shops and restaurants in 10 separate theme districts, housing a total of 40,000 people.
The project is expected to house some 40,000 people by 2009.