As construction work continues on several towers at the $2.5 billion The Pearl-Qatar (TPQ), its owner and developer United Development Company (UDC) has launched a series of developments within this Riviera-style man-made island – the latest of which is the Qanat Quartier.

“Qanat Quartier is the first development project of its kind in Qatar,” says Elie Jubran, general manager for marketing and communications at The Pearl-Qatar. “We aim to build a precinct akin to the finest European cities and to the city of Venice with its water canals and Italian architecture.”
 Through Qanat Quartier, UDC aims to bring the genuine essence of Venice to the heart of the Arabian Gulf. Qanat Quartier’s Italian-inspired architecture and design encapsulates the spirit of the Venetian city – creating a historic metropolis at The Pearl-Qatar.
 Qanat Quartier precinct will feature low-rise buildings that make a statement of cosmopolitan style in a secluded setting.  It will be the first to introduce the water taxi concept in Qatar, where taxis will transport visitors and residents within Qanat Quartier.  All taxis will berth at the different water canals of Qanat Quartier, while private yacht owners will have the opportunity to berth their boats on the island’s exclusive marinas.
 Built 350 m offshore of the West Bay District and 25 km away from the airport, The Pearl-Qatar is Qatar’s first international real estate venture offering freehold and residential rights to international investors.
 The Pearl Qatar has emerged as the largest island in Qatar’s waters, following two years of reclamation, during which 4 million sq m of new land have been created with a 32-km shoreline, three coves, navigable canals, in addition to numerous other features. It will be home to 41,000 multicultural residents within 10 precincts by 2011. The four-phase development will house five luxury hotels, three marinas and more than 2 million sq ft of luxury retail, recreation and restaurant space.
 A joint venture of Qatar District Cooling (Qatar Cool) and UDC has been charged with the responsibility of keeping the island cool and is constructing a plant to provide 120,000 tons of refrigeration through district cooling.  The first precinct to be launched on the development is Porto Arabia, followed by the Viva Bahriya precinct.
 
Porto Arabia
Porto Arabia is one of the most upscale regions in the project with a 2.5 km boardwalk overlooking an award-winning marina.  It boasts high-end restaurants, cafes, and shops as well as the largest of the Pearl-Qatar's marinas with a capacity to harbour 785 boats of the total 1,004 that could berth in the island’s three marinas.
 Porto Arabia will also be home to a new 300-room five-star hotel located on the precinct’s attractive islet, Marsa Arabia. The hotel is to be operated by the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
 Porto Arabia, the cosmopolitan heart of the Pearl-Qatar and the epitome of Riviera Arabia living, combines elegant towers and townhouses in a spectacular location. This dynamic precinct also houses a wide selection of renowned fashion brands, and world-class food and beverage outlets. In addition to the Four Seasons hotel, the precinct will feature:
• 31 Mediterranean-style towers with a total of 4,800 units;
• 437 townhouses and low-rise terrace apartments;
• 1 million sq ft of leasable retail and commercial spaces;
• 2.5 km boardwalk – ‘La Croisette Boulevard.
 
Viva Bahriya
Featuring the second largest of the marinas, Viva Bahriya will consist of 29 buildings. Designed as a family destination surrounding a harbour, it has Moroccan-styled townhouses and apartments located a short walk away from promenade of Porto Arabia. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the landscaped promenade, have access to a wide range of water sports and true beachfront living. A five-star hotel will add to the district's year-round amenities and lifestyle.
Other districts of The Pearl-Qatar include:
• Costa Malaz, which will feature individual villas on larger-than-average plots, all arranged to overlook an extensive harbour
• Isola Dana islands, featuring the largest and most private residential plots within The Pearl-Qatar. Accessed via their own causeway, they enable investors to style their own residences as they choose in a setting that affords privacy;
• La Plage Villas, which will offer individual dwellings arranged in three areas;
• Medina Centrale, the Town Centre of The Pearl-Qatar, and a unique blend of residential, shopping and leisure experiences, influenced by the charming ambience of the Mediterranean;
• Giardino Villas, an organic, garden-themed private residential development with a total of 268 villa-style residences focused around a u-shaped 5,000-sq m central clubhouse; and
• Floresta Townhomes, a garden-meets-the-sea environment that enjoys one of the most prized locations on the island.