The Pearl-Qatar
Doha, Qatar
An elaborate artificial island north of Doha’s West Bay, the Pearl-Qatar is home to luxury apartment towers, villas, marinas, and shopping boutiques,—it’s the city’s very own riviera. At the center of the Pearl-Qatar is the Qanat Quartier, which combines sheltered beaches with a Venetian-inspired look.
The basics
As one of Doha’s newest landmarks, the Pearl-Qatar is often included in city tours of Doha, which typically make a brief stop to see its ambitious and elegant design. The island is a mixed residential, retail, and entertainment precinct, so not all of the island is likely to be of interest. However, you can walk along the marinas, explore the Qanat Quartier’s Venetian canals, window shop at opulent showrooms and boutiques, and dine at restaurants covering a vast range of cuisines.
Things to know before you go
This attraction is perfect for families and leisure travelers.
See the Pearl-Qatar as part of a private city tour or food tour to navigate with ease.
Due to its modern design, much of the Pearl-Qatar is wheelchair accessible, with ramp access to buildings and wide walkways.
How to get there
It’s possible to get to the Pearl-Qatar in about 20 minutes by car, taxi, or ride share from central Doha. Since the opening of the Doha Metro in 2019, you can also take the Red Line to the Legtaifiya station by the entrance to the island. The M109, M110, and M152 buses operate from there to different areas around the Pearl-Qatar.
When to get there
Like the rest of Qatar, the most pleasant time to visit the Pearl-Qatar during the day is in the cooler months of December and January. Otherwise, it’s best to wait until the evening when it starts to cool down, with most shops, boutiques, and restaurants open daily until late.
Visiting Katara Cultural Village
Just to the south of the Pearl-Qatar is the Katara Cultural Village, another popular Doha attraction often featured on sightseeing tours. The village’s aim is to highlight Qatar’s mix of cultural influences, with attractions such as the beautiful Katara Mosque, the Katara Arts Studios, and various other museums and galleries, plus some of the city’s most popular Middle Eastern eateries.
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