US Ambassador visits The Pearl-Qatar

The Ambassador's visit to UDC's multi-billion dollar (USD) offshore island is one of a series of visits extended to high-profile investors, government officials and business figures from around the world. The Qatari-based project is one of the largest real estate developments in the country and is seen as an attractive investment and business opportunity.

His Excellency, accompanied by a delegation of American diplomats and officials, was received at The Oyster - the new Sales and Marketing center at The Pearl-Qatar. UDC Board Member, Omar Alfardan, as well as top UDC officials welcomed him.

During the visit, UDC officials presented features of the project from different vantage points, explaining the progress currently being made on different levels of the development. The Pearl-Qatar was presented as a multi-cultural residential community and a high-end retail destination.

UDC officials also elaborated on the world-class hospitality and leisure services being developed on the island. This is marked by the construction of five-star hotels, exclusive boutique hotels and beach clubs.

The American Ambassador had high praise for the project's various strengths and commended UDC's outstanding performance. He also emphasized on the importance of this visit in exploring mutual interests in the future.

"We see this visit as an important step towards further cooperation, which will eventually add more support to the already-strong economic relations between the United States and Qatar."

"I am extremely impressed by the magnitude and quality of this project, and I am delighted that UDC officials have studied the impacts associated with developments of this size on existing topography and marine environment."

A brunch gathering took place at The Oyster lounge after the presentation, followed by a boat tour of the island. The entire delegation, along with UDC senior members, toured around the project and was given the chance to see different parts of the development and view the island from the water.

Omar Alfardan also took the opportunity to address the high-profile delegation "The Island has increasingly been attracting investment interest from around the world and His Excellency's visit is another example of the reputation UDC and its flagship project, The Pearl-Qatar, have gained in the past few years."

"We are very proud to host this visit and to have the opportunity to showcase our internationally acclaimed project, that has become an icon in the Qatari economy, and a place people will aspire to visit from all over the world," he concluded.

The Pearl-Qatar is the largest island in Qatar's waters. During the two-year land reclamation process, four million square meters of new land were created with a 32-kilometer shoreline, three coves, and navigable canals in addition to numerous other features.

A jewel in the Arabian Gulf, The Pearl-Qatar is the country's first international real estate venture. It will be home to approximately 40,000 residents in more than 15,000 dwellings, within 12 inspiring precincts by 2011.