Qatar’s Pearl: the art of imitation

Jun 30, 2008

Qatar’s Pearl: the art of imitation

We’ve heard a lot about rich gulf countries and emirates (Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi,…) that use their wealth to build iconic cities, by copying everything that’s best around the world. Some even came to a point there wasn’t anything to copy from anymore, and started building in their own style.

Next to Doha, Qatar’s capital city, an impressive project is under construction. It is called “The Pearl Qatar”, and it consists of a group of man-made islands (reminds me of Dubai’s palm…) split into 10 themed districts: Porto Arabia, Viva Bahriyah, Costa Malaz, Isola Dana, Abraj Quartiers, Perlita Villas, Giardino Villas, Qanat Quartier, Medina Centrale, Floresta Gardens and The Villas. The US multi billion project that covers 985 acres is developed by United Development Company (UDC).

Last press release (June 02, 2008) stated:

Inspired by the Rivieras of Italy and France, The Pearl-Qatar – the ‘World’s Smartest Island’ – [...] As one of the region’s most visionary developments, The Pearl-Qatar is redefining the concept of luxury living.

Well, I would say it’s a bit more than just “inspired” from Italy and France. Do you want and example? Look at this picture underneath: this is the exact copy of Venice, Italy. So do you want to go to Venice, but you would like it cleaner, wealthier and much warmer? Here you are.

Yes, this will be in Qatar. At least this replica will not sink… Would it be possible that people would like Venice because of its authenticity, rather than for its canals, bridges and gondolas?

Some other parts, like Costa Malaz, are clearly inspired from the Spanish Mediterranean coast. When they say “The Pearl-Qatar is redefining the concept of luxury living”, they obviously mean they are taking what tourists like from Europe and putting it in a luxurious background. This way, people living there will not have to be between “normal” people.

There will be nothing less than:

[...] award-winning marinas, platinum beaches, pristine turquoise waters as well as its world-class leisure and entertainment facilities. Residents will be able to shop in boutiques offering the finest luxury brands found nowhere else in the region

The Pearl-Qatar is set to open in the autumn of 2008. It surely gives a sensation of déjà-vu, and I am wonder if, with all the competition from neighbours (Durrat Al Bahrain, Dubai, Yas Island …), this project is really going to work.