Soldiers tour The Pearl – Qatar's island masterpiece

Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Johnny White (top), from Hopkinsville, Ky., and Spc. Patrick E. Miller (middle), from Dixon, Ill., admire a model representative of The Pearl, a new residential area in Qatar, May 31. United Development Company is bringing the multi-billion dollar project to life in Qatar. By 2011, over 16,000 properties will house more than 40,000 residents, within 13 themed districts. "It's easy to obtain a greater appreciation of architecture when you can see where ideas originate," said White. The Soldiers were participating in the U.S. Central Command rest and recuperation pass program at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar.  

DOHA, QATAR

06.01.2008

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

By Dustin Senger
Area Support Group - Qatar Public Affairs Officer

DOHA, Qatar – Soldiers participating in the U.S. Central Command rest and recuperation pass program at Camp As Sayliyah visited The Pearl, a new residential area in Qatar, May 31. To the people of Qatar, the 4-million square-meter island represents a booming economy and architectural prominence in the Gulf. To the Soldiers enjoying a respite from military operations, the budding community symbolizes the possibilities of peace and prosperity elsewhere in the Middle East.

"The Pearl is an architectural masterpiece!" said Spc. Patrick E. Miller, from Dixon, Ill., while enjoying a brief break from duties as a combat engineer in Iraq. "I am so glad I got this opportunity to see Qatar. It has been a long time since I have seen a building without bullet holes in it. I hope one day the Iraqi people can enjoy something new age and free from oppression."

United Development Company is bringing the multi-billion dollar project to life in Qatar. Roughly 350 meters off the coastline of a prominent residential district, over 32 miles of coastline was reclaimed to construct the massive undertaking. The community rising atop of the man-made island is the first to offer freehold residential rights to international investors in the Gulf State.

By 2011, over 16,000 properties will house more than 40,000 residents, within 13 themed districts. The island will contain clinics, schools and recreation venues. Three marinas will supply moorings for over 1,000 boats. Approximately 2 million square feet is devoted to upscale shopping and dining areas. The Pearl will unveil four more lavish hotels to Qatar.

"I am amazed at how fast they are getting this finished," said Miller. "They mentioned over 30,000 people are working throughout three shifts; 24 hours per day, seven days per week. I would hate to be working mid shift with this heat!" By May, average daily temperatures are routinely reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the Arabian Peninsula, with little chance of precipitation.

"First we saw a huge model of the project and satellite imagery of the grounds," said Staff Sgt. Johnny White, from Hopkinsville, Ky. "Then we saw them building it. It's amazing how it all comes together." White, a combat medic in Iraq, was also participating in the CENTCOM relaxation program and joined Miller during the tour of The Pearl.

"It's easy to obtain a greater appreciation of architecture when you can see where ideas originate – especially something of this magnitude," said White. "The architects who came up with all this must have gone through a lot of planning."

• Date Taken: 06.01.2008
• Date Posted: 06.01.2008 12:10
• Story ID: 20006
• Location: DOHA, QA