The Pearl-Qatar (TPQ) in Doha , Qatar , is an artificial island spanning nearly four million square metres. It is the first land in Qatar to be available for freehold ownership by foreign nationals. [ 1 ] As of spring 2012, there are more than 5,000 residents, [ 2 ] compared to more than 3,000 residents in spring of 2011. [ 3 ] Once fully completed, The Pearl will create over 32 kilometers of new coastline, for use as a residential estate with an expected 15,000 dwellings and 45,000 residents by 2015. Developed by United Development Company and planned by architecture and design firm Callison , the island is located 350 metres offshore of Doha’s West Bay Lagoon area. In 2004, when the project was first revealed, the initial cost of constructing the island stood at $2.5 billion. [ 4 ] It is now believed the project will cost $15 billion upon completion. Doha, Qatar Map artificial island ...