Qatar

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The Pearl Island

Doha's island of marinas and canals

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to The Pearl Island Plan a trip around Qatar

Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Currency: QAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Qatar

Photo: Alex Sergeev (www.asergeev.com), CC BY-SA 3.0

The Pearl Island is a 4 sq km artificial island off Doha, built on reclaimed land and known for its yacht marina, Venice-style canals and freehold residential towers. Visitors come for waterfront dining, the marina promenade and resort hotels.

Largest cities

Doha
Al Rayyan
Al Wakrah
Al Khor
Lusail

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Qatar
Capital: Doha
Island population: 52,000
Population of Qatar: 2.6M
Country area: 11,437 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR) · 1 USD ≈ 3.64 QAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +974
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 7 m
Plugs: D / G · 240V
Emergency numbers: 999
Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	23°	24°	28°	34°	39°	42°	42°	42°	40°	36°	31°	25°
Low	14°	15°	18°	22°	27°	29°	31°	31°	29°	25°	21°	17°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$78
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$190
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$510

Plan a trip to The Pearl Island

Top things to do

Free
Porto Arabia Marina Promenade
Walk the crescent-shaped marina lined with yachts, cafes and 31 residential towers; go in the late afternoon when the heat drops and the lights come on.
- Half day
- Porto Arabia
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Qanat Quartier Canals
Explore the Venice-like canal district with pastel townhouses, pedestrian squares and a replica Rialto Bridge; boat taxis run through the canals.
- Half day
- Qanat Quartier
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $10
Boat Taxi Across the Island
Take a short boat taxi between Porto Arabia and Qanat Quartier for a water-level view of the towers and marinas; services run in daylight hours.
- Half day
- Porto Arabia
- Good for kids
Free
Medina Centrale Shops and Restaurants
Browse the central retail and dining area with restaurants, a coffee bar and family entertainment; it is the island's main indoor escape from the heat.
- Half day
- Medina Centrale
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Good in the evening
Free
Marsa Malaz Kempinski Islet
Visit the palace-style hotel on its own islet for a coffee, meal or spa treatment; non-guests can use restaurants and lounges.
- Half day
- Porto Arabia
- Indoors
- Good in the evening
Free
The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island
Cross to this islet hotel for afternoon tea or dinner with marina views; reservations are recommended in the cooler months.
- Half day
- Viva Bahriya
- Indoors
- Good in the evening
≈ $2
Doha Day Trip via Legtaifiya Metro
Take the M110 bus from Porto Arabia to Legtaifiya station, then the metro to central Doha sights such as Souq Waqif and the Corniche; allow a full day.
- Full day
- Abraj Quartier
- Good for kids
Free
Events at Abraj Quartier Entrance
The island hosts events and exhibitions such as the Qatar Classic Cars contest near the entrance precinct; check the local events calendar before visiting.
- Half day
- Abraj Quartier
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many nationalities, including UK, EU, US, Indian and Latin American passport holders, can get a free visa waiver or visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days; other nationalities need to apply in advance. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival, and travellers staying more than 30 days must buy local health insurance. Check the latest rules on the Qatar Ministry of Interior website before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Most visitors arrive at Hamad International Airport (DOH) and reach the island by taxi or ride-hailing car in about 25–35 minutes. The island is also linked to Doha by bus routes and the M110 bus to Legtaifiya metro station.

Getting around

Distances vary by precinct: golf carts are common in Porto Arabia and Medina Centrale, boat taxis link Porto Arabia and Qanat Quartier, and limousines and buses cover the main districts.

Local tips

Dress modestly in public areas; swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beaches.
Alcohol is served in hotel restaurants and bars, not in public spaces.
Card payment is widely accepted; keep some cash for small vendors and tips.
Summers are extremely hot from June to September, so plan outdoor time for early morning or evening.