One Million Square Feet of Upscale Shopping for The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar, the US$2.5 billion island being reclaimed offshore the coast of the Qatari capital Doha, is to have the world’s longest, purpose-built and singly-operated retail destination, a conference in Dubai heard Tuesday.

Speaking at the Waterfront Dubai 2005 convention, Nick Bashkiroff, Development Director of The Pearl-Qatar, unveiled the project’s retail offering, designed to be a continuous experience.

“One million square feet of retail will surround Porto Arabia, the island’s main marina, ensuring that this will become a destination-within-a-destination,” Bashkiroff told delegates.

“This will be an upscale retail, food and beverage and leisure destination which will span the perimeter of Porto Arabia, which will also be an international yachting hub with 400 berths.

“This singly-operated retail component is being holistically planned and is a paradigm shift in the development of regional destinations,” he said.

Delegates heard that retail precincts are being developed along La Croisette, the 2.5 kilometre promenade that skirts Porto Arabia to drive repeat visitation traffic.

“These precincts will keep people coming back because they will not be able to see everything in one go,” said Bashkiroff. “There will be precincts with water-edge views, others with interior courtyards and they will be in a variety of concepts mixing Arabic tradition with European style and American retail efficiency.

“The Porto Arabia retail offering will burst with energy and provide the kind of relaxation that can only be found by the life-giving proximity of the water’s edge.”

The Pearl-Qatar’s retail offering is to be officially rolled out to the international and regional industry at a major trade presentation later this year.

“This will be an elite offering, in keeping with the Mediterranean ambience which will emanate from Porto Arabia,” said Bashkiroff.

Porto Arabia is the main iconic destination within The Pearl-Qatar. The marina is surrounded by 31 residential towers offering residents magnificent sea or harbour views.

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