Doha, Qatar - 30 November, 2010: United Development Company (UDC) and The Pearl-Qatar provided pivotal input into the 3rd Annual Urban Waterfronts Conference held November 28-29, at The Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Jerry Jackson, Technical Director at UDC, presented a key paper which highlighted the importance of community development in mega waterfront projects, ranking UDC's flagship project The Pearl-Qatar alongside Paris, Venice and Sydney as one of the world's great waterfront cities.

Abdulrahim Al-Ibrahim, Director of The Pearl-Qatar Central Authority Directorate (TCAD), presented an outline which highlighted UDC's environmental management in construction and design of The Pearl-Qatar and above.

UDC has been a major sponsor of the 3rd Annual Urban Waterfront Conference, positioning The Pearl-Qatar, UDC's flagship project, alongside other waterfront developments of national and international importance.

Throughout the planning and designing of the island, the concept of community has remained central to UDC and the residential community has been able to grow alongside the development of the multiple precincts on the island. The unique architecture and rapid development of The Pearl-Qatar has ensured the development of numerous new communities on the island, something, Mr. Jackson was keen to point out in his speech:

"The Pearl-Qatar was designed and built to ensure different kinds of people would be able to find exactly what they want on the island.  This is why you can find different types of properties at different price points, designed with different exterior architecture and different interiors, all on the one island", Mr. Jackson said. 

The importance of environmental management in mega waterfront projects was highlighted by UDC'S Director of The Pearl-Qatar Central Authority Directorate (TCAD): "It has been a real achievement of UDC that we have been able to preserve the island's greatest natural asset throughout construction.

You can't work against nature - you have to work with it. With this approach we have ensured residents at The Pearl-Qatar can enjoy the beautiful waterfront lifestyle", Al-Ibrahim said.

Resident numbers at The Pearl-Qatar are expected to grow to over 2,000 by the end of this year. In 2010 a number of new shopping and dining outlets have opened on the island, including luxury brands Salvatore Ferragamo, Santoni and the Lebanese contemporary cuisine restaurant, Liza with many more openings in retail and hospitality expected in 2010 and 2011.

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About United Development Company (UDC)
Founded in 1999, United Development Company (UDC) has been listed on the Qatar Exchange since June 2003 and is one of Qatar's leading private sector shareholding companies.

The United Development Company was established with the vision to identify and invest in long-term projects contributing to Qatar's growth and providing lasting shareholder value.

UDC's target areas of interest include: infrastructure and utilities, energy-intensive industries, hydrocarbon downstream manufacturing, real estate, urban development, maritime and environment-related businesses, hospitality, retail and fashion, information technology, media and communications, insurance and other services. 

UDC has shown an ability to attract and partner with the highest quality of international talent, bringing outside expertise to bear on significant developments in Qatar and beyond. It has also demonstrated a successful model for synergistic growth, creating and operating a diverse portfolio of substantial businesses that leverage off one another and generate additional revenue streams in new markets.

 UDC's founders and current Board Members are among Qatar's most successful investors and developers. Thousands of Qatari shareholders hold 75 percent of the total shares and the remaining 25 percent are held by other GCC and international investors.

About The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar is a unique and innovative urban development in Doha, Qatar.  A masterpiece of private and modern living on an island spanning over 4 million square-meters of land, The Pearl-Qatar offers a tailored range of residential solutions to meet the highest of standards available in the Gulf.  Furthermore The Pearl-Qatar plays host to the latest retail and hospitality offerings from the world's leading brands and restaurants.

Developed by United Development Company (UDC), the island is located 350 meters offshore of Doha's prestigious West Bay District and is one of the largest real-estate developments in the Gulf.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
UDC Marketing & Communications
corporatecommunications@udcqatar.com

© Press Release 2010