Doha, January 23rd 2011: As part of its commitment to its corporate social responsibility activities, United Development Company (UDC) has announced an exclusive partnership with Doha College to celebrate the college's Pearl Anniversary celebrations.

To mark thirty years of education in Qatar, Doha College will be commemorating its Pearl Anniversary through a series of events spread out across the year.

"Across cultures, pearls are used to symbolize something dear and precious. In the Gulf region, pearls are a symbol of wealth and in the English language they are often associated with wisdom," said Khalil Sholy, Managing Director and President of UDC, master-developer of The Pearl-Qatar.

"UDC's partnership with Doha College to celebrate its Pearl Anniversary is a celebration of the value quality education brings to the development of Qatar as a knowledge-based society in line with the vision of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani."   

Established in Qatar in 1980, Doha College is one of the oldest British curriculum schools in Qatar. Today it provides world-class education for 1200 students between the ages of 3 and 18, from over 50 nationalities. A number of today's UDC employees have graduated from Doha College, others have chosen the school for their children.

"Beyond the obvious symbolism of our partnership, Doha College and UDC have a shared mission of delivering excellence for the development of Qatar," said Mark Leppard, Principal of Doha College. "We are pleased to have UDC join us in celebrating 30 years of educating and developing youth, many of whom have become and will continue to become leaders in various sectors of our community."

Doha College's pearl anniversary celebrations will include a range of events, displays and exhibitions displayed throughout The Pearl-Qatar's various indoor and outdoor venues, and will run throughout 2011.

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About Doha College
Doha College is one of the oldest British curriculum schools in Qatar providing a world class education for 1200 students, between the ages of 3 and 18, who represent over 50 nationalities.

Established in 1980, the college is proud to celebrate its pearl anniversary in 2010. Originally opened to meet the demand for a British-style education, the institution continues to operate under the sponsorship of the British Embassy on a not-for-profit basis. Doha College has an enviable reputation as one of the top international schools in the Gulf region with an atmosphere that makes it unique.

There is tangible energy, enthusiasm and dynamism apparent throughout the college and it is clear that the students are happy and thrive on the challenges offered both in and out of the classroom. All stakeholders believe that the 'DC experience' should be a positive, indelible and memorable one, which prepares and remains with each student for life.

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.

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.

For morer information, please contact:
UDC Marketing & Communications
corporatecommunications@udcqatar.com

© Press Release 2011