The Pearl-Qatar at a glance
The Pearl is an island district on the northern coast of Doha, next to Katara and West Bay. Visitors mainly come for two areas: Qanat Quartier, a canal district with pedestrian squares, shops and restaurants, and Porto Arabia, one of the visitor and dining areas. The operator of the island also names Medina Centrale as a place with valet parking.
This is an independent site. It is not run by the island's operator, a hotel or a tour company. Prices are in Qatari riyals (QAR), with dollar values rounded at 1 US dollar to 3.64 QAR, as listed in 2026.
What to see on The Pearl
Two areas that suit a half day.
Qanat Quartier
The canal district has pedestrian squares, shops and restaurants. It is the part of the island that is easiest to explore on foot. The operator lists 1,120 retail parking spaces, so driving is an option as well.
Porto Arabia
Porto Arabia is one of the visitor and dining areas. It is also a stop for the water taxi, which makes it a good place to start if you want to cross to Qanat Quartier by boat.
Opening hours
Shops and restaurants set their own hours, so check the place you want to visit. Do not assume you can enter residential areas.
Our picks: city tours
A guided tour that includes The Pearl, and a city highlights tour with a dhow ticket.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
City highlights tour with a dhow boat ticket
Pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi on board and a dhow boat ticket.
Check availability →
Guided city tour with airport or hotel pickup
Pickup and return from your hotel or the airport, a guided walk through Souq Waqif, a photo stop on the Corniche and visits to Katara and The Pearl.
Check availability →Tours from and around The Pearl
Dhow cruises, city tours and day trips, with live prices and availability.
How to get to The Pearl
Qanat Quartier has no Metro station of its own.
| Option | How it works | What is listed |
|---|---|---|
| Metro plus Metrolink | Metro to Legtaifiya, then the free feeder service | Recommended by the island's operator |
| Water taxi | Porto Arabia or Qanat Quartier | 08:00–00:00, from QAR 25 ($7), 20 to 25 minutes, up to 10 guests, children under 3 free |
| Car | Visitor car parks on the island, valet in Porto Arabia, Qanat Quartier and Medina Centrale | – |
| Taxi from the airport | See the airport guide | About 30 minutes to one resort on The Pearl |
| Dhow cruise | Starts and ends at The Pearl | QAR 150 ($41), 2 hours |
Ask when you book whether QAR 25 applies per person or per trip, and check the rates at the car park.
Make a day of it
Ideas that fit the coast.
Join a sunset cruise
A booked dhow cruise lists QAR 150 ($41) for 2 hours. From October to February it runs 16:00–18:00, from March to September 17:00–19:00. The route starts and ends at The Pearl and passes Katara, West Bay, the Corniche and the Mina District. The route begins at The Pearl, not at the Corniche. You must board and leave the boat without help, and the provider calls it unsuitable for wheelchair users.
Tours compared →Add Katara
Katara Cultural Village lies between West Bay and The Pearl. It has two mosques, an amphitheatre and galleries. Its beach was listed at QAR 10 ($3) in a summer 2026 report, which is not a guaranteed October price.
Katara guide →Stay on the island
A resort on its own island at The Pearl is one example of a stay here. Plan onward transport yourself, since no Metro station stands in Qanat Quartier.
Where to stay →Think about beaches carefully
Do not assume free beach access for non-residents. Access depends on the property or operator, so check before you pack for a beach day.
Practical points for a visit
Clothing, heat and etiquette on the coast.
Clothing
The tourism guidance asks men and women to keep shoulders and knees covered in public areas. That applies on the squares and in the shops as well as in museums.
Heat and time of day
Summer is hot, and the coast can be humid. The tourism guidance recommends shade, sun protection and plenty of fluids. It names October to May as the general period for outdoor activities. The squares and the water are easier to enjoy in the late afternoon and evening.
Weather guide →Alcohol
Drinking in public and being drunk are forbidden, and bringing alcohol into the country is as well. It can be served in licensed hotels, not in the street.
During Ramadan
In daytime, eating, drinking and smoking in public areas are not expected. Hotels continue to serve guests in restaurants that cannot be seen from outside. Ramadan 2026 began on 18 February. The start of Ramadan 2027 is provisionally given as 8 February, and the final date depends on the moon sighting.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that fit a day on the coast.
The Pearl-Qatar: frequently asked questions
How do I get to The Pearl by Metro?
The island's operator recommends the Metro to Legtaifiya and the free Metrolink for the last part. No Metro station stands in Qanat Quartier itself.
How much is the water taxi?
The listed price starts at QAR 25 ($7) for 20 to 25 minutes. It runs between Porto Arabia and Qanat Quartier from 08:00 to 00:00 and takes up to 10 guests. Children under 3 travel free.
Is there parking?
Yes. The island has visitor car parks, and valet service in Porto Arabia, Qanat Quartier and Medina Centrale. Qanat Quartier has 1,120 retail parking spaces. Check the rates on site.
What are the opening hours of The Pearl?
Individual shops, restaurants and venues set their own hours and rules. Check the place you plan to visit before you go.
How long does it take from the airport?
One resort on The Pearl names 29 km and 30 minutes from Hamad International Airport. The time depends on traffic and on the address.
Airport guide →