Construction work on the “Hilton Panorama Residence” at the Abraj Quarter precinct of the Pearl-Qatar development was launched last week by the developer.

The Pearl-Qatar, United Development Company’s flagship island development, hosted an official launching ceremony under the patronage of Issa Al Mohannadi, chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority.

According to First Qatar Real Estate Development Company, which will be investing up to $390 million in the project, construction will be completed by mid-2017.

The Hilton Pearl Residences will have 445 serviced hotel apartments and will be ideally positioned at the island’s entrance, surrounded by upscale and stylish coffee shops, retail boutiques and restaurants.

The 41-storey apartment tower and the 51 surrounding townhouses boast a stunning view of the Doha skyline and overlook other vital districts of the Island.

Eng Badr Al-Meer, acting chief executive officer of United Development Company (UDC), one of Qatar's leading shareholding companies and master developer of The Pearl-Qatar, said: “All these new schemes progressing simultaneously at The Pearl-Qatar work together by mobilising significant resources and talents available at UDC, consequently sustaining service excellence and promoting The Pearl-Qatar as a leading mixed-use development of world-class standing.”

Fahad Al-Ghunaim, chairman and CEO, First Qatar Real Estate Development Company, said: “Panorama Hilton Residence boasts an unparalleled location at the gateway of the Pearl Island. Designed by world-class architects, thse Panorama tower will be the tallest building in Phase Three of the island. The visibility, location and dramatic styling of the tower will all serve to establish the project's unique identity.”

Hilton Worldwide had announced last March its expansion plans in Qatar with the signing of a management agreement with First Qatar Real Estate Development Company to open Hilton Pearl Residences, Qatar.

Adding over 32 km to the country's coastline and located 350m offshore from Doha's West Bay Lagoon area, The Pearl-Qatar features 10 themed districts expected to be home to over 45,000 residents by 2018. Constructed on a reclaimed pearl diving reef, and designed to resemble a string of pearls, the name of the iconic island pays tribute to Qatar's rich past as a major pearl producer.  - TradeArabia News Service