The US Ambassador to Qatar, Chase Untermeyer, paid a visit to The Pearl-Qatar, one of the largest real estate developments in the country.

His visit to United Development Company's (UDC) multi-billion dollar offshore island is one of a series of visits extended to high-profile investors, government officials and business figures from around the world.

The ambassador, accompanied by a delegation of American diplomats and officials, was received at The Oyster - the new sales and marketing centre at The Pearl-Qatar. UDC Board Member Omar Alfardan as well as top UDC officials welcomed him.

During the visit, UDC officials presented features of the project from different vantage points, explaining the progress currently being made on different levels of the development.

The Pearl-Qatar was presented as a multi-cultural residential community and a high-end retail destination. UDC officials also elaborated on the world-class hospitality and leisure services being developed on the island. This is marked by the construction of five-star hotels, exclusive boutique hotels and beach clubs.

The US ambassador had high praise for the project’s various strengths and commended UDC's outstanding performance. He also emphasized on the importance of this visit in exploring mutual interests in the future.

"We see this visit as an important step towards further co-operation, which will eventually add more support to the already-strong economic relations between the United States and Qatar.”

"I am extremely impressed by the magnitude and quality of this project, and I am delighted that UDC officials have studied the impacts associated with developments of this size on existing topography and marine environment.”

A brunch gathering took place at The Oyster lounge after the presentation, followed by a boat tour of the island. The entire delegation, along with UDC senior members, toured around the project and was given the chance to see different parts of the development and view the island from the water.

The Pearl-Qatar is the country’s first international real estate venture. It will be home to approximately 40,000 residents in more than 15,000 dwellings, within 12 inspiring precincts by 2011. – TradeArabia News Service