The first residents of The Pearl-Qatar moved into their new homes early this month, according to United Development Company (UDC) the owner and developer of the QR50 billion ($13.7 billion) island.

'Hailing from more than 22 nations, the new residents will move into 166 luxury apartments in the Porto Arabia high-rise, as well as the connected two-dozen townhouses in Moroccan design,' said Eric Lebrun, executive vice president, Assets Management, at The Pearl-Qatar.

All residential units at Porto Arabia are supplied with energy saving district cooling, and a state-of-the-art waste management system.

In Porto Arabia alone, there are several new cafes opened, and more than 40 high-end shops, including Missoni, Gianfranco Ferre, Stefano Ricci, Hugo Boss, Lacoste and Moschino. Giorgio Armani and Hermes have opened outlets as well.

Service providers are also available on the Island, including a banking, a chemist, and a dealer for Maserati and Ferrari.

By late summer, it is expected that 50 more retail outlets will open, including a lavish range of international restaurants.

The Pearl-Qatar's attractive marina at Porto Arabia is also ready to receive yachts, the largest of which will be over 200 feet.

Porto Arabia also features a range of facilities, including a fitness centre with a special aerobics room, a lounge and a Jacuzzi around the pool, a kid’s pool, entertainment room, a banquet room and a children's playroom.-TradeArabia News Service