MUGFOUNDRY

Venice is a jewellery box of a city, with winding canals, Gothic buildings, and elegant waterfront cafés.

The ‘City of Masks’ is both unique and quintessentially Italian. But a version of its iconic attractions can also be found on another continent, over 3,000 miles away.

Just like Venice, the Pearl Qatar is a man-made island.

Located near Doha’s upscale West Bay District, it touts itself as a slice of Europe in the Middle East. It’s not Venice, but it’s certainly trying to be.

Interest in lesser-known alternatives to popular destinations has soared in recent years, as cities such as Barcelona and Amsterdam try to tackle soaring visitor numbers.

Earlier this year, Venice announced it would double its controversial tourist tax for last-minute day-trippers who book less than four days in advance.

Last year, the city also limited tourist group sizes to 25 people.

With these measures in mind, Metro investigates what the ‘Venice of the Middle East’ is all about — and whether it’s worth a longer journey from the UK.

A taste of Europe

Three years after Dubai’s extravagant Palm Jumeirah islands began construction in 2001, a former pearling site in Qatar got a serious glow-up.

Taking cues from its former life, the residential island was designed to look like a string of pearls, complete with apartment towers, Mediterranean-style marinas, villas, hotels and a designer shopping outlet.

It all sounds very Puerto Banús, the millionaire’s playground of Spain, but efforts were made to add a sense of history and culture to the Pearl’s crowning glory, the Qanat Quartier.

The Venetian-inspired district is set along a network of canals, where it’s more common to hop in a water taxi than it is to order an Uber.

It’s an influencer’s paradise: ice cream-coloured townhouses, a mini version of the Rialto Bridge, and endless gelato shops.

Hordes of content creators can be found at Volume Cafe, a maze-like establishment consisting of a gothic library, an Italian-style bakery, and a Venetian patio overlooking the turquoise canals.

It’s a hidden gem, according to TikTok (we’re not convinced).

The menu has everything from tiramisu to crushed cookies and eggs benedict. Considering the surroundings, prices are relatively cheap. While a cappuccino will set you back 24 Qari Riyal (£5), the crushed cookies come in at 50 Qari Riyal (£10.41).

Each February, the neighbourhood comes to life for an annual carnival, where tourists can enjoy stage shows and outdoor cinemas.

Metro hasn’t had a chance to visit Pearl Island just yet, but there’s lots of praise for it over on TripAdvisor.

One traveller named Elindi described it as ‘amazing’ but ‘comical’, having visited Venice in Italy.

‘The canals, restaurants and boats really do give the Venice vibe. It was great seeing it through the lens of Qatar,’ she added.

Another reviewer named Adrian said: ‘Walked around Qanat Quartier, and it seriously felt like a mini Venice, with cute little bridges, colourful buildings, and a friendly atmosphere.’

Others said while it’s not comparable to the real Venice, it was nice to ‘discover something different.’

They also said the district was ‘very clean and well-kept, with attention to every detail.’

Other Pearl Island attractions

If you’re in the market for luxury, Porto Arabia is a must-visit.

Another district within The Pearl, it’s a prominent landmark known for high-end properties, upscale shops, restaurants, and cafes.

From the marina, you also get an unspoiled view of the Persian Gulf.

Another standout is the Medina Centrale, a Mediterranean-inspired town square nestled within the island and features gardens, plazas, and plenty of restaurants.

How to get to Pearl Island

Flights to Doha don’t come cheap. One-way fares from London Gatwick with Qatar Airways start from £561. British Airways and Pegasus also operate routes out of Heathrow.

Once you’re there, it’s cheaper. From Hamad International Airport, the journey to Pearl Island is 30-40 minutes.

A taxi or Uber typically costs around £6-£8.