United Development Co. (UDC) is finalizing contracts to construct a large hospital and international school at its flagship property, the Pearl-Qatar.

According to the Qatar Tribune, which spoke to UDC’s CEO yesterday, the deals will be signed within the next two months.

“We have shortlisted the companies and the final names will be announced soon. Big hospital and school brands are expected to be involved in these projects,” Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman reportedly said.

He made the comments on the sidelines of the company’s Annual General Assembly meeting yesterday.

Giardino Villages

The Pearl began asking investors to submit proposals for a school and nursery last year.

At the time, it said that an 83,746 square meter site in the under-construction Giardino Villas precinct has already been earmarked for the development.

Officials have also previously said that an upcoming hospital will be located in this district.

Plans for this part of the Pearl include detached “luxury” villas, set in gated communities.

They are to be surrounded by gardens and landscaping, and will have clubhouses and sports facilities on site.

The addition of both a hospital and school are likely to be well received by residents, because it can be difficult to get off the island during peak traffic hours.

Pearl development

The Pearl is being built in stages and by 2018, is expected to have nearly 19,000 villas, apartments, chalets and townhouses.

As of 2014, only a fraction of these were occupied.

But according to al Othman, the population of the Pearl grew from 19,000 in 2015 to 24,000 last year.

This was in large part thanks to high demand for properties in Medina Centrale and Qanat Quartier.

“We are targeting two new areas, Viva Bahriya and Giardino Village, to be the company’s focus in the coming year as both these areas have calm atmosphere suitable for families,” he added, according to the Tribune.

Once it is fully developed, the Pearl could be home to up to 60,000 residents.

Thoughts?