The first giant pandas in the Middle East arrive in Qatar

Two Giant Pandas, Suhail (4 years old) and Thuraya (3 years old)

Suhail and Thuraya, the two young chinese pandas arrived in Qatar earlier this morning. The Pandas received a warm welcome at the Hamad International Airport before being sent to their new home at Al Khor Park, Panda House. 

Known as “Jing Jing” (Suhail) and “Si Hai” (Thuraya) in the Sichuan Province of China, these two will be the first ever Pandas in the Middle East. They are expected to be open for public viewing upon completing their 21 day long quarantine period. 

To celebrate  the arrival of the pandas, a welcome ceremony was held at Al Khor. In attendance were the Chinese Ambassador to Qatar, Zhou Jian and the Director of Public Parks Department at the Ministry of Municipality, Mohammad Al Khouri along with other notable personnel. 

Chinese Ambassador Zhou Jian shared his excitement in the welcoming address stating: "Today is my happiest day in Qatar for the past 3 years. We gather at this newly completed and beautiful Panda Park in Al Khor to welcome the special envoys of friendship from China, two giant pandas JingJing (Suhail) and Sihai (Soraya)."

He further added "It is also the first of its kind in the Middle East, marking a new height of China-Qatar relations and China-Arab friendship,". 

The two young Giant Pandas, Thuraya (3 years old) and Suhail (4 years old), were gifted to the State of Qatar by China ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. They are a token of ‘Friendship’ between the two great nations.