Qatar welcome first two pandas to Arabic world: Suhail (“star in the sky”) and Soraya (“a group of shining stars”) examine new home…then enjoy bamboo, ready for World Cup!

(quote)

Qatar welcomes M-E’s first pandas ahead of World Cup
Qatar is the 20th country in the world that has the giant pandas. The public will have the opportunity to visit the giant panda park at the time of the launch of the World Cup 2022. (Ging Ging) Panda meaning in Chinese language Shining Crystal, is the male panda. It was born on Sep. 19, 2018, it given the Arabic name Suhail which means the star in the sky. (Si Hi) Panda meaning in Chinese “four seas” is the female panda. It was born on July 26, 2019, its Arabic name is Soraya which means ( a group of shining stars ). These two names have great significance in the Qatari culture.

On Wednesday, Qatar became the first Middle Eastern country to receive Chinese giant pandas — Suhail and Soraya. The two giant pandas are given by China as a gift to mark the World Cup that will commence on November 20. It is worth mentioning that the name of the male panda- Sohail is the name of one of the brightest stars visible in the Gulf region, while Soraya is the Arabic name for the Pleiades star cluster.

Image courtesy QNA, Sanaullah Ataullah/ The Peninsula , and Wikipedia