The Panda House Park opened its doors to the residents and visitors of Qatar in 2022, creating much hype and fascination.
The park houses two giant pandas, a four-year-old male named 'Suhail' and a three-year-old female named 'Thuraya', which were gifted to Qatar from China as a token to celebrate the hosting of the World Cup.
Upon their arrival to Qatar, the pandas have had a dedicated space to themselves called the 'Panda House Park', which is what we are here to tell you more about.
Panda House Park entrance
Before you enter the gates of the park, you will spot a glass box which is the park reception, where you need to show your ticket to the park.
Tickets need to be pre-booked. Once scanned, you will be able to proceed.
Panda House Park Gardens
Upon entering the park, you will be welcomed by a sculpture representing the integration of pandas in Qatar as it showcases a panda, oryx, and desert rose, behind which lies lush green garden spaces.
The gardens are spread across the park. You will find plenty of benches and other seating areas.
Panda Zone
The area within the park, named the Panda Zone, is the main Panda House, where you can see the duo Suhail and Thuraya.
Viewing the pandas
The viewing zone is segregated into the 'Female Panda Garden' and the 'Male Panda Garden'. Once you enter through the welcome lounge, you will find 'Thuraya's garden' to your left and 'Suhail's garden' to the right.
The viewing area surrounds a space wherein the pandas reside. The panda gardens are kept as close to their natural habitat as possible. The gardens have a pond, bamboo trees and more to ensure nothing is too foreign for them.
The viewing deck is designed in a way where you get to view the pandas through the glass, and on the top floor, you can view them directly from a balcony.
- Note: It is advisable to refrain from shouting or tapping on the glass to get the attention of the pandas.
Fun facts about Suhail & Thuraya
Their preferred activities
Thuraya is an active 3-year-old who loves to spend her time up on the tree. She enjoys the rocking movement that is caused by her swinging on the tree.
Suhail, on the other hand, enjoys his time the most in his own personal pond, where he swims leisurely. He also spends much of this time eating.
What they like to eat
Suhail loves to keep it green and enjoys his grub of bamboo. Thuraya comparatively has a sweet tooth and enjoys apples, carrots & even bamboo cakes specially made for pandas.
Suhail & Thuraya’s bed time
Suhail & Thuraya have their individual bedrooms in the basem*nt of the Panda House.
They have separate rooms, which are divided by a glass door in the middle. Their rooms have a sleeping space, an open space to walk around, and enough snacks scattered to keep them full.
By 4 pm, Suhail & Thuraya head towards their bedrooms from their garden and await a meeting with each other by the door naturally - Can you believe they innately know their bedtime?
Do look out for these cute moments and features when you visit the park!
Panda House Café
On the first floor of the Panda Zone, you can stop for some refreshments at the café.
- Prices: Hot beverages at the café start at QR 15
Panda House gift shop
On the ground floor of the Panda Zone, you will be able to shop for some panda-themed goodies such as notebooks, mugs and even plushies.
Education Room at the Panda House
If you have kids visiting the Panda House Park, the Education Room is a great place to stop by where kids can have a fun time colouring some panda drawings and even get some face paint.
Facilities within the Panda Zone
While there are many toilets spread across the park, within the Panda Zone, you can find prayer rooms and toilets. These can be located in the corridor that connects both the gardens.
Panda House Park attractions
Mini panda sculptures
On your way to the Panda Zone, you will spot a green area with a few mini sculptures of pandas playing football, making it a cute spot for photos.
Forest trail
Enjoy a stretch of a walk hopping around larger-than-life panda paw prints.
Eateries within the park
The park has multiple booths selling food and beverages like karak, coffee, sodas, popcorn, burgers and more!
- Outlets at the park: Smona & Chai | Al Bidda | Hungry Panda | BBQ Box
- Price range: karak starting at QR 2
Service for those with disabilities
If you are someone or know someone who may require a wheelchair, you could borrow one from the park reception or the Panda House welcome lounge.
How to get there
The park is located in the city of Al Khor and is about a 40-minute drive out of Doha city.
Easily accessible via Shamal Road, the park is along a straight drive and can be spotted due to the multiple signages along the driveway, which indicates the directions.
Parking
Outside the park, there are abundant parking spaces with dedicated spots for those with disabilities.
While these parking spots may look like your typical parking lot, keep an eye out for the panda paw prints in each slot, giving you the feels before you walk in.
Details
- Tickets:
- Price: QR 50 (Adult) | QR 25 (Children under 14 years old)
- Tickets are to be booked via the OUN application - Android | iOS
- The tickets are valid only for the specified day of booking and are not refundable.
- Location: Al Khor City, Al Khor
- Timing: Daily - 9 am to 5 pm
RELATED:
- Visit Panda House Park (Al Khor)
- Qatar's first Panda Park to open in 2022
- Two giant pandas arrive in Qatar from China as token for World Cup
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Fareeha Imtiaz
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