Mandarin Chinese is Finding its Place in Qatar

Mandarin Chinese might not be the first language that comes to mind when you think of Qatar.

Mandarin Chinese might not be the first language that comes to mind when you think of Qatar. Yet, in recent years, it has quietly made its mark threading its way into classrooms, public events, and cultural diplomacy. From giant pandas to language programs, the story of Mandarin Chinese in Qatar is one of subtle influence and strategic alignment, reflecting broader geopolitical shifts.

In 2022, two adorable pandas arrived at Qatar’s Al Khor Park, just in time for the FIFA World Cup. Initially named Si Hai and Jing Jing, the pandas were renamed Suhail and Thuraya in Arabic—a gesture that localized this symbol of Chinese heritage within Qatari culture. These pandas weren’t just cute mascots; they were ambassadors of “panda diplomacy,” a longstanding Chinese strategy to foster goodwill through symbolic gifts. Notably, Qatar is the first country in the Middle East to collaborate with China on panda conservation and research.

The pandas quickly became a hit, drawing crowds to their  home—the first panda park in the Arab world—and, in the process, subtly introducing Mandarin Chinese into Qatar’s linguistic landscape. Signs at the Panda House feature Arabic, English, and Mandarin Chinese, making it one of the few places in Qatar where the Chinese language is prominently visible. Visitors learned about the pandas’ journey from China and their symbolic role in strengthening bilateral ties between both countries.

China at Qatar 2022

The pandas weren’t the only sign of China’s presence during the World Cup. Mandarin Chinese made appearances in automated announcements on buses, while broader elements of Chinese culture were showcased at cultural exhibits outside stadiums. Exhibition booths sponsored by the Chinese Embassy featured traditional calligraphy and cuju, an ancient Chinese form of football. These contributions reflected the strengthening ties between Qatar and China, shaped by trade, energy, and cultural exchange.

China’s role in the World Cup extended far beyond cultural gestures. The event revealed how deeply intertwined both countries have become economically. China Railway Construction Corporation built the iconic Lusail Stadium, which hosted key matches, while Chinese-made buses ferried fans to games. Souvenirs like the official World Cup mascot La’eeb were also sourced from China, along with 100,000 soccer balls and other memorabilia. An oft-repeated observation during the World Cup was that the only Chinese element missing was Team China, which did not qualify for the tournament.

Yet, despite China’s significant economic and cultural contributions to the World Cup, the visibility of Mandarin Chinese as a language remained relatively modest. Advertisements were still overwhelmingly in English and Arabic, reflecting Mandarin’s limited presence in Qatar’s linguistic and cultural landscape.

Mandarin Chinese as a Diplomatic Tool

Mandarin Chinese is more than just a language; it is a tool of soft power. By promoting its language abroad, China strengthens its cultural and economic ties. Qatar has started to embrace this, albeit cautiously compared to neighbors like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, which have more widely introduced Mandarin Chinese in public schools and established Confucius Institutes.

At the forefront of this effort is Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). Since 2014, HBKU’s Language Center has offered Mandarin Chinese courses to adults, enrolling over 800 students. Since 2017, the program has expanded to include children’s classes. For many, learning Mandarin is a way to connect with China’s global influence, whether for business, education, or cultural curiosity. HBKU’s Mandarin Chinese classes cater to diverse learners, from government officials to professionals interested in engaging with China’s booming economy. These classes also serve expatriate Chinese families, preserving their linguistic heritage.

Beyond language classes, Qatari students have begun traveling to China through initiatives like the “Chinese Bridge” summer camps, immersing themselves in Chinese language and culture. In 2023, the first group of 13 students from HBKU attended such a camp where they studied Mandarin, explored Chinese traditions, and interacted with local teachers and students. Additionally, 20 Qatari high school students, selected by Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education, participated in a 26-day program at Beijing Foreign Studies University. This initiative combined language lessons, cultural exchanges, and excursions as part of a broader project to expand foreign language education in Qatar. In 2024, more Qatari students joined these summer programs.

The Chinese Embassy in Doha has been instrumental in fostering these exchanges. It has donated thousands of books to HBKU’s Language Center and collaborated on cultural events, such as the Qatar-China linguistic and cultural exchange held December 2024. At the event, several Qatari students delivered speeches in Mandarin, showcasing their enthusiasm for the language, while others recited a classical Chinese poem. Similarly, Chinese students addressed the audience in Arabic, sharing their enriching cultural, social, and educational experiences in Qatar. Both groups emphasized that learning each other’s languages strengthens communication and deepens the bond of friendship between the Qatari and Chinese communities.

In recent years, cultural and interpersonal exchanges between the people of Qatar and China have flourished. As Chinese Ambassador Cao Xiaolin noted, the National Museum of Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding in 2024 with both the National Museum of China and the Capital Museum of China. Events such as “Xinjiang is a Nice Place,” “Sichuan Cultural and Tourism Activities,” and “Hello, Beijing” tourism promotions introduced Chinese culture to Qatari audiences. For the first time, the 2024 Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) featured a Chinese pavilion, showcasing books in English, Arabic, and Mandarin Chinese.

Cautious Integration

Despite all these initiatives, Mandarin Chinese remains largely on the periphery of Qatar’s education system and public sphere in comparison to Arabic and English. Unlike Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which moved more quickly to integrate Mandarin into public school curricula, Qatar’s adoption has been slower. While HBKU has led the way with its language programs, plans to establish a Confucius Institute, initiated in 2019, never materialized and Mandarin has yet to be introduced more broadly in Qatar’s national universities. Additionally, Mandarin Chinese’s presence in Qatar’s public sphere is minimal. Beyond spaces like the Panda House or occasional restaurant and store signage, the language is rarely visible. This contrasts sharply with Dubai where a thriving Chinatown and a much larger Chinese expatriate population make the language more prominent.

Qatar’s relatively small size and unique geopolitical position help to explain its cautious integration of Mandarin Chinese. Historically, Doha has cultivated strong partnerships with Western states, particularly in defense, education, and culture, while maintaining a diplomatic strategy rooted in neutrality and engagement with a diverse range of global powers. Balancing these long-established Western alliances with its growing ties to China demands a measured approach, as Qatar carefully navigates its role on the global stage to sustain relationships with multiple influential partners. In addition, Qatar tends to approach cultural diplomacy carefully, ensuring it aligns with its national identity and long-term vision, as outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030.

The Future of Mandarin Chinese in Qatar

Despite the cautious approach, use of Mandarin Chinese is likely to grow in Qatar. The economic relationship between China and Qatar is expected to strengthen in the coming years, and Chinese language education in Qatar’s public schools is anticipated to expand. HBKU is also working to establish a robust Chinese Testing Center, highlighting a strategic recognition of China’s growing global influence.

From the Panda House  to classrooms, Mandarin Chinese is steadily finding its place in Qatar. The question now is whether Qatar will fully embrace the language as a cultural and economic bridge to one of the world’s most influential states. For Mandarin to gain a firm foothold, broader integration into public education and everyday life will be essential. For now, Qatar appears to prioritize cultural diplomacy and targeted educational exchanges over the widespread structural integration of the Chinese language. The coming years will reveal if Qatar sees Mandarin Chinese not only as a diplomatic asset but as a tool for deeper global engagement.

This piece has been submitted by HBKU’s Communications Directorate on behalf of its author. The thoughts and views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect an official University stance.

Dr. Sara Hillman
Dr. Sara Hillman
Dr. Sara Hillman is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics and English at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS).