You would have seen the Oryx statue standing proud and tall along the sea, each time you pass by Doha corniche or stop for a picnic lunch or get a bite to eat at one of the restaurants and cafes. It is standing close to Al Mourjan restaurant, with the stunning Doha skyline in the backdrop.
If you are a tourist whose visiting Qatar for the first time, you would have seen the statue while walking along the stunning Corniche. You must wonder what the importance is and why is it there? So, let’s see why Orry, the Oryx stands tall on the corniche and what it signifies.
Orry: Importance Of The Landmark
Orry is an unusual animal that people should see while walking along the corniche. It has a purpose behind being a major landmark in Qatar. Very often, one thinks the statue has been randomly put there. It is not true as there is a reason as to why it has been placed there. So, let’s who is Orry, the Oryx and why is he so important in Qatar.
Orry- The Arabian Oryx
Known as the White Oryx, the Arabian Oryx is Qatar’s national animal and has been a lot of importance. Being the national animal of Qatar makes senses as it has stood out a national icon due to its importance in the country.
The medium sized antelope, Arabian Oryx has a unique shoulder bump along with a tufted tail along with white and dark chocolate patches on the nose and cheeks. It is seen in the Arabian Peninsula desert. Back in the 1970s, the animal had become extinct but was saved from becoming an animal of the past thanks to the private reserves and zoos, as it was introduced into the desert in 1980.
It was deemed as an endangered animal on the International Union for conservation of Nature red list back in 1986, but was said to be a vulnerable species in 2011, as the number started growing again. The life span of Oryx Qatar is about 20 years but is said to live a lot longer.
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Orry- Official 2006 Asian Games Mascot
Back in 2006, at the Asian Games, Orry was the mascot, held by Qatar, which become the national identity for the country during the games. With a lot of gusto and fanfare, the 30-foot animal mascot was revealed on the Doha Corniche- tall and striking.
It was said Orry road a cycle at the opening ceremony during the Asian Games. The animal has been a memento at the games, seen standing tall at the corniche and has been in TV commercials and has a Facebook page. The Asian games is one of the 1st international games hosted by Qatar. The games are held every 4 years and alternate with the Olympics. Over 45 countries from around Asia play against each other at the multi- sports competition. Qatar was given the platform to host the 2006 Asian Games, which was said to be the first any Middle Eastern country to host the competition. It was also the first to have all 45 member countries participating in the games.
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Orry- The Iconic Landmark in Qatar
Orry continues to stand tall with pride overlooking the Arabian sea and Doha skyline even though it's been over a decade after the Asian games 2006. Qatar’s grandiose sporting history is symbolized through the iconic landmark. The Asian Games 2006 was just it as Qatar has hosted several international sporting events. Qatar is how gearing up to the host the world’s biggest sporting event- FIFA world cup 2022 Qatar.
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Orry- Complete Make Over
Orry the mascot wore yellow sports vest with a pair of blue shorts with white socks and black sports shoes, when he was unveiled at the Asian Games 2006. He had a torch in his left hand. Now, since he’s gone a complete makeover, Orry wears white sports vest, red gym shorts with blue and white sports shoes and still holds a torch in his left hand.
So, the next time you visit Doha Corniche, you will be awe struck by Orry the Oryx’s new eyes, especially since he’s standing tall and watching over Doha’s skyline and Doha’s corniche. You will be proud of the mascot like the rest of the world.
Orry The Oryx was the famous mascot during the Asian Games 2006 and has since then been an iconic symbol of Qatar. At present, the mascot retires will all kinds of advertising for the games. Pearl Monument joined the statue, which was put up in honor of the pearl industry. Even now, whenever people walk down the Doha corniche, they will notice the mascot standing tall.
Orry The Oryx - FAQs
The medium sized antelope, Arabian Oryx has a unique shoulder bump along with a tufted tail along with white and dark chocolate patches on the nose and cheeks. It is seen in the Arabian Peninsula desert.
Orry wears white sports vest, red gym shorts with blue and white sports shoes and still holds a torch in his left hand.
Back in the 1970s, the animal had become extinct but was saved from becoming an animal of the past thanks to the private reserves and zoos, as it was introduced into the desert in 1980.
Africa and the Middle East has 4 different species of Oryx, which have large antelopes with long spear like horns. They are true desert animals that have a long horse like neck, short mane and a muscular body.
The animal symbols the value of the Middle Eastern people for years. It has been said that mythical unicorn creatures were created from the characteristics of an animal.
The animal has a unique circulation system in their head which enables the blood flowing to the brain to cool down through their capillaries in their nose while breathing.
The Arabian Oryx has plants that are mostly succulent. They also have moisture from the condensation on the rocks and vegetation after heavy fog.
The animal lives for at least 15 years.
