Friday, November 1, 2024 at 5:21 p.m.
Doha – Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, accompanied by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani, proceeded, Friday in Doha, to the inauguration of the Moroccan pavilion “Dar Al Maghreb”, an immersive space in culture and Moroccan history, organized on the occasion of the Qatar-Morocco Cultural Year 2024.
Focal point of this cultural event, which celebrates the exceptional relations between Morocco and Qatar, this pavilion, of 1,300 square meters, is inspired by the architecture of Ksar Aït Benhaddou (Ouarzazate Province), a site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1987, embodying the essence of traditional earth construction techniques.
Adjoining the Museum of Islamic Art in the Qatari capital, Dar Al Maghreb is divided into four distinct spaces which offer a unique perspective on the history, culture and future vision of Morocco: “Morocco, a land of confluences”; “Morocco, a land of Light”; “Morocco, a land of Gathering” and finally “Morocco, a land of Passion”.
Thus, the space “Morocco, a land of confluences” highlights the place of the Kingdom as a crossroads of continents and civilizations, where dialogue and exchanges between the North and the South, the East and the West are celebrated. From the first human settlements to the country’s vision for a sustainable future, it also highlights Morocco’s commitment to sustainable development.
As for the “Morocco, a land of Light” space, it invites visitors to discover the sensory and cultural richness of the Kingdom, through five unique spaces whose floor is decorated with traditional zellige and the ceiling of carved wood, highlighting highlight the creativity and dexterity of Moroccan artisans. The nine tangible treasures and fourteen intangible heritage sites of Morocco, recognized by ICESCO and UNESCO, are also highlighted through audiovisual installations.
The “Morocco, Land of Gathering” space celebrates the festive spirit of the Kingdom, highlighting Morocco’s role as host of global events, such as COP22 and the upcoming 2030 World Cup and its commitment towards the international dialogue on sustainability and sport.
The fourth space, “Morocco, land of Passion”, is dedicated to Morocco’s deep love for football. It traces the country’s footballing journey, from its early clubs to its impressive performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as well as its preparations to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The “Dar Al Maghreb” Pavilion also houses a souvenir shop allowing visitors to take home a souvenir of their experience.
On her arrival in Dar Al Maghreb, HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa was welcomed by HE Lolwah Al-Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Before proceeding with the inauguration of the “Dar Al Maghreb” pavilion, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani were greeted by Mr. Mohamed Setri, Ambassador of HM the King in Doha, M Adel El Fakir, director general of ONDA, general commissioner of the Qatar-Morocco cultural year 2024, Mr. Mohamed Methqal, ambassador, director general of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), Mr. Tarik Sadik, general director of the Maison de l’artisan, and Mr. Mehdi Qotbi, President of the National Museum Foundation.
Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani were also greeted by Hicham Baiz, Head of the Department of Triangular Cooperation and Sustainable Human Development Projects at AMCI, Mr. Rochdi Bernoussi, Director from the museums department at Bank Al Maghrib, Mr. Abderrahman Brahimi, director Morocco, Maghreb, Middle East and Asia at Royal Air Maroc, Mr. Rachid Hamzaoui, director Middle East and Asia at the Moroccan National Tourism Office, and Ms. Salima El Mghazli, General Coordinator of the Qatar-Morocco Cultural Year 2024.
Initiated by “Years of Culture”, the Qatar-Morocco Cultural Year 2024 testifies to the depth and solidity of the historical ties between the two brother peoples and the two Heads of State, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God ‘attends, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al Thani.
