Qatar - Morocco

The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture highlighted the vibrant cultural heritage of Qatar and Morocco with a packed calendar of events in both countries.

The year began with the Qatar International Food Festival, where Moroccan chefs gave live cooking demonstrations and exclusive dining experiences. At the Museum of Islamic Art, Moroccan craftsmanship was on display in the Berber Jewellery from the Moroccan Royal Palace Collection exhibition.

Design enthusiasts were captivated by Design Doha, a showcase for Qatar’s design community, and a dedicated platform for nurturing local, regional and global creative talent.

The Doha Film Institute’s Mosaics of Morocco and the Marrakech Short Film Festival both offered cinematic tributes to Morocco’s rich storytelling traditions. The Ajyal Film Festival also featured Moroccan films, offering new perspectives through the lenses of talented filmmakers. The Photography Journey with Generation Amazing Foundation saw photographers capture stories from both nations during trips to Qatar and Morocco.

Equestrian culture took centre stage with the Salon du Cheval in El Jadida, Morocco and the Longines Global Champions Tour was held in Rabat for the first time.

The second edition of CultuRide saw over 40 athletes and cycling enthusiasts from both countries traverse 600km of Morocco’s most spectacular landscapes, while the Her Game Festival championed female sportsmanship. Artists transformed public spaces through JEDARIART, with murals adorning the Qatar Olympic Cycling Track and the Hassan II Park in Rabat.

Fashion was celebrated through Fashion Trust Arabia and the Benchellal Exhibition, which explored Morocco’s influence on contemporary design. Additionally, Qatar-Morocco: Crafting Design Futures brought together artisans to reimagine traditional crafts.

Qatar National Library hosted several seminars, lectures, reading circles and workshops with a focus on different aspects of Moroccan heritage.A landmark exhibition during Qatar-Morocco 2024 was Splendours of the Atlas - A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage at the Museum of Islamic Art. In nearby MIA Park, a temporary cultural space, the Dar Al Maghrib Pavilion was inaugurated by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani and HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa. 

To celebrate the grand finale of Qatar-Morocco 2024, a sensational Tbourida show was held at Al Shaqab, Doha’s renowned equestrian centre, blending history, culture, and skill in a breathtaking display of horsemanship. 

Across these events, the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture fostered enduring connections between the two nations, leaving a legacy of collaboration and shared creativity.