Doha, 01/11/2024 (MAP) – Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, accompanied by H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani, inaugurated, on Friday in Doha, Morocco’s “Dar Al Maghreb” pavilion, a space immersed in Moroccan culture and history, set up to mark the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.
Focal point of this cultural event, which celebrates the exceptional relationship between Morocco and Qatar, the 1,300m² pavilion is inspired by the architecture of Ksar Aït Benhaddou (Ouarzazate Province), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, embodying the essence of traditional earthen construction techniques.
Adjoining the Qatari capital’s Museum of Islamic Art, Dar Al Maghreb is laid out in four distinct spaces offering a unique perspective on Morocco’s history, culture and future vision: “Morocco, a land of confluences”; “Morocco, a land of Light”; “Morocco, a land of Gathering” and finally “Morocco, a land of Passion”.
The “Morocco, a land of confluences” highlights the Kingdom’s place as a hub of continents and civilizations, where dialogue and exchange between the North, the South, the East and the West are celebrated. From the first human establishments 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 the visitors to discover the Kingdom’s sensory and cultural wealth, through five unique spaces featuring traditional zellige floors and carved wooden ceilings, highlighting the creativity and dexterity of Moroccan craftsmen. The nine tangible treasures and fourteen intangible heritage sites of Morocco, recognized by ICESCO and UNESCO, are also showcased through audiovisual installations.
The “Morocco, a land of Gathering” space celebrates the Kingdom’s festive spirit, by highlighting Morocco’s role as a host of global events such as COP22 and the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup, and its commitment to international dialogue on sustainability and sport.
The fourth space, “Morocco, a land of Passion,” is dedicated to Morocco’s deep love for football. It retraces the country’s football journey, from the first clubs to its impressive performance during the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup, as well as its preparations to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The “Dar Al Maghreb” Pavilion also houses a souvenir store for visitors to take home a memento of their experience.
Upon Her arrival at Dar Al Maghreb, HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa was welcomed by H.E. Lolwah Al-Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Before proceeding to the inauguration of the “Dar Al Maghreb” Pavilion, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa and H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani were greeted by Mohamed Setri, HM the King’s Ambassador to Doha, Adel El Fakir, ONDA’s Director General, General Commissioner of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, Mohamed Methqal, Ambassador, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), Tarik Sadik, Director General of the Maison de l’Artisan, and Mehdi Qotbi, President of Morocco’s National Foundation of Museums.
Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa and H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani were also greeted by Hicham Baiz, Head of the Triangular Cooperation and Sustainable Human Development Projects Department at AMCI, Rochdi Bernoussi, Director of the Museums Department at Bank Al Maghrib, Abderrahman Brahimi, Morocco, Maghreb, Middle East and Asia Director at Royal Air Maroc, Rachid Hamzaoui, Middle East and Asia Director at the Moroccan National Tourist Office, and Salima El Mghazli, General Coordinator of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.
Initiated by “Years of Culture,” the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture showcases the depth and solidity of the historical links between the two brotherly people and the two Heads of State, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.