Qatar’s Sheikha Al Mayassa: Cultural Partnership with Morocco Creates New Bonds

The Longines Global Champions Tour of Rabat has partnered with Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative to celebrate the Qatar-Morocco 2024 cultural collaboration.

Doha – Qatar’s Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, expressed her enthusiasm for the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, noting that the partnership brings together two nations with profound ties.

“Our partnership in 2024 with the Kingdom of Morocco brings together two nations that share profound ties,” Sheikha Al Mayassa said. “The initiative offers exciting opportunities to learn about one another and forge new connections, with a special emphasis on cultural heritage and its continuing influence on contemporary life.”

The Years of Culture initiative, chaired by Sheikha Al Mayassa, spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and various nations. It aims to explore cultural heritage, creative industries, social development, and innovation, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the shared values between the two nations.

As part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture initiative, the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rabat has partnered with the Years of Culture initiative to add a cultural dimension to the world-renowned show jumping event taking place from October 18-20, 2024 at Al-Sahat al-Kabira in Rabat. The partnership aims to create an atmosphere where equestrian competition is complemented by a rich cultural experience for attendees.

“We are honored to take the Longines Global Champions Tour to Rabat for the first time,” said Jan Tops, founder and president of the Longines Global Champions Tour. “This event is a testament to the high standards of competition and the spirit of international collaboration that define our tour.”

The robust fall program features a diverse lineup of events in both Qatar and Morocco. In Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art will host the “Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage” exhibition, presenting over 200 objects to tell a multifaceted story of Moroccan history and society. Meanwhile, the Qatar National Library will explore the craft of book arts in Morocco through the “From Material to Market: The Art of Bookmaking in Morocco” exhibition.

Doha Film Institute will present a captivating series of contemporary Moroccan films at the Museum of Islamic Art, while the Ajyal Film Festival in November will feature a series of short Moroccan films as part of its “Made in Morocco” special screenings program. The “Crafting Design Futures” exhibition will showcase new works by designers from Qatar and Morocco created during a year-long exchange program.

In Morocco, the Ajyal Film Club in Tangier will offer young participants masterclasses, screenings, and educational activities to nurture a deeper understanding of filmmaking. Two Qatari photographers will embark on a journey across Morocco to photograph its lesser-known areas, culminating in an exhibition in Doha. Furthermore, a Qatar-Morocco International Volunteer Trip to Rabat will facilitate cultural exchange between volunteers from both countries.

Next, the sixth edition of Fashion Trust Arabia will be held in Marrakech, supporting emerging designers from the Middle East and North Africa. The Qatar Africa Business Forum in Marrakech aims to build sustainable partnerships between Qatar and Africa.

The program is developed in collaboration with leading organizations in Qatar and Morocco and with assistance from the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Qatar’s Embassy in Morocco, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Qatar.

Through diverse cultural events, these initiatives highlight shared traditions and celebrate the unique aspects of each culture to deepen understanding between the two nations.