To celebrate the grand finale of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, a spectacular Tbourida show will take place on 17 December at Al Shaqab, Doha’s renowned equestrian center. The performance, open to the public, will showcase the timeless Moroccan equestrian tradition of Tbourida, blending history, culture, and skill in a breathtaking display of horsemanship.

Doors open at 4:00 and the public is invited to arrive through Gate 6 for free seating. 

Tbourida, a form of Moroccan equestrian art, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021. The performance is an exhibition of horsemanship, where riders dressed in traditional attire demonstrate precision, speed, and daring coordination. A traditional Moroccan performance dating back to the 16th century, Tbourida simulates military parades from the Arab-Amazigh heritage, bringing ancient rituals and conventions to life.This display of skill, coordination, and tradition is accompanied by the sound of galloping hooves and the dramatic burst of rifle fire, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

The event will be performed by a troupe of riders and horses, drawing attention to the skill and precision required to execute this ancient art form. The performance will take place at Al Shaqab, a globally recognized institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of the Arabian horse. Al Shaqab has been instrumental in the revitalization of the breed, ensuring its place in both the region’s cultural and equestrian history.

The Years of Culture initiative has been a cornerstone of Qatar’s international outreach efforts, celebrating global cultural exchange through a series of artistic collaborations, festivals, exhibitions, and community events. Launched in 2012 by Her Excellency Shaikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani who serves as its Chairperson, the initiative aims to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen ties between Qatar and countries across the world through the shared language of culture. 

The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture has been a year-long celebration of the cultural heritage of both nations, deepening collaboration in fields ranging from art and craftsmanship to economic development and heritage preservation. Through a series of landmark events, the initiative highlighted the richness of Moroccan traditions while emphasizing the enduring bonds between Qatar and Morocco.

The Tbourida show will serve as a fitting and memorable finale to this year’s celebration, symbolizing the unity of both nations and their shared commitment to preserving the region’s equestrian and cultural traditions.