Years of Culture
false
2025/01/16
Inaugurated as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, the Pavilion celebrates Morocco's cultural history and contemporary creativity, bringing a piece of Morocco to Qatar for a limited time. With free entry, this immersive experience is open to all and promises to captivate visitors of all ages.
Located in the scenic surroundings of MIA Park, the Dar Al Maghrib Pavilion occupies a 1,300-square-metre space near the Museum of Islamic Art. The name means House of Morocco in Arabic, and the Pavilion is truly a celebration of Morocco’s heart and soul.
Inspired by Moroccan history and design, the Pavilion symbolises a bridge between two cultures that share a commitment to preserving and celebrating their respective heritage.
A focal point of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, the space was officially inaugurated in November 2024 by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, alongside Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
The opening was a resounding success, with key figures and esteemed guests including Her Excellency Lolwah Al-Khater, Qatar’s Minister of Minister of Education and Higher Education and Morocco’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Mohamed Setri.
Designed to reflect Morocco’s architectural heritage, the Pavilion draws inspiration from the Ksar of Aït-Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Morocco’s Ouarzazate province, known for its distinct earthen construction techniques and fortress-like architecture.
The interior of the space features intricate details that showcase the best of Moroccan craftsmanship, from Moroccan zellige tiles to wooden lattice ceilings.
The Dar Al Maghrib Pavilion comprises four themed sections, each exploring different facets of Moroccan history, culture and values:
“Land of Confluence,” illustrates Morocco’s unique role as a crossroads between continents and civilisations. Morocco’s heritage as a centre for exchange and dialogue is the main focus of this space, tracing the earliest human settlements, all the way to the country’s modern-day commitments to sustainability. This area encourages visitors to reflect on Morocco's historical legacy as well as its current role in global sustainable development.
Accessible through a traditional Moroccan courtyard, the “Land of Light” offers a sensory experience of different Moroccan traditions. Here, visitors can explore Morocco’s tangible and intangible cultural treasures. Audio-visual installations bring Morocco’s UNESCO-recognised heritage sites to life, deepening visitors’ appreciation of Moroccan history and storytelling.
In “Land of Gathering,” Morocco’s vibrant festivals and community celebrations come to the fore. From traditional equestrian displays like the centuries-old Fantasia, to global events such as the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup, this section of the pavilion celebrates Morocco’s role as a host of cultural and sporting events. It highlights the joyful Moroccan spirit and the country’s openness to global exchange, emphasising sustainability and environmental awareness.
For football enthusiasts, the final section, “Land of Passion,” showcases Morocco’s long-standing love affair with the sport. It traces Morocco’s football journey, from its early football clubs to its memorable performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. This area also includes an interactive look at Morocco’s preparation for the 2030 World Cup.
Beyond these fascinating educational displays, the Dar Al Maghrib Pavilion will host a series of workshops and pop-up events, enriching visitors’ understanding of Moroccan traditions.
The workshop programme is set to include hands-on experiences with Moroccan artisans, culinary demonstrations, and live music performances. Each event is designed to immerse visitors further into Morocco's artistic and cultural practices, offering a taste of the nation’s diverse heritage.
The pavilion is also home to a curated gift shop selling handmade Moroccan items. Visitors can purchase unique souvenirs such as ceramics, textiles, and artisanal goods.
Additionally, the Pavilion’s Moroccan tearoom provides a tranquil space to indulge in traditional Moroccan mint teaand classic Moroccan sweets. Open daily from 1 pm to 10 pm, this café within the Pavilion is an ideal space for visitors to relax and enjoy authentic Moroccan flavours in Qatar.
Entry to the Pavilion is free of charge, and no advance booking is necessary. The main pavilion is open from 11am to 11pm daily. The onsite cafe and tearoom is open every day from 1pm to 10pm.
Conveniently located in MIA Park, accessing the Dar Al Maghrib Pavilion is straightforward. Museum of Islamic Art Park is easily reached by car, with on-site parking available. The Doha Metro’s Gold Line also takes visitors close to MIA Park, offering a convenient and eco-friendly travel option. From the metro station, it’s a short walk to the Pavilion.
Through its thoughtful design and diverse programming, the Dar Al Maghrib Pavilion celebrates Moroccan culture and highlights the warm friendship between Qatar and Morocco. With free entry, an easily accessible location in Doha and engaging educational displays, the pavilion invites audiences to experience Moroccan culture in a completely new and immersive way.
For more information on Qatar-Morocco 2024, visit the Years of Culture Programme page
