Years of Culture
false
2025/04/21
As the ongoing alliance between the two countries continues to flourish, the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture served as a vibrant celebration of their longstanding friendship. This article explores the key facets of Qatar-Morocco relations, from diplomatic engagements and economic initiatives to their rich cultural connections.
The diplomatic relationship between Qatar and Morocco has a long and distinguished history. Official diplomatic ties were established in 1972, and since then, both countries have maintained strong and cooperative relations.
The presence of embassies in each other’s capitals serves as a testament to their enduring partnership. The Moroccan Embassy in Doha is led by Ambassador Mohammed Setri, and the Qatari Embassy in Rabat is under the leadership of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al-Thani. These embassies play a key role in facilitating diplomatic dialogues, cultural events, and offering vital consular services, including passports and visas.
High-profile visits by leaders and officials from both countries have further cemented diplomatic ties. The Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and His Majesty the King Mohammed VI of Morocco have met on several occasions in Qatar and Morocco to discuss matters ranging from economic development to cultural initiatives. These visits underscore the depth of their alliance and the importance of their collaboration on global and regional issues.
Qatar and Morocco have signed numerous bilateral agreements across various sectors, which aim to strengthen their strategic partnership and foster collaboration on issues of mutual interest. In February 2022, Qatar and Morocco signed 6 agreements and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the 8th session of the Moroccan-Qatari High Joint Cooperation Commission in Doha. The countries are also aligned on efforts to promote regional peace and security.
The economic relationship between Qatar and Morocco is dynamic and continually evolving, driven by shared goals of prosperity and innovation. Bilateral trade and investment have become key pillars of their partnership.
Trade between Qatar and Morocco has grown significantly over the years, with trade volume reaching QR 931 million in 2023 (a 10% increase from the previous year). A Bilateral Investment Treaty facilitating mutual investments has been in place since 2001. Regular meetings between officials from both nations ensure that trade policies remain aligned and mutually beneficial.
In early 2023, Qatar and Morocco concluded the second round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement in Doha, aiming to further facilitate the exchange of goods and services. In September 2024, Qatar chaired the 6th meeting of the Joint Cultural Cooperation Team in the city of Tangier. This important annual meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Kingdom of Morocco discussed their ongoing strategic partnership.
Qatar has made substantial investments in Morocco’s infrastructure and real estate sectors. In 2011, an ambitious $2 billion joint venture fund was established between the Kingdom of Morocco and Qatar’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, in order to fund major development projects.
A recent Qatar-Morocco Business Meeting further underscored the nations' shared desire to expand economic and commercial relations, highlighting increased trade, the presence of Moroccan companies in Qatar, Qatari investments in Morocco, and the potential for deeper private sector cooperation through active partnerships and commercial alliances.
Annual trade expos and investment forums serve as platforms for entrepreneurs and business leaders from both countries to collaborate. These events showcase innovations in technology, sustainable development, and creative industries. Last year’s Qatar Africa Business Forum was held in Marrakech, continuing its commitment to enhancing the countries’ economic ties. Morocco was also celebrated as the guest country at both Qatar Travel Mart and Hospitality Qatar 2024, the leading trade event for the hospitality, F&B, and tourism sectors in Doha.
Cultural collaboration lies at the heart of the relationship between Qatar and Morocco, celebrating shared traditions while embracing modern creativity. The two nations have worked closely on initiatives that promote their unique cultural heritages.
A mutual appreciation for fashion and craftsmanship is a cornerstone of the friendship between Qatar and Morocco, with numerous fashion and design events held during the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.
Qatar-Morocco: Crafting Design Futures brought together nine makers from Qatar and Morocco to reimagine traditional crafts. Additionally, the Benchellal Exhibition held at the National Museum of Qatar, showcased the Moroccan-Dutch designer's work created during an Artist Residency at Liwan Design Studios and Labs in Doha.
Cinema has played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue between the two nations. Film festivals held in 2024, including the Mosaics of Morocco and the Marrakech Short Film Festival, showcased the rich storytelling traditions of Moroccan cinema. The Ajyal Film Festival 2024 and Ajyal Film Club in Tangier also featured a selection of Moroccan films, offering diverse perspectives on contemporary issues.
The Photography Journey with Generation Amazing Foundation saw two photographers from Qatar capture stories in Casablanca, Fez, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech and Chefchaouen.
Sports have also played an important and unifying role in Qatar-Morocco relations. Events like the El Jadida Horse Fair in Morocco and the Longines Global Champions Tour (held in Rabat for the first time) celebrated the shared equestrian traditions of both countries.
The second edition of CultuRide brought cycling enthusiasts together to explore Morocco’s most scenic landscapes. The Her Game Festival organised by Generation Amazing Foundation in partnership with non-profit organisation LEAD Morocco also championed social development and female empowerment.
As part of Qatar-Morocco 2024, two celebrated Moroccan runners, “King of the Mile” Hicham El Guerroouj and trailblazer Nawal El Moutawakel, were also profiled in the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports museum’s prestigious Hall of Athletes.
The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture celebrated the profound connection between the two nations through a year-long exchange. This 13th edition highlighted the many things the cultures have in common, while opening up new avenues of collaboration.
The landmark exhibition Splendours of the Atlas - A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage at the Museum of Islamic Art explored Morocco’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
Qatar-Morocco 2024 offered a platform to highlight Moroccan craftsmanship and artistry. One of the standout events was the Berber Jewellery from the Moroccan Royal Palace Collection exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art. Workshops on traditional Moroccan crafts such as calligraphy also gave participants hands-on experience and cultural insights.
Public art initiative JEDARIART transformed public spaces in Qatar and Morocco with murals at the Qatar Olympic Cycling Track and the Hassan II Park in Rabat, symbolising the enduring creative partnership between Qatar and Morocco.
The Dar Al Maghrib Pavilion in MIA Park also invited visitors to discover Morocco in a completely immersive way. The cultural space was inaugurated by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa.
The Qatar National Library hosted a series of fascinating seminars, lectures, and reading circles throughout the year, focusing on Moroccan history and heritage. These events highlighted the enduring literary connections between the two cultures.
The year-long celebration concluded with the Tbourida Show at Al Shaqab, an equestrian spectacle that blended history, culture, and skill. This breathtaking event was a fitting tribute to the shared equestrian traditions of Qatar and Morocco.
Qatar and Morocco’s alliance is a testament to the impact of diplomacy, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange. As both nations continue to build on their shared legacy, their partnership stands as a model of mutual respect and growth. By nurturing these ties, Qatar and Morocco are paving the way for warm friendship and collaboration for many years to come.
Find out about more upcoming Years of Culture events in Qatar.
