Hour and Hour hosts 'From Morocco to Qatar' event

The "Hour and Hour” programme, in collaboration with the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), has organised an event titled "From Morocco to Qatar: Sailing through Heritage” as part of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture celebrations.Moroccan ambassador Mohamed Setri, a delegation from the Moroccan embassy, MIA director Shaikha Nasser al-Nassr, and a large audience were present."I am pleased to attend this event organised as part of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024,” Setri said. "I extend my thanks to everyone who contributed to its success, including members of the Moroccan community who showcased Moroccan cultural heritage, and those who highlighted Qatari heritage through hospitality, traditional attire, and more."Al-Nassr praised the efforts of the "Hour and Hour” programme and its organisers, stressing the fruitful collaboration with the MIA."Hour and Hour” programme chief executive Tamani al-Yafei highlighted that the event aimed to strengthen cultural and heritage bridges between the two countries."The programme strives to participate in all forums, leave a positive mark, and enhance cultural and heritage connections,” she said. "We always aim to deliver the best and have worked to showcase the commonalities between the two cultures."The event featured numerous segments, including exhibitions and a discussion session moderated by journalist Jihan Dinar.The session included contributions from Abdelghani Boudra, Mohamed Amour, a representative from the Women’s Police Institute, and a notable participation by Abdulaziz al-Buhashim al-Sayed.The discussion covered various heritage and sports topics from Qatar and Morocco, such as music, theatre, hospitality traditions, and poetry.The programme included a football freestyle performance.The event also featured a poetry segment with contributions from Qatari poet Moza bint Abdulrahman al-Misnad and Moroccan poet Amal al-Yahyaoui, alongside a theatrical scene titled *The Origins of Hospitality, conceptualised and prepared by al-Yafei.The scene was performed by school students under the direction of filmmaker Salem al-Mansouri.Musical performances included pieces by Qatari artist Ahmed Abdulraheem and Moroccan artist Abdelhafid Hajji.The event also included a photography corner showcasing Qatari and Moroccan styles, a traditional coffee and Moroccan tea section, a heritage food corner, and displays of traditional attire from both countries.Designer Elham al-Ansari presented traditional clothing and women’s accessories, while Aafaf Ben al-Saigh showcased traditional women's attire, and Adil Weiran presented men's traditional clothing.Renowned artists such as Qatari painter Hassan Bujsum and Moroccan painter Warda Shekht participated.A special section was dedicated to Arabic calligraphy and handicrafts, with contributions from calligraphers Ibrahim Ali and Mustafa Lakcher, as well as craftsman Abdelilah Hammamouche.The event concluded with Qatari Arda performances, Moroccan folklore displays, and a cultural quiz titled "Think and Answer”, presented by host Abeer al-Hajri, who distributed gifts to participants.Al-Yafei extended her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, specifically mentioning the MIA, the Women’s Police Institute, Al Khor Model School for Boys, Al Kheera School for Girls, and the Charlemagne International Moroccan School.She also thanked the artists and exhibitors, whose works created a harmonious blend of Qatari and Moroccan heritage, and noted that the event attracted more than 1,500 visitors.