Latest news with #Iraqi-British
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Princess Lalla Hasnaa Chairs First Meeting of Rabat Royal Theater Foundation
Doha – Princess Lalla Hasnaa, president of the Rabat Royal Theater Foundation, chaired the first session of the Foundation's Board of Directors on Thursday. The meeting took place at the Royal Theater in Rabat. French First Lady Brigitte Macron accompanied the Princess at this important event. The Royal Theater represents King Mohammed VI's vision for arts and culture. The Board of Directors will establish and enhance a strategic framework for this institution, following Royal directives. The Board brings together prominent figures from various backgrounds. It includes Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and Brigitte Macron, wife of the French President Emmanuel Macron. Other members are Othman Benjelloun, Michael Zaoui, Makhtar Diop, and Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo. The Board also includes Gad Elmaleh, Michel Canesi, Hélène Mercier-Arnault, Farid Bensaïd, and Mohamed Yacoubi. This diverse Board combines legitimacy, expertise, and passion. Sheikha Al Mayassa brings bold perspectives on patronage and museography. Meanwhile, Brigitte Macron's presence further strengthens cultural ties between France and Morocco. Gad Elmaleh, a Franco-Moroccan comedian with global influence, represents theater as a universal art form. Financial figures Othman Benjelloun and Michael Zaoui bring strategic rigor and enlightened philanthropy. Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC (World Bank Group), ensures inclusive and sustainable cultural policies. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, a Gulf cultural pioneer and founder of Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, offers a visionary perspective on the Arab art scene. Concert pianist and committed patron Hélène Mercier-Arnault combines musical excellence with humanistic sensitivity. Cultural entrepreneur Farid Bensaïd, diplomat Mohamed Yacoubi, and physician-writer Michel Canesi complete this influential circle. Read also: Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Brigitte Macron Inaugurate New Royal Theater in Rabat Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Brigitte Macron inaugurated the Royal Theater on October 29, 2024. The project was initiated under King Mohammed VI's instructions. The theater is located in the Bouregreg Valley, near Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum. This cultural landmark was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Construction began in October 2014 as part of a larger development plan King Mohammed VI launched in January 2006. The initial investment announced for this project was MAD 1.677 billion ($167.7 million). The theater spans 7.1 hectares with 25,400 square meters of built area. It features an auditorium with capacity for over 1,800 spectators, known for its unique geometric design that enhances acoustics. The venue is suitable for theater, dance, ballet, opera, musicals, and symphonic concerts. The facility also includes a second performance hall with 250 seats for various cultural events. Its exterior houses an amphitheater that can accommodate 7,000 people for festivals and large-scale events. The Royal Theater aims to boost Morocco's cultural landscape and elevate the country's cultural presence on the world stage. It represents Rabat's cultural and artistic renewal while promoting a modern approach to Moroccan art. Tags: Princess Lalla HasnaaRabat Royal Theater
Iraqi News
29-01-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
There are achievements that Western countries owe to Iraq, says British ambassador
Baghdad - INA The British Ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Hagin, confirmed today, Wednesday, that Western countries owe Iraq for intellectual achievements throughout history, while indicating that the Gulf countries are ready to invest in Iraq. Hagin said, in a dialogue session during the Iraq Energy Conference, attended by the correspondent of the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Iraqi economy and income must be diversified, as Iraq's problems in the past negatively affected the region and now the region's problems have affected Iraq," noting that "the security environment in Iraq is improving and if we compare the security situation in previous years, there is noticeable progress in security." He added that "during the visit of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to London, we signed several contracts worth 12 billion pounds, and there is a readiness from the Gulf countries to invest in Iraq, and this has led to an improvement in the situation, as we invested in soil and currently in oil and we hope to invest in youth in the future," indicating that "we have confidence in the creativity of the Iraqi people, and we are indebted as Western countries to Iraq for the intellectual achievements it has presented to history." "The Iraqi-British community is the link between Iraq and British companies and it is important, and we support the Prime Minister's ambition for Iraq's energy independence and there is joint work to implement the plan to end the flaring of associated gas," Hagen explained, adding that "there is a health impact on the citizen from flaring gas." He pointed out that "if negotiations to form the government are delayed after the elections, this affects the completion of the work, and it is very important for the political blocs after the elections to expedite the formation of the government."
