Latest news with #MoulayRachid
Morocco World
7 days ago
- General
- Morocco World
Prince Moulay Rachid Attends Funeral of Historiographer Abdelhak El Mrini in Rabat
Doha – The funeral of Abdelhak El Mrini, historiographer of the kingdom and spokesperson for the Royal Palace, took place Tuesday at the Achouhada cemetery in Rabat. Prince Moulay Rachid attended the ceremony. Following the Al Asr and funeral prayers at the Achouhada Mosque, the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery where El Mrini was laid to rest. Family members, royal advisors, and numerous civil and military figures were present at the ceremony. Verses from the Quran were recited and prayers were offered for the deceased. Attendees also prayed for the long life of King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, asking for divine protection for the monarch and blessings upon Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, and all members of the royal family. King Mohammed VI also sent a message of condolences to El Mrini's family, expressing 'deep affliction and great sadness' at the passing of his 'faithful servant' during the blessed days of Dou Al Hijja. The King stressed the intellectual's valuable contributions to Moroccan heritage. 'The regretted has enriched the national library with several pertinent and singular works and publications,' the sovereign wrote. These works 'will forever remain a living testimony of his intellectual eminence, his passion for knowledge, his selfless service to his homeland, and his sincere and unwavering attachment to the nation's constants and sacralities and to the Glorious Alaouite Throne,' he added. Lifelong royal historian and cultural guardian El Mrini died Monday in Rabat at the age of 91. Born on May 31, 1934, he memorized the Quran at a young age and later studied at Moulay Youssef High School. He graduated from the Institute of Higher Moroccan Studies in 1960 and earned various academic degrees, including a doctorate from the University of Strasbourg in 1973 and a State doctorate from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez in 1989. His professional career began in teaching before he joined the royal palace in 1965. El Mrini served as an advisor to the Ministry of the Royal Household, director of protocol and chancellery in 1998, was named the kingdom's historiographer in 2010, and was appointed spokesperson for the Royal Palace in 2012, a position he held until his death. As a renowned historian, El Mrini authored several reference works, including 'The Moroccan Army Through History' (1968), 'Renaissance of a Nation,' and 'Mohammed V: Studies and Testimonies.' His contributions to Moroccan literature earned him the Morocco Book Prize in 1968 and the Abdellah Guennoun Prize in 1997. Tags: Abdelhak MriniPrince Moulay Rachid
Gulf Today
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sharjah shines as Guest of Honour at Rabat Book Fair
In the presence of Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco and Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), Sharjah opened its landmark Guest of Honour participation at the 30th edition of the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair with a vibrant celebration of Arab culture, knowledge and cross-cultural solidarity. The Guest of Honour's participation recognises the Emirate's longstanding efforts to advance the Arab cultural project, deepening the strategic cultural ties between the UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco. Sheikha Bodour joined Prince Moulay Rachid and Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, in inaugurating the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, which will continue until 27th April at the OLM Souissi venue in Rabat. Sheikha Bodour and Prince Moulay Rachid inaugurate Rabat Book Fair on Friday. WAM Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sheikha Bodour accompanied Prince Moulay Rachid to Sharjah's Guest of Honour pavilion, where she led a guided tour alongside Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority. Among the distinguished attendees were Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, and Latifa Mouftakir, Director of Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair. Delegations from both sides were also present, marking the occasion in the spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange. As part of the tour, delegates were shown exhibitions and educational programmes that embody the core of Sharjah's cultural project, including works from Emirati publishing houses, initiatives by cultural institutions, and heritage-inspired creative content featured in the emirate's participation. The officials, led by Sheikha Bodour and Prince Moulay Rachid, proceeded with a tour of the book fair, during which they visited various country pavilions and exhibits to view their publications. Sheikha Bodour and Prince Moulay Rachid tour different pavilions at Rabat Book Fair. WAM Sharjah's Guest of Honour pavilion, managed by SBA, brings together 18 cultural and academic institutions from across the Emirate, reflecting the scale and depth of its investment in culture, heritage and education. Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Chellah, one of Morocco's most iconic archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage landmark, a gala dinner was hosted in honour of the visiting Sharjah delegation. Steeped in history, Chellah stands as a powerful symbol of Morocco's cultural legacy, with roots tracing back to ancient civilisations and a walled necropolis dating to the Marinid era. The evening brought together leading cultural figures from Morocco and the UAE to celebrate Sharjah's participation as Guest of Honour at Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair 2025 and to reflect on the deepening cultural ties between the two nations. During the event, Sheikha Bodour, as Head of the Sharjah delegation, delivered a keynote address in which she said, "I bring sincere greetings and deep appreciation from His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and all fellow book fair participants. I would like to convey His Highness's deep admiration for the intellectual and cultural contributions that the Kingdom of Morocco has made throughout the centuries-contributions it continues to make today.' Sheikha Bodour being briefed during the Rabat Book Fair. WAM She added, "Our relationship with Morocco is founded upon a long and meaningful history of cultural and intellectual exchange. When Ibn Battuta journeyed eastward, he recorded the shared values and rich heritage that bound the people of the Mashreq and Maghreb together. These values bind us together still. "Today, we are inspired by the legacy of Ibn Battuta, the heritage of Al Qarawiyyin University, and the work of Al Sharif Al Idrisi as we build cultural bridges between our two countries. Our collaboration helps strengthen the deep bonds we share, bonds that were once tested during a time when global powers tried to divide our people. As a new generation of nations and leaders who believe in the power of culture to bring people closer together, we understand the value of heritage and appreciate one another with greater awareness and a deeper sense of responsibility." Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid stated, "This year's edition is distinguished by the participation of the Emirate of Sharjah as Guest of Honour, which reflects the strong relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates under the leadership of both countries' heads of state.' He added, "We had the honour of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid inaugurating the 30th edition of the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, held under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.' "We are pleased to welcome Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi and the delegation from Sharjah. This will offer Moroccan audiences and visitors a valuable opportunity to explore a rich culture deeply rooted in historical traditions. The book fair is an international cultural gathering that celebrates reading and books, with a programme of seminars, presentations, and new publications that reflect the central place of literature and reading in society.' Sharjah's programme at Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair 2025 features over 50 events, including thought leadership panels, poetry evenings, children's workshops, and professional exchanges between publishers, writers and intellectuals from the UAE and Morocco. More than 18 Emirati institutions are exhibiting hundreds of titles, opening up new translation and licensing opportunities. Special focus is placed on engaging young readers. Through partnerships with the UAE Board on Books for Young People and the 'Kan Yama Kan' initiative, the programme includes interactive sessions designed to promote reading habits and introduce Emirati heritage through modern storytelling formats. Sharjah's delegation comprises 18 leading entities, including the Emirates Writers Union, Emirates Publishers Association, Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association, Emirates Libraries and Information Association, Sharjah Department of Culture, Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies, Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Al Qasimi Publications, American University of Sharjah, UAE Board on Books for Young People, House of Wisdom, Sharjah Literary Agency, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, PublisHer initiative and Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. WAM
Gulf News
18-04-2025
- Gulf News
Watch: Sharjah reaffirms cultural leadership as Guest of Honour at Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair
Rabat, Morocco: In a vibrant celebration of Arab culture and cross-cultural solidarity, Sharjah marked its Guest of Honour participation at the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair in Morocco. The event, graced by Prince Moulay Rachid and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), highlights Sharjah's ongoing commitment to enriching Arab cultural heritage and strengthening ties with Morocco. The fair, being held at the OLM Souissi venue in Rabat until April 27, was inaugurated by Sheikha Bodour and Prince Moulay Rachid, alongside Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication. The opening ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting followed by a tour of the Sharjah Guest of Honour pavilion, where Sheikha Bodour, accompanied by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA, showcased exhibitions and educational programmes that embody Sharjah's cultural initiatives. During the tour, notable figures including Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, and Latifa Mouftakir, Director of Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, were present, celebrating the spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange. 18 institutions Sharjah's pavilion, managed by the SBA, brings together 18 cultural and academic institutions from the emirate, showcasing a breadth of cultural, heritage, and educational initiatives. This participation not only reflects the depth of Sharjah's investment in culture and education but also its role in fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures. A special gala dinner was hosted at the historic Chellah, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Morocco, to honour the Sharjah delegation. This event underscored the shared historical ties and future unity between the UAE and Morocco, bringing together leading cultural figures from both nations. Historical ties In her keynote address, Sheikha Bodour conveyed greetings from His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah to King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, and the participants of the fair. She said: 'Our relationship with Morocco is founded upon a long and meaningful history of cultural and intellectual exchange. When Ibn Battuta journeyed eastward, he recorded the shared values and rich heritage that bound the people of the Mashreq and Maghreb together. These values bind us together still.' Sheikh Bodour added: 'Today, we are inspired by the legacy of Ibn Battuta, the heritage of Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the work of Al-Sharif Al-Idrisi as we build cultural bridges between our two countries. Our collaboration helps strengthen the deep bonds we share, bonds that were once tested during a time when global powers tried to divide our people. As a new generation of nations and leaders who believe in the power of culture to bring people closer together, we understand the value of heritage and appreciate one another with greater awareness and a deeper sense of responsibility. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid remarked on the significance of Sharjah's participation as Guest of Honour, reflecting the strong bilateral relations nurtured under the leadership of both nations. He also expressed his honour in having Prince Moulay Rachid inaugurate this milestone edition of the book fair. 50 events The fair's rich programme includes over 50 events such as thought leadership panels, poetry evenings, and children's workshops, with a special focus on engaging young readers. Initiatives like the UAE Board on Books for Young People and the 'Kan Yama Kan' initiative are crucial in promoting reading habits and introducing Emirati heritage through storytelling. Sharjah's comprehensive delegation includes leading cultural and educational entities, reinforcing its role as a hub of Arab cultural and intellectual activity. This robust participation not only highlights Sharjah's commitment to cultural leadership but also its dedication to nurturing the literary scene and opening doors for new collaborative opportunities in translation and publishing.
Morocco World
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Prince Moulay Rachid Inaugurates 30th International Book Fair in Rabat
Rabat – Prince Moulay Rachid inaugurated the 30th edition of the International Publishing and Book Fair ( SIEL ) on Thursday at the OLM-Souissi venue in Rabat. The annual cultural event, takes place from April 18 to 27, honors the Emirate of Sharjah as the guest of honor, showing the cultural and historical ties between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. During his visit, Prince Moulay Rachid toured several pavilions, including Sharjah's stand, which showcases recent developments in the Emirati cultural scene. The prince also stopped by the stands of Palestine, the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the French Institute, SOCHEPRESS, Dar Amane, and the Smurfs Universe – a space dedicated to young readers. With 756 exhibitors from 51 countries, this year's fair presents a wide selection of over 100,000 titles across diverse literary genres and academic fields. The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Regional Council, and local authorities. The fair features an extensive cultural program that includes book signings, panel discussions, poetry nights, and literary tributes. Numerous Moroccan and international authors, artists, and scholars are taking part in these events. This year also includes tributes to influential Moroccan and Arab cultural figures, organized in cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). Prestigious literary awards such as the Ibn Battouta Travel Writing Prize and the National Reading Prize will also be presented. As in previous editions, the fair offers a vibrant program tailored to children and students, providing a variety of educational workshops and storytelling activities aimed at nurturing a love for reading among younger generations. The 30th edition of SIEL stands as a major cultural milestone, aiming to invigorate Morocco's literary and artistic scene. It also seeks to strengthen Rabat's reputation as a leading cultural destination ahead of its designation as World Book Capital in 2026. Tags: international publishing and book fairMoulay RachidSIEL 2025
Morocco World
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Prince Moulay Rachid Chairs Gala Dinner for 49th Hassan II Golf Trophy
Rabat – Prince Moulay Rachid chaired a gala dinner on Friday at the Chellah archaeological site in Rabat, hosted by King Mohammed VI, to mark the 49th Hassan II Golf Trophy and the 28th Lalla Meryem Cup, held from February 3 to 8. Upon his arrival, Prince Moulay Rachid, who is also the President of the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association, reviewed a detachment of the Auxiliary Forces The prince was then greeted by several key officials, including Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports Mohamed Saad Berrada, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy Fatim-Zahra Ammor, and Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa. Also welcoming the prince were the President of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, Fayçal Laraichi; the Wali of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region and Governor of Rabat Prefecture, Mohamed Yacoubi; President of the Regional Council, Rachid El Abdi; President of the Municipal Council, Fatiha El Moudni; President of the Prefectural Council, Abdelaziz Driouich; and President of the Youssoufia District, Ibrahim El Joumani. Prince Moulay Rachid was also joined by key figures from the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association, including Mostafa Zine, Hassan Mansouri, Abderrahman Bouftas, Ali Bensouda, Azzeddine Benmoussa, Michel Besancenay, Mohamed Iraqi, and Mohamed Naoufel Bensouda. Following these greetings, the prince interacted with international and national guests, as well as partners of the event. The gala dinner featured a screening of an institutional film that showcased the history of the Hassan II Golf Trophy and the Lalla Meryem Cup. The film highlighted the key moments of these prestigious competitions, founded in 1971 and 1993, respectively, by the late King Hassan II, and celebrated the world's greatest golfers who have contributed to the legacy of these high-profile sporting events.
