As in previous years, 2024 featured the launch of new initiatives and the continuation of others by both the public and private sectors to promote Moroccan culture and strengthen the kingdom’s regional and international influence.
Morocco hosted a number of cultural events in 2024, including the International Book and Publishing Fair and the Marrakech International Film Festival. These events are highlighting Morocco’s status as a prime destination for intellectuals and artists, as well as arts and culture enthusiasts.
The inauguration of the Royal Theatre of Rabat by Morocco’s Princess Lalla Hasnaa and France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron was a particularly noteworthy event. The new center enhances Rabat’s status as Morocco’s “City of Light” and new cultural capital, rivaling Fes.
Part of Rabat’s urban development program, the theatre is now contributing to enhancing cultural infrastructure across the Kingdom and advancing Morocco’s global cultural presence.
In October, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced Rabat as the World Book Capital for 2026, and Marrakech was selected to host the 19th World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in 2026. These accolades further cement the cultural prominence of these two cities on the global stage.
2024 celebrated the Qatar-Morocco Cultural Year, showcasing the richness of Moroccan art and culture. This unique initiative provided an exceptional platform to highlight Morocco’s diverse cultural heritage to Qatar and the world.
Marrakech also took center stage as the Islamic World Cultural Capital for 2024. The city hosted a variety of cultural, intellectual, and artistic activities throughout 2024, celebrating Islamic civilization and the unique charm of Marrakech, which continues to thrive through the Royal project dubbed “Marrakech, City of Perpetual Renewal.”
In 2024, the Moroccan Royal Academy adopted a new vision and structure, integrating new members and advancing projects aligned with Morocco’s national identity while embracing global cultural experiences and contemporary themes.
Another highlight was the official recognition of the Amazigh New Year as a national holiday, affirming the constitutional status of the Amazigh identity.
This year also brought significant advancements in cultural legislation, including the adoption of laws to protect cultural heritage. These laws should help to safeguard historical monuments, sites, and antiquities, establishing a national register for heritage registration. Reforms in the film industry were also introduced, with measures to promote Moroccan cinema and restructure the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM).
Such initiatives reflect the sustained cultural efforts of the Kingdom since the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the throne. They embody a comprehensive Royal vision that places culture at the heart of Morocco’s development strategy, ensuring its lasting contribution to both national and global heritage.