The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), represented by the Family Empowerment Department ​​organized a seminar on ‘The Family and the Culture of a Nation’ at Wifaq Family Consulting Center.

The event was held in cooperation with Qatar Museums, Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) and Embassy of Morocco for promoting Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024.

The seminar was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassim Al Thani.

A group of Qatari and Moroccan families participated in the symposium, where the speakers discussed the impact of cultural and social heritage on the family, and its role in developing productive projects.

The seminar focused on the productive projects of the initiative owners from Qatar and Morocco, and how culture and traditions contributed to their development and continuity.

It included a presentation of the participants’ experiences and the extent to which they benefited from the cultural and social heritage of the family to develop their businesses, in a way that strengthens community ties and contributes to local economic growth.

Nadia Al-Mannai, a Qatari fashion designer affiliated with the “From the Homeland” productive families’ projects spoke about her experience in designing Qatari fashion, focusing on the decoration of the traditional “Qatari coin,” and how the local culture influenced her designs and developed her project.

Yto Bou Tayeb, a Moroccan confectionery specialist and a female producer residing in Qatar, also spoke. Bou Tayeb shared her experience in integrating Moroccan heritage into the confectionery industry and how the Qatari social environment contributed to introducing her products to the local market, noting the importance of cultural interaction between the two communities in developing innovative ideas.

The seminar programme included a welcoming speech from the Wifaq Center, reviewing the services provided by the center to families, which include guidance and counseling in developmental, social and psychological fields, in addition to family reform services, parental care, community awareness, remote consultations, tests and measurements.

In addition to the socio-cultural dialogue, an associated exhibition was organised displaying the products of Qatari and Moroccan productive projects participating in the “From the Homeland” initiative. 

The products varied between traditional Qatari costumes decorated with Qatari currency, and Moroccan costumes distinguished by the Moroccan caftan.

The exhibition also included a collection of accessories and handicrafts, in addition to food products that combined Qatari and Moroccan styles.

The symposium witnessed wide interaction from the attendees who provided their comments and inquiries about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and its role in empowering family projects.

It was emphasised that culture is one of the main drivers of societal growth, and that strengthening ties between different cultures contributes to enhancing innovation and diversity in projects.

The seminar was organised to promote Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024 as part of the ongoing efforts made by the Ministry of Social Development and Family to enhance the role of the family in society and support productive projects based on heritage and cultural legacy.