The countdown for the Hassan 2 Golf Trophy and Lalla Meryem Cup has begun

Rabat, Morocco, October 18, 2007 – His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, President of Hassan 2 Golf Society, has revealed the women and men players for the Lalla Meryem Cup and Hassan 2 Golf Trophy respectively.

For full list of professional players of Hassan II Golf Trophy visit http://www.hassan2golftrophy.com/english/les-joueurs-professionnels-hassan2-golf-trophy.php and for professional women players of Lalla Meryem Cup http://www.hassan2golftrophy.com/english/les-joueuses-professionnelles-lalla-meryem-cup.php.

The Hassan 2 Golf Trophy and Lalla Meryem Cup scheduled to kick off on October 24th 2007, are only Moroccan’s competition events that award a large prize money.

The Hassan 2 Golf Trophy accounts for 600,000 USD while Lalla Meryem Cup prize money stands at 120,000 USD.

The Hassan 2 Golf Trophy in its 35th year has also a significant economic impact on the surrounding communities.

Both competitions are organized and planed under directives His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid whose dedication and hard work has made the golfing experience a success.

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid empowers the North African cinema

Marrakech-Morocco, October 17, 2007 – As part of outreach and awareness programs to empower cinematography, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, President of Marrakech International Film Festival, announced that the Marrakech International Film Festival (MIFF) will pay a special tribute to Egyptian cinema at its 7th edition, which will be held from December 7 to 15, 2007.

This year edition will see the screening of 40 major Egyptian films, recalling the various stages of cinema in this country, as a vehicle for His Royal Highness’ action plan, to endeavor breathe new life into North African cinematography.

For part of preparations for the festival, under the directions of His Royal Highness, Noureddine Eddine Saïl Vice president of the Foundation of MIFF, has just completed a two-day visit to Cairo.

During his visit to Egypt, Mr. Eddine Saïl held several meetings including with Egyptian Minister of Culture Farouq Hosni, the executive director of the National Center of Cinema, Chadi Abou Ali and several film industry professionals in Egypt.

His Royal Highness, who is well known for his affinity with arts and culture, aims to enhance and make MIFF the mantle of one of the leading voices for the development of cultural and economic exchanges with the highlight of the importance of dialogue between cultures and their role in cinematography.

In its editions of 2005 and 2006, the MIFF had paid tribute to the Spanish and Italian cinema respectively.

The famous Marrakech Film Festival is organized under the directions of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid and his Foundation of Marrakech International Film Festival.

Radiant HRH Prince Moulay Rachid sparks in Morocco’s capital

Rabat, October 15, 2007 – It's been over ten years since His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid attended an official ceremony to support the fist democratic government, after his father HM King Hassan II introduced the constitutional monarchy.

The 37-year-old royal, who wore a stylish suit and was sporting his favorite trendy tie, went down his memory lane for a while today at ceremony to appoint the selected government.

His Royal Highness has busy autumn ahead, as eagerly spectators await the Prince’s two major projects: the most prestigious Hassan 2 Golf Trophy and the magnificent Marrakech International Film Festival.

The Hassan II Golf Trophy, a beautiful romance in 34 chapters

The Hassan II Golf Trophy Society was created under the Presidency of H.R.H. The Prince Moulay Rachid. The chosen members began quickly their job, the 32nd Edition of the Hassan II Golf Trophy preparation.

H.R.H. The Prince Moulay Rachid has settled 3 main goals:
Respect of the tradition
Innovate without alter
Progress in Excellency

You can read more at: http://www.hassan2golftrophy.com/docs/history.pdf

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid officiates reorganization of MIFF Foundation

Marrakech-Morocco, October 14, 2007 -- His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, Founder and President of Marrakech International Film Festival (MIFF) Foundation, has announced that the foundation will get new headquarters, which is already under the construction.

The announcement made within the framework of foundation’s pilot projects, the aim of the reorganization is to maximize its principles, while ensuring sustained improvement in order to meet foundations goals.

The Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation was established in 2001 by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid and was endowed with the presidency of His Royal Highness. The Foundation is not-for–profit organization and was incorporated due to lack of opportunities for creative talents in cinematography.

The Foundation is distinguished for hosting the most renowned annual Marrakech International Film Festival.

Extraordinarily, the Foundation does not restrict its activities only to the famous festival, and specializes in the preservation and promotion of cultural wealth. The Foundation’s aim is to provide assistance to the diverse talents in front of and behind the camera. Social welfare projects also fall within its domain.

The purview of MIFF Foundation is very broad. Under the brave leadership of His Royal Highness, the foundation showcases and promotes work of diverse filmmakers and artists to Moroccan and International audiences. Its goal is to encourage and train new artists of all faces and to prepare them to reach ultimate victory.

To hundreds of young filmmakers dream came true due to generosity of His Royal Highness and his decisive contribution to the intellectual training of those who might play a leading role in cinematography.

Under the direction of His Royal Highness, the Foundation brings together emerging film talents from diverse Moroccan, African, Arab and International communities to network, dialogue, share, support and critique each other’s work.

For that reason, the Foundation has focused its activities to facilitate a forum where filmmakers and other film artists can interact and pitch their ideas to producers and investors. The Foundation is a main sponsor, along with European Union, of annual workshop of MEDA Films Development in Marrakech, with the aim of offering the opportunity to scriptwriter and producer teams to learn new ways of creating innovative ideas, expanding on them and collaborating to realize them as feature films.

In 2005, the Foundation has joined forces with the Tribeca Film Institute to create a pioneering filmmaking exchange program. The Marrakech/Tribeca Filmmaker Exchange was held in Marrakech in conjunction with film festival that brought together eight New York film students and eight emerging Moroccan directors. One of America's most honored film directors Martin Scorsese and Iran's Abbas Kiarostami has offered master classes, which were among the program's core offerings.

The preservation and promotion of intercultural understanding is also foundation’s mission furthering the vision of His Royal Highness. The Foundation also contributes in various ways to the promotion and enhancement of the contemporary artistic scene in Morocco and aboard. It also endorses the endeavors of other organizations on behalf of the cultural and scientific development.

Children being close to His Royal Highness heart, the foundation has been supporting non-governmental organizations by subsidizing the implementation of social welfare projects. Exclusively, the foundation has run the “Schoolbags Actions” to ease the financial burden of low-income families with children and to help them with basic education fees.

Under the leadership of His Royal Highness, the foundation works in the belief that knowledge and exploitation of the cultural heritage constitute a firm foundation for the future and for the preservation of the historic identity of Morocco, particularly during the unfavorable times following the 911.

The Foundation's Info:

The Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation Bureau provisoire : Théâtre Royal de Marrakech Adresse : BP 14212 – Riad Laarouss – Marrakech – Maroc Tél : +212 (0) 24 43 24 93/94 Fax : +212 (0) 24 43 25 11

E-mail : ffifm@lafondation.ma Site web : http://www.festivalmarrakech.info/

Eid sa’id Your Royal Highness!

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid reflects on holy month Ramadan

Rabat, October 13, 2007 – His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the festival that follows the holy month of fasting and marking the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, visited the mosque.

Eid is an Arabic term meaning “festivity” or “celebration” while Fitr means, “to break the fast” and can also mean “nature,” from the word “fitrat.”

Common greetings in Arabic-speaking countries and communities around the world during this holiday are “Eid mubarak” (blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (happy Eid). In addition, many countries have their own greetings based on local language and traditions.

On this day of festivity, His Royal Highness performed the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a congregational prayer.

During the time of Ramadan, His Royal Highness chaired several religious lectures concerning several issues that are examined from Islamic point of view.

His Royal Highness also visited Saudi Arabia where he visited Prophet’s Mosque and performed Umrah (Minor Pilgrimage).

The month of Ramadan, the most blessed of the 12 months in the Islamic calendar is the Muslim month of fasting, prayer, Quran readings and acts of charity.

His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid brings hope for new future

Rabat, October 12, 2007 – Having a vision for parliament that emerges for a progress of citizens, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid took up on long tradition of the opening of the Moroccan parliament to open the political year on Friday October 12, 2007.

After His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid arrived at the opening session, the Prince displayed a regal reveal as he reviewed a guard of honour. Dressed in a traditional ensemble, the Prince revises the stereotype and shows serious approach to modernization and reforms to promote tolerance, freedom and inspiration in the country.

His Royal Highness, who provides key logistic support to the political, diplomatic, economic, cultural and religious bases for the Kingdom of Morocco, was no doubt be delighted to be back on home soil after his recent state visit to Saudi Arabia. The hard-working royal has traveled to the Saudi Arabia to bolster relations and to meet top political figures.

His Royal Highness is known for his determined commitment to peace and has been tireless in his efforts to promote international relations. His mandatory contribution to the national program has boost the trust of Moroccans in the international community and echoed the need in working and living together.

The 37-year-old royal, a well-known champion of human rights, has very busy and challenging months in front him, as next on his agenda are two major internationally renewed events. On October 24 2007, the Prince will open the Hassan II Golf Trophy and on December 7 2007, the Marrakech International Film Festival.

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid continues to push the sustainable development agenda forward

Morocco-Fes, October 9, 2007 – To achieve the Millennium Development Goals, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Morocco, continues to actively spearhead and support the development of Moroccan cities and devotes much of his time to carrying on social development programs.

On Tuesday, His Royal Highness pushed for new emerging program that awaits the city of Fes. The city of Fes, situated in the central part of Morocco, will witness the significant investment of one billion and 237 millions Dirhams to advance the progress of the city.

To raise and address core issues and forming a special interest in social development in Morocco through such programs are essential to support and promote the healthy development of citizens, underlines His Royal Highness.

His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid - renowned for his philanthropic work – advocates his work on behalf of social development programs that aim to improve the living condition and the well being of present and future generations.

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid chairs Ramadan lecture

Morocco-Fes, October 9, 2007 – His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Morocco, chaired Tuesday in Fest the lecture of Ramadan.

The Lectures delivered by notable scholar underlined the life from an Islamic point of view.
His Royal Highness has chaired a series of lectures throughout the month of Ramadan at Moroccan mosques and also took some time to meditate in Holly city of Medina.

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid wraps up Saudi Arabia tour

Saudi Arabia, October 8, 2007 — His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid returned home on Monday after a six-day state visit to Saudi Arabia where the Prince met with the King, Crown Prince, Princes and senior officials of the Kingdom.

His Royal Highness was briefed on the current plans and dealings of the country with highlights on the region’s situation.

Both sides exchanged views on bilateral dealings and other regional and international issues of common interests and agreeing to enhance cooperation within the framework of mutual harmony.

Throughout his long diplomatic mission, Prince Moulay Rachid’s efforts kept close cooperation on major international and regional issues and played effective role in securing a better tomorrow for future generations.

His Royal Highness noted that it is necessary to develop diplomatic relations more actively in order to improve the functioning of certain state institutions.

His Royal Highness has represented the Kingdom of Morocco in various international forums and is actively seeking to develop clear, effective and competent relations.

In no doubt, the state visit to Saudi Arabia going to be useful to the people of Morocco and Saudi Arabia as well as will adhere significantly to new bilateral projects.

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid takes some time to meditate in Medina

Saudi Arabia, October 7, 2007 -- His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, heir to the throne of Morocco, arrived in Medina Sunday within his current state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Umra (minor Hajj) in Mecca and to visit the Prophet's mosque in Medina.

Escorted by Prince Abdulaziz bin Majed bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Medina Region, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid visited the Prophet's mosque in Medina and performed prayers in the mosque.

At Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, the Prince was received by a number of senior officials and at the gate of the mosque, he was received by a number of Holy Mosques Affairs senior officials.

Royal Dinner in Honor of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid

Saudi Arabia, October 6, 2007 - - As part of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid's state visit to Saudi Arabia, the Prince on Saturday paid visit to Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, in his Palace.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia hosted a dinner banquet in honor of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid – heir to the throne of Morocco.

Topics discussed during the meeting included prospects of bilateral relations, the situation in the Middle East and issues of common concerns.

His Royal Highness, whose valuable experience has gained particular stability and democracy in the region, pledges his actions and support to full implementation of sustaining progress of Morocco’s financial, trade and economic growth and social stability, higher living standards, greater public confidence and increasing global status.

His Royal Highness state visit to Saudi Arabia is full testimony to the immense vitality and depth of the brotherly relationships between the two countries.

His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid graced dinner party

Saudi Arabia, October 5, 2007 -- His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, heir to the throne to the Kingdom of Morocco, graced the Iftaar dinner hosted by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

His Royal Highness, currently on a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, early Friday, held talks with the King of Saudi Arabia.

Following the solemn ceremony of welcome and meeting with the King of Saudi Arabia, Prince Moulay Rachid graced with his presence the Iftaar banquet, breaking the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Iftaar dinner party was attended by a number of Moroccan and Saudi’s princes and senior officials.

His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco arrived in Jeddah, the second largest city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for a state visit accompanied by a delegation of Moroccan representatives.

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid lays down genuine diplomatic diary

Saudi Arabia, October 5, 2007 – His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Morocco, on Friday held talks with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, ruler of Saudi Arabia.

The talks focused on the bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance them in the various fields.
The Moroccan most popular royal - who is currently on visit of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - stressed keenness to strengthen and develop the bilateral relations to achieve the common interests of the two countries, especially in economic and trade fields.

His Royal Highness, the most important leader of Moroccan foreign policy, seeks to safeguard Moroccan interests by setting up a genuine diplomatic mission founded on three pillars of foreign policy: political, commercial and cultural.

The meeting was attended by several Moroccans and Saudi’s officials.

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid journeys to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, October 3, 2007 - His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, heir to the throne to the Kingdom of Morocco, started several-days state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia underlining on strengthening the cooperation between two kingdoms.

His Royal Highness arrived in Saudi’s Jeddah international airport tonight where he was received by Prince Mishaal bin Majed bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Jeddah Province and senior protocol officials.

His Royal Highness is expected to attend number of bilateral and multilateral meetings, including meeting with the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Sultan during the course of these days.

His Royal Highness is also expected to perform the rituals of Umrah (the minor pilgrimage).
His Royal Highness last state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was in March 2007 on the invitation of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz where he participated in the 19th Arab Summit. His Royal Highness mission was to strengthen momentum towards lasting peace resolution.

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid launches redesigned website of the Hassan II Golf Trophy

http://www.hassan2golftrophy.com/

Rabat, Morocco, September 30, 2007 - His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, President of the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association, has officially launched new redesigned website as we are heading into 35th season of the most prestigious sporting event - The Hassan II Golf Trophy.

A new professional look and feel of the website is better designed to make it easier for all-users to find timely information about this prominent event, society's activities and last but not least to share tireless efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid.

The new Home Page displays the main keys to ensure that the website is flexible enough to cope and provide the opportunity for number of new features. The publications section groups the wide range of resources available, including prize list, The Hassan II Trophy and Lalla Meryem Coup competition, programs, course, gallery and media resources.

The website features new splendid look on photograph of the day and portal for official shop. The website also contains links, ticket and transportation information and also provided information of trophy’s sponsors and partners.

The new redesigned website reflects His Royal Highness commitment to provide more user-friendly and accessible web services to all, raises the profile of the event and encourages level of golf activities, while helping to develop strong and vibrant links on global level with the addition to provide helpful knowledge base.

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid fostering the spiritual principles of Ramadan

Casablanca, September 26, 2007 - - His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid today continued fostering a spiritual principles of Ramadan as he lead a new religious lesson in the Royal Palace in Casablanca.

Ramadan is the month in which Muslims believe the Quran was revealed. It is divided into three periods of 10 nights, as explained by the imam: mercy, forgiveness and salvation.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is also a time for introspection and giving.