Born in Marrakech in 1923, Hassan El Glaoui was the son of Thami El Glaoui, the Pasha of Marrakech. He pursued his formal artistic education in Paris, where he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts, an experience that deeply influenced his technical approach to figurative painting.

El Glaoui is best known for his focus on the fantasia, a traditional exhibition of horsemanship in the Maghreb. His canvases frequently feature intricate portrayals of riders in traditional attire, emphasizing movement, color, and the historical significance of the equestrian arts in Moroccan society.

Throughout his career, El Glaoui maintained a significant presence in the North African art scene, contributing to the development of modern Moroccan painting. He continued to produce work until his death in 2018, leaving behind a substantial body of work that remains a reference for regional figurative art.