El Oualidia beach awarded blue flag for 2026

El Oualidia Beach, sponsored by the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) under the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection's Clean Beaches program, has been awarded the international Blue Flag label for the 2026 summer season.

Located in Sidi Bennour province, El Oualidia becomes the fourth ONEE-sponsored beach to receive the distinction, joining Bouznika (Benslimane), Aglou (Tiznit) and Oum Labouir (Dakhla), ONEE said in a statement.

The Blue Flag label is awarded to beaches that meet strict international standards for bathing water quality, environmental management, environmental education and awareness, safety, and visitor services. It is widely recognized as a benchmark for the sustainable management of coastal areas.

According to ONEE, El Oualidia earned the certification thanks to the joint efforts of all stakeholders to ensure the site's sustainable management and provide beachgoers with facilities that meet the program's requirements. The beach fulfilled the criteria for water quality, environmental education and awareness, site cleanliness, waste collection and management, as well as safety, accessibility and service quality.

The recognition forms part of the Clean Beaches program, through which ONEE supports initiatives to protect Morocco's coastline, improve beach facilities and promote environmentally responsible practices.

A partner of the program since 1999, ONEE sponsors 10 beaches across Morocco: Moulay Bousselham, Mehdia, Bouznika, Zenata, Ain Diab, El Oualidia, Aglou, Oum Labouir, Trouk and Al Kandil in Dakhla, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the country's coastline and promoting sustainable development.