Flash actualités

Virgin Limited Edition to open new luxury hotel in Marrakech in 2027

A new luxury hotel by Virgin Limited Edition is slated to open its doors in 2027, nestled within a sprawling 10-hectare agricultural estate just 25 minutes from Marrakech. This upcoming retreat will boast 37 suites and aims to embody the essence of Moroccan nature, culture, and craftsmanship, as revealed in a recent announcement by the group founded by Richard Branson. This venture marks Virgin Limited Edition's second foray into Morocco, following the success of Kasbah Tamadot in the Atlas

Zagora: Three-year-old dies after falling into 120-meter well

A three-year-old child tragically lost his life on Wednesday evening, March 18, after falling into a deep well in the Beni Zouli commune in Zagora province. His body was recovered several hours after he was reported missing. The child’s family alerted authorities following his disappearance earlier in the afternoon. In response, units from the Royal Gendarmerie and Civil Protection, assisted by local residents, launched an extensive search operation that ultimately led to the

Sahara products: EU defends labeling agreed with Morocco at European Parliament

The European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development reviewed on Wednesday, March 18, the agricultural agreement reached on October 3 between Morocco and the European Union, with a particular focus on tariff preferences granted to products originating from Western Sahara. During the meeting, the European Commission firmly defended the labeling system agreed with Rabat. Brigitte Misonne, Deputy Director-General in charge of agriculture, described it as a

Tangier court sentences man to 7 years for sexually assaulting underage sister

A young man has been sentenced to seven years in prison by the Criminal Chamber of the Tangier Court of Appeal for sexually assaulting his underage sister using violence. During the hearings, the defendant’s father attempted to halt the proceedings by submitting a waiver, arguing that his son is the family’s main provider. However, the public prosecutor opposed the request, stressing that the seriousness of the acts and the defendant’s own confession made such a move

Marrakech-Ménara named Africa’s best regional airport at Skytrax 2026 awards

Marrakech-Ménara Airport has been named Best Regional Airport in Africa at the 2026 World Airport Awards, held on March 18 in London during the PTE World event. The distinction, awarded for the first time to Marrakech by Skytrax, reflects growing passenger satisfaction with the quality of services offered at Moroccan airports. This recognition comes as part of the transformation led by the National Airports Office (ONDA) under its «Airports 2030» strategy, which focuses on

India to ramp up fertilizer imports from Morocco as Middle East crisis hits supply

India is looking to increase fertilizer imports from Morocco, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and China’s export restrictions threaten global supply ahead of the summer planting season. According to government and industry sources cited by Reuters, Thursday, New Delhi is seeking to secure additional shipments in the coming months to avoid shortages. «We’ve got more stocks than last year, but if the war goes on longer, things could get tight», a government

Mauritania NGO criticizes Polisario's misuse of UN mechanisms at Human Rights Council

The representative of the «Unity Network for the Development of Mauritania» took the floor at the United Nations Human Rights Council to voice concerns about certain practices, particularly the way the Polisario Front utilizes UN mechanisms. He accused the Front of exploiting the Human Rights Council's procedures not to advance human rights, but rather to legitimize political agendas and obscure grave violations committed by its armed militias in the Tindouf camps. He argued that

Bank Of Africa launches Invest in Morocco Webinary to boost diaspora investment

Bank of Africa has launched its inaugural series of webinars titled «Invest in Morocco Webinary», in collaboration with Morocco's 40 under 40, aiming to foster investment from Moroccan talents across the globe. The central theme revolved around how this dynamic contributes to national development. Echoing the sentiments of the royal address on this matter, the organizers emphasized the «mobilization of both state and private sectors», along with Moroccan expatriates,

AFCON 2025: Morocco welcomes CAF appeal decision

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) expressed approval on Wednesday for the appeal decision made by the Confederation of African Football, highlighting that the continental organization acknowledged a breach of regulations in the case concerning the match against Senegal. In a statement, the Moroccan federation stated that this decision «reinforces respect for the law» and contributes to maintaining stability in international competitions. The FRMF emphasized that it

Senegal President steps into the dispute over AFCON title

Senegal has responded with "regret and indignation" following the African Football Confederation (CAF) Appeals Jury's decision to strip its national team of the 2025 African Champion title, the presidency announced in a statement on Wednesday. Following the government's response, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has now taken direct involvement in this sports dispute, which is supposed to be managed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). He has instructed the government, particularly the

Moroccan national tourism office launches spring campaign to boost domestic travel

As spring draws near, the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) is rolling out a fresh wave of the Ntla9awfbladna campaign, spotlighting domestic tourism. This initiative features «an immersive film and a 360° media setup» designed to showcase «the richness of Morocco's landscapes and outdoor experiences, while motivating Moroccans to transition from inspiration to action». On this occasion, ONMT's General Director, Achraf Fayda, underscores that domestic tourism

Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries announce Friday as the first day of Eid al-Fitr

Saudi Arabia has officially declared that tomorrow, Thursday, will be the concluding day of the holy month of Ramadan. Consequently, Friday, March 20, will usher in the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr. In Qatar, the Crescent Sighting Committee of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has confirmed that Thursday will also be the last day of Ramadan, with Eid al-Fitr commencing on Friday. The United Arab Emirates has echoed this announcement, with the Presidential Court stating that

Fez invests over 14 million dirhams to protect against flooding

More than 14.43 million dirhams have been earmarked to shield Fez from potential flooding caused by the Ain Smen river. Spearheaded by the Commune of Fez, this initiative will unfold over a year, focusing on a stretch that links the Bensouda R716 road to Oued Fez. The project entails the construction of rectangular or trapezoidal channels, culvert-style crossing structures, and access ramps for canal maintenance. This effort joins a series of recent initiatives aimed at safeguarding the city

Algerian minister: «Time to cleanse CAF of corruption» after AFCON ruling

Algerian media have been abuzz since yesterday following the decision by CAF’s Appeals Committee, which ruled in favor of Morocco as the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final after Senegal’s last-minute withdrawal. Guests on Algerian television programs described the ruling as evidence of «corruption» and «interference by Moroccan authorities» in the affairs of the continental football body. Some commentators even went as far as calling for Algeria

After AFCON title ruling, Senegalese government calls for corruption probe into CAF

After announcing plans to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following the stripping of its AFCON 2025 title, awarded to Morocco on forfeit, Senegal has taken a new step, calling for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF’s governing bodies. In a statement issued on March 18, the Senegalese government expressed its «deep dismay» over the ruling by CAF’s Appeals Committee, describing it as

Morocco: Thunderstorms and strong gusts of wind expected until Thursday

Thunderstorms with locally heavy showers and strong gusts of wind accompanied by dust storms are expected on Wednesday and Thursday in several provinces of Morocco, according to the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM). Heavy thunderstorms, with rainfall amounts between 20-30 mm, are anticipated on Thursday from 1:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the provinces of Tata, Inzegane-Ait Melloul, Chichaoua, Essaouira, Safi, Taroudant, and Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane, as specified by the DGM in an orange-level

Wanted in Belgium, drug lord reportedly evades extradition, resurfaces in Morocco

Abdelilah El Messaoudi, a Moroccan national and one of Belgium’s most wanted cocaine traffickers, has reportedly fled Turkey, where he was facing imminent extradition to Belgium, and taken refuge in Morocco. Citing informed sources, Belgian newspaper De Morgen reported on Tuesday that El Messaoudi managed to leave Turkey in recent weeks and is now in Morocco. The Antwerp-based suspect, known as «Black» or «Narcos», had been in Turkish custody since 2023 following

Senegal FA secretary-general calls AFCON title award to Morocco a «grave transgression»

The Secretary-General of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Sow, has strongly criticized the Confederation of African Football’s decision to award the Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco, in remarks relayed by Senegalese media. He alleged serious irregularities in the process, describing the ruling as a «grave transgression». «This morning, we were invited to a hearing by videoconference, where each side was supposed to present its arguments. Our