A festival that is becoming an annual meeting for world-renowned athletes and artists, accomplices of the inhabitants of the Oued Eddahab-Lagouira region who are just as impatient to welcome them. In addition to the cultural enrichment of the region, the Dakhla festival has considerably boosted the economic fabric of the region, proof of which is the complete overhaul of the bay where prestigious hotels have been installed. Numerous investments in progress consolidate this perspective of sustainable development, and have also allowed for the strengthening of existing structures.

High-flying exhibitions will once again brighten the sky facing the sea: the bay of Dakhla will host the longest speed race in the world in the confirmed presence of the undisputed windsurfing legend Bjorn Dunkerbeck. For three days, young talents from the new Moroccan scene will cross paths with renowned international artists. Note this year the immense honour for our festival to host the world release of the new album of the African giant, the no less famous Youssou N'Dour. The highlight of the musical festivities will undoubtedly be the ceremony celebrating Moroccan song through the strong tribute that the city will pay to our immense national star, Mr. Abdelhadi Belkhayat, on Saturday evening at Place Hassan II.

Still in this perspective of sustainable development, the Dakhla festival renews the "Women from here and elsewhere" experience, a space for sharing and exchange between women of the region, sliding sports champions and representatives of the press. The young people of the region will not be left out, because this year again they will be able to take advantage of numerous sports and artistic workshops, sparking numerous vocations. In four editions, the Dakhla Festival has managed to win hearts at the same time as it has gained notoriety. Also, I would like to thank all the socio-economic actors who support this unique citizen initiative, an attractive showcase of a dynamic, innovative city resolutely turned towards the future. Welcome to Dakhla!

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A crossroads between sub-Saharan Africa, the Maghreb and Europe, Dakhla imposes its brand today. A land of welcome for nomads of the desert, the sea and the sky, since the Aeropostale used to stop there, this city is a haven of peace, a paradise for water and sliding sports.

Like the previous editions, the Dakhla Festival honours wind sports and welcomes world sliding champions around a competition and high-flying exhibitions.

This year again, young Moroccan talents cross paths with famous international artists, during a programme rich in music and emotions. Headlining in 2010, Selmou and Group Doueh, Youssou N'Dour, Ojos de Brujo, Tony Allen, Aziz Sahmaoui... and other magicians of southern music and world music. This 4th edition will pay tribute to Abdelhadi Belkhayat, virtuoso of traditional Moroccan music.

The festival also strives to encourage amateurs and spark vocations. Much more than a simple artistic and sporting event, it aims above all to be a creator of social and cultural solidarity. Throughout the festival, professionals offer various sports, artistic and environmental workshops to a young, voluntary and passionate public. In three editions, it has contributed to invigorating the socio-cultural fabric through proximity action towards the local population while ensuring promotion and international visibility to the bay of Dakhla.

Like the previous years, the 2010 Edition has promised to produce in a constructive and innovative spirit, high-quality events, with an unprecedented and eclectic programme, fortified by the passion for sliding sports.

Welcome to Dakhla and welcome to Morocco!

- President of the Sea and Desert festival of Dakhla

- President of the Oued Eddahab Lagouira region