The numerous projects completed in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, thanks to the New Development Model for the Southern Provinces launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in 2015, are opening up promising prospects for a region set to become a leading economic and investment hub and a true international regional centre.
In terms of infrastructure, several strategic projects are progressing at a sustainable pace, most notably the Dakhla Atlantic Port, which has reached 26% completion. This port infrastructure aims to become a major maritime hub in Africa, connecting the continent to international markets.
The same applies to the Dakhla seawater desalination plant, where work progress has exceeded 57%. This innovative project, fully powered by wind energy, will provide an eco-friendly solution for drinking water and irrigation supplies.
Regarding road infrastructure, the massive Tiznit-Dakhla expressway project (1,055 km), which is in its final phase and has a completion cost of approximately 10 billion dirhams, serves as a structural economic and social lever for the Kingdom's Southern Provinces, especially as it will permanently strengthen economic and commercial ties between Morocco and its African hinterland.
In terms of hosting major events, the city of Dakhla has solidified its position as a preferred destination in this field, establishing itself as a high-level space for debate on issues related to the future of Africa.
Thus, the Pearl of the South hosted several major events in 2024, bringing together prominent figures from the worlds of diplomacy, economy, and culture, including the 7th edition of the "Morocco Today Forum", the African Forum for Fisheries and Aquaculture Industries "Seafood 4 Africa 2024", and the 4th edition of the "Diplomatic Morocco-Sahara" forum.
On the cultural front, Dakhla witnessed a strong dynamic in 2024, thanks to a series of cultural and artistic events with local, national, and international dimensions, including the 12th edition of the Dakhla International Festival and the 14th edition of the Regional Book and Publishing Fair.
On the diplomatic front, 2024 was marked by the opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Chad and the holding of the 3rd session of the Morocco-Gambia Joint Cooperation Commission.
During the year now drawing to a close, Dakhla also welcomed numerous foreign delegations and investors who came to the city to explore investment opportunities and see firsthand the development dynamics in the Kingdom's Southern Provinces.
Healthcare and medical care in the region have not been overlooked; they have been strengthened through the opening of the Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health (UM6SS), affiliated with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sciences and Health, the opening of the Dakhla International Clinic, and the addition of five urban and rural health centres in the Oued Eddahab province.
In the sporting field, the city of Dakhla is further strengthening its status as a global destination for various sports disciplines, successfully hosting several competitions including the 9th edition of the "Dakhla Downwind Challenge", the 2nd edition of the Continental Cup in Padel, the 1st edition of the national and international sports tourism fishing competition, the 14th edition of the Kitesurf World Cup, and the 3rd edition of the Wingfoil competition.
The strong development dynamic experienced by the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region reflects the tireless efforts made by all stakeholders to make it a true hub for exchange between Africa and Europe and the main gateway to Africa.
