Host Cities

Casablanca, nicknamed "Casa" by locals, is Morocco's largest city and the country's main economic center. Located on the Atlantic coast, about 80 km south of Rabat, it is a major commercial and industrial crossroads of the Maghreb.

History of Casablanca

Casablanca was originally a small port called Anfa, founded in the seventh century by Berbers. Over the centuries, the city has undergone many transformations, especially after the partial destruction of Anfa in the sixteenth century by the Portuguese, who established a fortress there.

The modern city began to develop especially under the French protectorate (1912-1956), with rapid urbanization and the construction of modern infrastructure, especially the port.

Since independence, Casablanca has become a key economic center of the country, welcoming a cosmopolitan and diverse population. It symbolises modernity, economic dynamism and Moroccan cultural mixing.

Economic and cultural role

Unlike Rabat, the political capital, Casablanca is above all the economic engine of Morocco. It concentrates a large part of the country's industrial, commercial and financial activities. It includes:

• The Port of Casablanca, one of the largest artificial ports in Africa, a hub for maritime trade.
• The Industrial Zone of Médiouna and several other industrial zones.
• The business district, with the headquarters of national and international companies.
• Banks, insurance companies and large companies are located there.
• The tertiary sector and business tourism are developing strongly.

Casablanca is also a vibrant cultural hotbed with theaters, arts centers, museums, and a vibrant nightlife.

Monuments and emblematic sites

Even though it is often perceived as a modern and industrial city, Casablanca has several remarkable monuments:

• The Hassan II Mosque: a modern architectural masterpiece, the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the largest in the world. Built partly on the sea, it is famous for its 210-meter minaret.
• La Corniche: promenade along the Atlantic Ocean, place of leisure, restaurants and beaches.
• Mohammed V Square: the historic and administrative heart of the city, with its Moorish and art deco buildings.
• The Habous district: an old district built under the French protectorate, mixing traditional architecture and French influences, with souks and craftsmen.
• The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart: a Gothic style building dating from the early twentieth century, testimony to the colonial period.

 

Clubs de football de Casablanca

Casablanca is also considered the capital of Moroccan football thanks to its two mythical and rival clubs:

• Wydad Athletic Club (Wydad Casablanca): founded in 1937, one of the most successful clubs in Morocco and Africa, with several national championship titles and continental cups.
• Raja Club Athletic (Raja Casablanca): founded in 1949, historical rival of Wydad, very popular in Morocco and Africa, known for its attacking style of play and its strong fan base.

The rivalry between Wydad and Raja, called the Casablanca Derby, is one of the major sporting events in Morocco, attracting passionate crowds.

Mohammedia is a Moroccan city located on the Atlantic coast, halfway between Casablanca (about 24 km away) and Rabat (about 70 km away). Often nicknamed the "Blue Pearl" for its beaches and natural setting, Mohammedia is a rapidly developing port and industrial city, with a strong economic dynamism linked in particular to its port and petrochemical industry.

History of Mohammedia

Mohammedia developed from a small fishing village, formerly called Fédala, before being renamed in homage to King Mohammed V. Its history is linked to the development of the port and the industrial boom in the twentieth century, particularly under the French protectorate.

Thanks to its strategic location between Casablanca and Rabat, Mohammedia has been able to take advantage of its location to become an important industrial and tourist center, while maintaining the character of a city on a human scale.

Economic role

Mohammedia plays an important role in the regional economy thanks to several assets:

• The Port of Mohammedia, a commercial and recreational port, is an important centre for regional maritime trade.
• The Samir industrial zone and refinery (although the latter has experienced difficulties recently, it has long been a major economic driver).
• Beach tourism, with its beaches popular with the inhabitants of Casablanca and Rabat, attracts many visitors in summer.
• The chemical and petrochemical industry is also a key sector of the city.

This combination makes it both an industrial and tourist city, which contributes to the economic development of Atlantic Morocco.

 

Monuments and remarkable sites

Mohammedia is less known for its historical monuments than for its natural setting, but it has some interesting sites:

• Mohammedia beach: a vast expanse of fine sand, very popular with locals and tourists.
• The municipal park, a place of relaxation for the inhabitants.
• The marina, which contributes to the animation of the city and the development of nautical tourism.
• Some colonial remains dating from the period of the French protectorate.

The city also benefits from a pleasant environment, between the ocean and the hills.

 

Football Clubs of Mohammedia

Mohammedia has a historic and emblematic football club:

• SCCM (Sporting Club Chabab Mohammedia), often called Chabab Mohammedia: founded in 1948, this club has an important place in Moroccan football. It has had several periods of glory, especially in the 70s and 80s, and remains a popular club with the locals. The SCCM plays in the first or second division depending on the season.

Oujda is the main city of the Oriental region, located in the far north-east of Morocco, near the Algerian border. It is an important urban center, historical and economic, which plays a key role in cross-border trade between Morocco and Algeria.

History of Oujda

Founded in the tenth century, Oujda has a rich history. It has long been a strategic border town, especially during the medieval periods, thanks to its proximity to Algeria.

Over the centuries, Oujda has developed around its medina, while opening up to modernity, particularly under the French protectorate (1912-1956), which left its mark on urban planning.

After independence, the city became an important regional center for administration, trade, and culture, while maintaining its traditions.

Political and economic role

Oujda is a major administrative and political hub in the Oriental region, the seat of the wilaya (prefecture) and several government institutions. The city is a center of education, with universities and institutions of higher education.

On the economic level, Oujda is distinguished by:

• Its commercial role, in particular thanks to its proximity to the Algerian border, favoured border trade.
• Its industrial sector, with developing industrial zones.
• Its agriculture, particularly in the Moulouya plain.
• Local and regional trade, as well as public services.

 

Monuments and remarkable sites

Oujda has a rich architectural and cultural heritage, with several historical monuments:

• The medina of Oujda : a lively historic center, with its souks, mosques and typical alleys.
• Bab Sidi Abdel Wahab : one of the historic gates of the city.
• The Great Mosque of Oujda : an important religious monument, dating from the fourteenth century.
• Lalla Meryem Park : large green space and place of relaxation for the inhabitants.
• The wilaya museum, which presents the history and culture of the region.
• The Mausoleum of Sidi Yahia, a major religious site.

Oujda Football Clubs

Football is very popular in Oujda, where a historic and emblematic club plays:

• MC Oujda (Mouloudia Club d'Oujda): founded in 1946, this club has a rich history in Moroccan football. It won several titles in the 1950s and 1970s and remains a major club in the Oriental region. MC Oujda plays regularly in Botola Pro, the Moroccan first division.

Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, is an iconic city located on the Atlantic coast, at the mouth of the Bouregreg River. Known for its major political role, its rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as its sports infrastructure, Rabat is a strategic and symbolic center of the country.

History of Rabat

Rabat has its origins in the twelfth century under the Almohad dynasty, who established a military base there (the word "Ribat" means fortress). The city has developed gradually, mixing Berber, Arab and Andalusian influences.

Under the French protectorate at the beginning of the twentieth century, Rabat was chosen as the administrative capital, which accelerated its urbanization and modernization. Since independence in 1956, it has become the political and cultural center of Morocco.

Today, Rabat is a modern and dynamic city, combining tradition and innovation, symbolizing both local and global Moroccan identity.

 

Political role

Rabat has been the administrative and political capital of Morocco since 1912. It is home to all the key institutions in the country:

• The Royal Palace, the official residence of King Mohammed VI.
• The Moroccan Parliament, where legislative sessions are held.
• The government, with most ministries and central administrations.
• Foreign embassies and international organizations are based in Rabat, making it an important diplomatic center.

The city is thus the decision-making heart of Morocco, embodying political stability and central power.

Monuments and historical sites

Rabat offers a varied architectural heritage, mixing Islamic traditions, Andalusian influences and modern touches. Among the most remarkable monuments:

• The Kasbah of the Oudayas: fortress dating from the twelfth century, with its picturesque streets and Andalusian gardens overlooking the ocean.
• The Hassan Tower: an unfinished minaret from the twelfth century, a strong symbol of the city, near the Mohammed V Mausoleum where King Mohammed V and his sons are buried.
• The Medina of Rabat: an old district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its traditional souks and craftsmen.
• The Mohammed V Mausoleum: a majestic monument in the Alawite style, burial place of the king who founded the current dynasty.
• The Chellah: Merinid necropolis and archaeological site, a mixture of Roman and Islamic ruins, surrounded by lush gardens.

 

Football clubs in Rabat

Rabat is also a sports city, especially in football, with several renowned clubs:

• Raja de Rabat: historic club founded in 1949, playing in the national championships.
• Fath Union Sport (FUS) of Rabat: one of the most popular and successful clubs in the city, with several national titles and participations in African competitions. The FUS is renowned for its training and social commitment.
• Sports Association of the Royal Armed Forces (AS FAR): although based in Rabat, this club is linked to the Royal Army and is one of the most prestigious in the country, with many national and international titles.