Latest news with #Agadir
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Moroccan women embroider ‘art with purpose'
SIDI RBAT, Morocco: In a small village on the coast of southern Morocco, women gather in a house to create collaborative works of textile art, and also earn a living. Several hunch over large canvasses, embroidering their latest piece at the women-only workshop, in the village of 400 people. Some of their works have been shown internationally. 'This project has changed my life,' said Hanane Ichbikili, a 28-year-old former nursing student turned project creative director. 'And yet I had never held an embroidery needle before,' she told AFP. Just 19 percent of Moroccan women hold steady jobs, according to official figures, and in rural areas they are particularly affected by poverty, unpaid labor and a lack of opportunity. An artist with roots in both Morocco and France has tried to make a difference. Margaux Derhy founded the workshop in 2022 in her father's native village of Sidi R'bat, around 70 kilometers (45 miles) south of Agadir, to fulfil her 'dream to make art with purpose.' The project uses textiles and old photographs to explore her family heritage before they left the country in the 1960s, turning sepia-toned portraits and scenes into large silk-and-linen canvases. The North African country was a protectorate of France before gaining its independence in 1956. The project is more than just personal for Derhy — it also provides local women in the small fishing village employment. 'I wanted to be engaged on the ground,' said Derhy, adding that she hired 10 local women to work full-time for a monthly salary exceeding Morocco's private-sector minimum wage of 3,045 dirhams ($330). The women's hands glide over frames that were once used by Paris's prestigious Maison Lesage, the world-famous embroidery house that has worked with some of the greatest names in fashion. The creative process is collaborative, with Derhy drawing an outline and the team then gathering to choose the threads and color palette for each section. A canvas can take up to five months to complete. The finished works, priced at up to $5,620, have been shown in exhibitions in Marrakech, Paris and Brussels. Future exhibits are planned for Casablanca's L'Atelier 21 and Tabari Artspace Gallery in Dubai. The workshop has also helped to challenge perceived ideas about women in the village. 'At first, some of the women had to hide to come because it was frowned upon,' said Khadija Ahuilat, 26, who oversees operations. She said some people thought the project 'was nonsense, and a woman should stay at home.' 'But we managed to change that. I'm very proud to have contributed to this change, even if on a small scale.' Her mother, Aicha Jout, 50, a widow who once gathered mussels and raised livestock to support her family, is now one of the embroiderers. 'It changes a lot for me to be here,' she said. 'I love the idea of embroidering on pictures, but also of passing on the craft to other women.' Jout learned to embroider at the age of 12, and has trained the rest of her mostly single or widowed colleagues. 'There aren't really a lot of job opportunities here, so when the chance came I didn't hesitate for a second,' said Haddia Nachit, 59, one of the workshop's most efficient embroiders. Her nickname among the women is 'TGV' — after France's high-speed train. Seated next to Nachit, Fadma Lachgar, also 59, said the work allowed her to help her family. 'Resuming embroidery at my age, after 20 years of stopping, is a blessing,' she said.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Moroccan women embroider 'art with purpose'
In a small village on the coast of southern Morocco, women gather in a house to create collaborative works of textile art, and also earn a living. Several hunch over large canvasses, embroidering their latest piece at the women-only workshop, in the village of 400 people. Some of their works have been shown internationally. "This project has changed my life," said Hanane Ichbikili, a 28-year-old former nursing student turned project creative director. "And yet I had never held an embroidery needle before," she told AFP. Just 19 percent of Moroccan women hold steady jobs, according to official figures, and in rural areas they are particularly affected by poverty, unpaid labour and a lack of opportunity. An artist with roots in both Morocco and France has tried to make a difference. Margaux Derhy founded the workshop in 2022 in her father's native village of Sidi R'bat, around 70 kilometres (45 miles) south of Agadir, to fulfil her "dream to make art with purpose". The project uses textiles and old photographs to explore her family heritage before they left the country in the 1960s, turning sepia-toned portraits and scenes into large silk-and-linen canvases. The North African country was a protectorate of France before gaining its independence in 1956. - Creative process - The project is more than just personal for Derhy -- it also provides local women in the small fishing village employment. "I wanted to be engaged on the ground," said Derhy, adding that she hired 10 local women to work full-time for a monthly salary exceeding Morocco's private-sector minimum wage of 3,045 dirhams ($330). The women's hands glide over frames that were once used by Paris's prestigious Maison Lesage, the world-famous embroidery house that has worked with some of the greatest names in fashion. The creative process is collaborative, with Derhy drawing an outline and the team then gathering to choose the threads and colour palette for each section. A canvas can take up to five months to complete. The finished works, priced at up to $5,620, have been shown in exhibitions in Marrakesh, Paris and Brussels. Future exhibits are planned for Casablanca's L'Atelier 21 and Tabari Artspace Gallery in Dubai. The workshop has also helped to challenge perceived ideas about women in the village. "At first, some of the women had to hide to come because it was frowned upon," said Khadija Ahuilat, 26, who oversees operations. - 'A blessing' - She said some people thought the project "was nonsense, and a woman should stay at home". "But we managed to change that. I'm very proud to have contributed to this change, even if on a small scale." Her mother, Aicha Jout, 50, a widow who once gathered mussels and raised livestock to support her family, is now one of the embroiderers. "It changes a lot for me to be here," she said. "I love the idea of embroidering on pictures, but also of passing on the craft to other women." Jout learned to embroider at the age of 12, and has trained the rest of her mostly single or widowed colleagues. "There aren't really a lot of job opportunities here, so when the chance came I didn't hesitate for a second," said Haddia Nachit, 59, one of the workshop's most efficient embroiders. Her nickname among the women is "TGV" -- after France's high-speed train. Seated next to Nachit, Fadma Lachgar, also 59, said the work allowed her to help her family. "Resuming embroidery at my age, after 20 years of stopping, is a blessing," she said. kao/anr/fka/bou/srm/sco
Travel Daily News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Pickalbatros inaugurates Palais des Roses Resort
The inauguration ceremony, led by Pickalbatros Hotels Group Chairman Kamel Abou Ali, was attended by Moroccan officials, international dignitaries, and distinguished guests, underscoring the event's significance for the country's tourism sector. Highlights included a vibrant fireworks display over Agadir's corniche, a formal banquet, and live cultural performances celebrating the region's rich heritage. The refurbished Palais des Roses features over 430 rooms and suites, upgraded spa facilities, lagoon-style pools, private beaches, and multiple dining venues offering Moroccan and international cuisines. With direct access to pristine Atlantic shores and landscaped gardens, the resort is poised to attract luxury travelers seeking romantic escapes, family vacations, or business retreats. The project forms part of Pickalbatros Hotels Group's broader expansion strategy in Morocco and the MENA region, contributing to the enhancement of local tourism infrastructure and job creation. It also aligns with global trends toward sustainable and responsible luxury travel, addressing the expectations of today's discerning travelers. Kamel Abou Ali, recognized as a visionary in hospitality, entertainment, and sports across Egypt and Morocco, has guided Pickalbatros' growth into a leading hospitality group with over 33 properties, 14,000 rooms, and 12,000 employees. His personal ties to Morocco, including his Moroccan wife, have fueled his commitment to investing in flagship properties like the Palais des Roses in Agadir and the Royal Mirage in Marrakech. The reopening of the Palais des Roses strengthens Morocco's competitive position in the global luxury tourism market, complementing the country's portfolio of high-end offerings and encouraging regional economic development. By elevating hospitality standards and attracting high-spending international visitors, the resort helps position Agadir as a luxury alternative to traditional hubs like Marrakech and Rabat. With its blend of Moroccan architectural identity and world-class amenities, the Palais des Roses is set to become a benchmark for luxury hospitality in North Africa, supporting Morocco's ambitions to be recognized as a leading luxury destination across Africa and the wider region.
CTV News
25-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
U.S. military shifts messaging in Africa, telling allies to prepare to stand more on their own
Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
The Sun
08-05-2025
- The Sun
TUI launches new flights to very affordable African seaside resort with 300 days of sun
TUI is launching new flights from the UK to Agadir in Morocco - and it's sunny for most of the year. The new direct flights from Newcastle to Agadir launched this week. 5 5 5 The flights will take place twice-weekly during the summer season. The destination is know for having a busy port and sprawling beach resort, bragging around 300 sunny days a year. The North Africa coastal destination has a blend of beach activities, cultural experiences and natural beauty. One activity is a cable car ride up to the Kasbah Ruins for panoramic views. For hikers, there is Paradise Valley - a scenic spot with palm trees, natural pools and waterfalls. Alternatively, in Souk El Had, travellers can experience a traditional Moroccan market with a range of goods including spices, carpets, leather goods and souvenirs. Agadir is a great destination for when travelling on a budget - for example the average beer costs around £2.85. And a coffee on average will set you back £1.61. Hotels can be found for as low as £17 per night and the average four-star hotel costs £98 per night. Commercial director at TUI UK, Chris Logan said: "We're thrilled to add Agadir to our growing portfolio of destinations available from Newcastle Airport. First look inside the new Love Island villa as Maya Jama reveals couple she's 'hoping gets back together' and 'jaw-dropping bombshells' " Morocco offers a perfect blend of exotic culture, beautiful beaches, and year-round sunshine, all now just a direct flight away for our customers in the North East. "This new route demonstrates our commitment to providing customers with more choice for their dream holidays." Leon McQuaid, director of aviation development at Newcastle Airport said: "It is great to see TUI commence their new twice-weekly flights to Agadir, a popular sunshine destination with fantastic beaches and all of the wonderful culture that Morocco has to offer. "This exciting new route is yet another addition to TUI's great portfolio of destinations from Newcastle Airport, offering even more choice for the North East travelling public." What's a holiday to Agadir like? The Sun's deputy travel editor Kara Godfrey recently visited Agadir and shares her thoughts. The Moroccan city is home to the country's largest market, Souk El Had, as well as a bustling harbour and modern marina. Rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1960, the sprawling city nestles against the Atlantic Ocean and its palm-lined wide roads feel more Miami than Morocco. I'm staying in Taghazout, a surf town with an ever-growing number of modern beach-side resorts, just 13 miles north of Agadir and its sizzling souk. One of the newest resorts is the five-star adults-only Pickalbatros White Beach, which features pristine white marble steps, manicured gardens and a huge airy lobby offering views of the beach through giant glass windows. It's affordable luxury at its finest, and the perfect place for a last-minute holiday with my closest gal pal. Just steps away were the resort's six pools which wind around the sprawling resort — decked out with sunloungers, sofas and umbrellas for guests to enjoy. The rest of our stay was spent exactly as a winter-sun holiday should be — ordering cocktails to our sunloungers from the beach bar as we posted smug photos on Instagram, annoying our friends and family. Days were punctuated only by poolside events, with tennis, football, darts and dance parties to choose from. TUI is also launching 12 new flight routes from the UK this summer including African islands and Spanish cities. Plus, the African city dubbed the 'Blue Pearl' named one of the most beautiful in the world. 5 5
