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Maroc
4 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
2025 Marhaba Operation Experiences 'Unprecedented' Crowds
The 2025 Marhaba operation is experiencing "unprecedented" crowds, with more than 2,7 millions of Moroccan expatriates crossing the borders since June, confirming "the diaspora's loyalty" and "the tourism boom," said the French radio station "Beur FM." "The numbers speak for themselves: between June 10 and August 4, 2025, nearly 2.8 million Moroccan expatriates returned to Morocco, an increase of more than 10% in comparison with the previous year,' the radio station pointed out in an article on its website entitled 'A summer record for the Moroccan diaspora and tourism in Morocco!'. The Marhaba operation has thus been a "success," the publication pointed out, adding that this momentum coincides with a particularly 'promising' month of July for Moroccan tourism, which has seen 11.6 million visitors in just seven months. In just under two months, nearly 2.8 million Moroccan expatriates arrived in the country, 10.37% more than last year, the article stated, stressing that 338,360 vehicles crossed the border, an increase of 3.74%. The Tanger Med port remains the primary point of entry for Moroccan expatriates, with 555,753 passengers and 175,808 vehicles, representing 35.87% of total arrivals by sea and land. Meanwhile, Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca holds the first rank for air transport with 320,395 passengers, representing a quarter of arrivals by plane. The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity teams, deployed at border crossings and rest areas, carried out 45,465 interventions, including 2,858 medical interventions, according to the article. The return phase is already mobilizing the same human and logistical resources, in coordination with the operation's partners, to ensure fluidity and safety, the radio station added. The same source pointed out that port authorities, together with the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), Customs and local authorities, have put in place 'fast-track procedures' to reduce delays at borders and customs. "This progress is part of the 2023-2026 strategy, which aims to diversify markets, strengthen infrastructure, and enrich the tourism offering," the publication concluded. (MAP: 12 August 2025)
Ya Biladi
06-08-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Marhaba 2025 : Over 2.78 million Moroccans from abroad welcomed by August 4 (+10.37%)
A total of 2,789,197 members of the Moroccan diaspora had entered the country as of August 4, representing a 10.37% increase compared to 2024, announced Omar Moussa Abdellah, project manager and supervisor of the Marhaba operation at the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, on Tuesday. Speaking on the «Obour» program on Radio Tanger Med, Moussa Abdellah stated that the number of vehicles entering Moroccan territory since the launch of the Marhaba operation on June 10 through August 4 reached 838,360, marking an increase of nearly 3.74%. He emphasized that these figures demonstrate a steady rise in arrivals of Moroccans living abroad through various border points this summer, countering unfounded rumors of a decline. He added that «the Marhaba 2025 operation is running exceptionally well and smoothly on all fronts». In this regard, he noted that Tanger Med Port alone accounted for 555,753 arrivals and 175,808 vehicles, representing 35.87% of total entries by sea and land. Meanwhile, Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca ranked first among air entry points, welcoming 320,395 arrivals, which represents 25% of all air entries by Moroccans living abroad. On the support side, Moussa Abdellah explained that the Foundation's teams stationed at border crossings and rest areas had provided a total of 45,465 services, including 2,858 medical interventions. These included emergency transport for about 50 cases to hospitals and assistance to more than 800 travelers facing vehicle breakdowns or other difficulties. For his part, Jaafar Ameyer, Director of the Tanger Med Passenger Port, reaffirmed that the port serves as «the main gateway for Moroccans residing abroad», noting that the number of arriving passengers and vehicles has grown by 6% and 4%, respectively, under the Marhaba 2025 operation. He also highlighted that port authorities, in coordination with various stakeholders, have implemented a range of measures to facilitate smoother transit through Tanger Med. This includes reduced processing times for customs and border procedures, thanks to the continuous mobilization of the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), the Customs and Indirect Tax Administration (ADII), and local authorities.
Morocco World
24-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
ONCF Launches Special Summer Transport Plan to Serve Millions of Travelers
Marrakech – The National Railway Office (ONCF) has implemented a special 'Summer 2025' plan to accommodate the increased passenger traffic expected during the summer season. The comprehensive program, running from June 23 to September 14, aims to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and accessible travel experience for domestic travelers, Moroccan residents abroad (MRE), and tourists across the national rail network. To meet the growing mobility demands during summer, ONCF will operate up to 237 trains daily. The Al Boraq high-speed network will maintain hourly service between Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with increased capacity during peak times. The Al Atlas network will provide up to 70 intercity trains daily, including night services for long-distance travel on the Tangier-Oujda route. Night trains equipped with hotel-style compartments will ensure optimal comfort for overnight journeys. Regional connections will see increased service to Mohammed V Airport with 38 daily trains from Casablanca, running hourly from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Casablanca-Rabat-Kenitra, Casablanca-Settat, and Casablanca-El Jadida routes will also benefit from reinforced service, with the El Jadida line reaching up to 24 trains per day. ONCF is introducing several attractive summer offers to make train travel more accessible. The Yalla Morocco card, available until August 31 for MAD 50 ($5), offers a 30% discount on 10 journeys to any destination and train category. Returning Moroccan expatriates can take advantage of the Ahlan rate, providing a 15% discount on one-way train tickets departing from Mohammed V Airport, Tangier, and Marrakech stations between June 23 and September 15. For commuters, any three-month Navette subscription purchase includes three free round-trip tickets usable on Al Boraq, Al Atlas, or TNR trains. Train passengers can also enjoy discounts of up to 40% from partners, including the Rabat Zoo, the National Museum Foundation, and the Train + Auto service, upon presenting their train tickets. ONCF continues to modernize its services with the 'ONCF VOYAGES' mobile application, allowing users to purchase tickets online, choose seats, and access a personalized space. A 5% discount is offered for all purchases made through this application. Throughout the summer, ONCF staff will be fully mobilized to assist travelers both at stations and onboard trains. Technical teams will be on alert 24/7 to ensure smooth traffic flow and respond efficiently to user needs. The company says travelers can purchase tickets through multiple channels, including station ticket windows, automated ticket machines, the ONCF website, and through retail partners. Railway sector growth and future plans This summer plan comes as ONCF expects a record-breaking 2025, with revenue projected to exceed MAD 5 billion ($500 million), a 6% increase from 2024. Last year closed with exceptional growth, carrying more than 55 million passengers, a 4% increase from the previous year. The high-speed Al Boraq service demonstrated continued appeal with more than 5.5 million passengers transported in 2024, representing a 5% growth compared to 2023. Freight activity also performed exceptionally well despite international economic disruptions, with 20 million tons of goods transported, a 17% increase from 2023. In a historic development, King Mohammed VI launched construction work on the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line on April 24. The 430-kilometer project will drastically reduce travel times, allowing journeys from Tangier to Marrakech in just 2 hours 40 minutes, saving over two hours compared to current durations. Looking ahead, ONCF has awarded three contracts worth MAD 29 billion ($2.9 billion) for the acquisition of 168 new-generation trains. These contracts have been distributed to international companies: Alstom for 18 high-speed trains, CAF for 40 intercity trains, and Hyundai Rotem for 110 RER (rapid transit) trains. This ambitious program aims to modernize ONCF's fleet, support projected growth in rail traffic, and advance development projects planned for 2030. These projects also include developing RER networks in major regions of the country, partly in preparation for the 2030 World Cup that Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Tags: Morocco's National Railway Office (ONCF)ONCF
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
28 global companies express interest in $1.5bln Casablanca airport expansion
A total of 28 international companies have expressed interest in the expansion project for the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca Local Arabic language news website said expressions of interest were received from 4 local companies, 14 Chinese companies, 5 Turkish companies, and 1 company each from Spain, Egypt, India, Greece, and Switzerland. EOI was issued by Morocco's National Airports Office (ONDA) for the construction of a new terminal area at Mohammed V Airport. The report said the planned new terminal will cover 450,000 square metres (sqm) with an annual capacity of 20 million passengers. It will also include: • A new 3,700-metre parallel runway, 45 metres wide • Associated taxiways and airside infrastructure • A 42-metre-high air traffic control tower • Expanded aircraft parking stands • A hotel The estimated investment cost of the project is 15 billion Moroccan dirhams (approximately $1.5 billion) with completion scheduled for 2029 in time for the FIFA World Cup, which the North African country is co-hosting alongside Spain and Portugal in 2030. The new terminal will be integrated with the national high-speed rail network connecting Kenitra to Marrakech. (Writing by Majda Muhsen; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Ya Biladi
25-04-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
King Mohammed VI launches 96-billion-dirham Kenitra–Marrakech rail project
A new chapter is unfolding for Morocco's railway network. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, King Mohammed VI officially kicked off construction of the future high-speed rail line (LGV) linking Kenitra to Marrakech, from Rabat-Agdal station. Spanning approximately 430 kilometers, this flagship infrastructure project is part of an ambitious national railway program valued at 96 billion dirhams. Its aim: to modernize Morocco's rail network and promote a more sustainable and inclusive model of mobility. This landmark project reaffirms Morocco's commitment to expanding its high-speed rail services, building on the success of the Tangier–Casablanca line while incorporating strong environmental considerations. It aligns with the Kingdom's broader sustainable development strategy and its push for low-carbon transport solutions. Shorter travel times and a new urban dynamic The new line will link several of Morocco's major cities—Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech—while also connecting Rabat and Casablanca airports. The time savings are substantial: just 1 hour between Tangier and Rabat, 1 hour 40 minutes to Casablanca, and 2 hours 40 minutes to Marrakech. Rabat will also be connected to Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport in just 35 minutes, with a planned stop at the new Benslimane stadium. A high-speed service between Fès and Marrakech will also be introduced, combining conventional and high-speed lines, with a total travel time of around 3 hours 40 minutes. Designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h, the project will also involve new developments at terminal hubs in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, including new high-speed and local stations and a maintenance center in Marrakech for servicing the trains. Beyond the LGV extension, the project is part of a broader plan to modernize rail services, including the purchase of 168 new trains for a total of 29 billion dirhams. The goal is to renew the ONCF's fleet, support the rollout of new routes, improve efficiency, and meet the expected surge in demand by 2030. The procurement plan includes : - 18 high-speed trains for the extended LGV network, - 40 trains for traditional intercity routes, - 60 regional rapid transit trains (TNR), - 50 units for urban transport in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. At the same time, the LGV extension will free up capacity on the conventional network, making way for a new metropolitan commuter train service (TMP) to address urban mobility needs in these three major hubs. This service will stand out for its reliability, frequency, and eco-friendly approach. Building a national industrial ecosystem around rail This major program also serves as a catalyst for developing a genuine railway industry in Morocco. Plans are underway to establish a train manufacturing facility in the country, supported by a network of local suppliers and subcontractors. The goal is to achieve a local integration rate of over 40%. A joint venture between the ONCF and its industrial partners will be set up to handle ongoing and large-scale train maintenance. This will help control costs, enable knowledge transfer, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while training a new generation of specialized workers over the next decade. The project brings together leading global rail manufacturers. French company Alstom will supply the high-speed trains, Spanish firm CAF will provide intercity trains (up to 200 km/h), and South Korea's Hyundai Rotem will supply trains for the metropolitan networks. These partnerships fall under a preferential financing framework, reflecting international investors' confidence in Morocco's railway vision. With this new milestone, Morocco reinforces its role as a pioneer of high-speed rail in Africa and strengthens its ambition to build a more connected, sustainable, and competitive future.
