Talented Entertainer Gad Elmaleh

Born in Casablanca on April 19, 1971, Gad Elmaleh is an actor and comedian of French-Moroccan descent who has had roles in a number of films as well as enjoying success as a stand-up comedian. His talents also include singing and voice-overs for animated films. Reportedly based on his own life, Elmaleh's first one-man show, titled Décalages, was performed at the

Palais des Glaces 1997. His first cinema role was in 1996 in the full-length feature Salut Cousin!, by Algerian screenwriter and film director Merzak Allouache.

The Beautiful Birds of Zaër Forest

Located near the cities of Rabat and Casablanca, the spectacular Zaër Forest offers some of Morocco's finest scenery and birdlife which can be enjoyed as a day trip from either of these charming Moroccan cities. Birding enthusiasts will especially appreciate Zaër Forest as it has a variety of species in number large enough to guarantee some productive bird watching. The varied terrain includes lush green valleys, cork oak forests and gorges with plentiful water to keep the vegetation producing food for local feathered inhabitants.

Morocco Mall in Casablanca

Promoted as the biggest shopping mall in Africa, the Morocco Mall on the outskirts of Casablanca was recently inaugurated by international pop star Jennifer Lopez amidst great excitement. Thousands of visitors flocked to the mall in the weeks following the opening, with live performers providing entertainment at different locations throughout the mall.

Morocco Recognized as Prime Tourism Destination

Morocco has a well-earned reputation as a top tourist destination offering a rich cultural and historic heritage, diversity in nature, a range of adventure travel options and warm hospitality. Recognizing the potential to develop tourism opportunities in Morocco, a host of major international hotel chains have plans to expand their operations in this exotic North African country. The fact that the tourism industry has government backing makes Morocco an even more attractive investment choice for hotel groups.

Abdallah Zrika – Freedom of Expression through Poetry

Referring to poetry as "the ultimate threshold of words", Moroccan playwright and poet Abdallah Zrika is renowned in literary circles for the spontaneity in his work which is seen as unparalleled in contemporary Arabic literature. He is popular among the Moroccan youth as they relate to his ideals of freedom of expression through words. Certainly, his words have had an impact, with six of his poems being judged by authorities as morally dangerous, resulting in him spending two years in jail due to censorship issues.

Sofia Marikh: Multi-talented Entertainer

Born in the city of Casablanca on October 15, 1982, Sofia Marikh revealed at a young age that she was a natural in front of the camera when she appeared in an advertisement for diapers at the age of four. She went on to appear in a number of commercials both in Morocco and France, and appeared in two films - Soleil and Wa Baad - during her teenage years. She has since added musician and entertainer to her list of achievements and has been a contestant on the television talent show Star Academy Arab World.

Visit the City of Azemmour

The city of Azemmour (also Azamor), located on the bank of the Oum Er-Rbia River, is well known for its talented artists and exquisite beach that attracts water sport enthusiasts. This peaceful destination has a long history and many fascinating attractions that visitors will want to explore.

Khalid El-Boumlili Clinches Victory at Rock ‘n Roll Marathon

Born in Meknes, Morocco, on 10 April 1978, Khalid El-Boumlili has steadily made his presence known in the world of international marathons. Crossing the finish line in a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, 16 seconds, at the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon in California, United States, on 31 May 2009, El-Boumlili notched up a victory which will no doubt go down as a highlight of his career. Covering a distance of 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers), the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon forms part of the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon Series, which includes events in Phoenix, Arizona; Nashville, Tennessee; Seattle, Washington; Virginia Beach, Virginia; San Jose, California; Chicago, Illinois; San Antonio, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada.

30th Africa’s Handball Champions’ Club Competition Promises Plenty of Action in Morocco

The exotic city of Casablanca in Morocco is the venue for the 30th edition of Africa’s handball champion’s club competition for male and female players. The competition runs from 24 November through to 7 December with a total of 24 teams battling for top honors. The opening match of the competition sees Rabita of Morocco pitting their skills against Gicumbi of Rwanda in group D.

New Airline Sets Up Operations In Casablanca

Low-cost carrier (LCC) Air Arabia has announced its intention to commence operations from Casablanca, Morocco, early in the new year, upon approval by the relevant authorities. Under the name of Air Arabia Maroc, the new airline will service Morocco’s domestic sector as well as operating in a number of destinations across Africa and Europe. The establishment of this new airline follows the signing of a management agreement between Air Arabia and Morocco’s leading private carrier, Regional Air Lines. The Bahrain-based investment bank, Ithmaar Bank, is the third business partner in Air Arabia Maroc.

Relax and be Pampered at Hammam Ziani

When traveling through a picturesque and exotic country like Morocco, there are so many attractions and activities that the only time tourists get to relax is when they return to their accommodations to sip mint tea and watch the sunset from a cozy porch. However, there are other ways in Morocco to sit back, relax and be rejuvenated. They come in the form of spas. Hammam Ziani, with a hammam located in Casablanca and Marrakech, is one of the most highly recommended spas in the country.

Rick’s Café – Casablanca Comes to Life

As the gentle sounds of the piano fill the air, smiling waiters chat to diners and see new customers to selected tables, amidst the oriental screens and palms of the dimly lit restaurant, one cannot help but glance over at the wooden bar in anticipation of seeing Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart having a drink together. This is not too much of a farfetched thought after walking into Rick’s Café, which has been replicated to the finest detail to resemble the Rick’s Café from the legendary movie, “Casablanca”.

Fouad Bellamine – The Magic Stroke of an Artist

Moroccan contemporary artist, Fouad Bellamine, was born in Fez in 1950 and was raised amidst varied artistic and creative influences in the Medina of his home town. Bellamine came from a family of skilled craftsmen, and he learned many of his painting techniques from his father who was a talented artist. From an early age he was intensely interested in light and space, an interest which influences his work to this day.

Enjoy Some Leisure Time in Mohammedia

The port city of Mohammedia in Morocco is located about 15 miles northeast of Casablanca. It is a popular holiday and leisure destination for Moroccans, especially from Casablanca, and for tourists. The city is renowned for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and its superb beach.

Female Rappers take Top Honors

More and more of the youth of Morocco are turning to hip hop music and rap as a way to express themselves. Many use music to voice their views, convey their thoughts and put across their feelings with regard to the search for peace, love and daily issues faced by youth today. It is for this reason that the organizers of the Ouf du Bled Festival decided to create a stage for these young talents to perform and compete, allowing them to be heard by the public and exposing them to other artists who have already created a market for their music in Morocco.

Enjoy Exploring Corniche d’Ain Diab

Casablanca is a city in Morocco with a rich and mysterious history. Its name alone conjures up romantic images. As is the case with many cities around the world, there is a district in Casablanca where the rich come out to play and the tourists line the streets enjoying the attractions and activities. Corniche d’Ain Diab is blanketed in picturesque ocean scenes, bustling streets, luxury hotels and resorts, and a vibrant energy of grandeur and style.

Entertainment Galore along Boulevard de la Corniche

The exotic city of Casablanca in Morocco often conjures up visions of the 1942 film, Casablanca. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the film won three Oscars and went on to become a worldwide classic. Certainly this interesting city has proven to be a popular tourist destination, with many thousands of visitors each year.

The Visionary Plan Azur 2010

Morocco is entering an extremely exciting and prosperous time in the years leading up to 2010. Investment opportunities, new developments and job creation is all part of the vision that King Mohammed VI and his Plan Azur 2010 has for the future of the country and the Moroccan public. Focusing on the tourism industry, Plan Azur 2010 was set into motion in 2001. The improvements being made, not only to recognized destinations in Morocco, such as Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangiers, but over all, have already interested wealthy foreign real estate investors such as Malcolm Forbes and Richard Branson.

Morocco’s Casablanca - Here’s Lookin’ at You, Kid!

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco with a population of over 3 million and it is home to more than 10% of all Moroccans. Surprisingly to some, Casablanca is not a Mediterranean city, but instead is located in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean coast. The name “Casablanca” is of Portuguese origin, meaning “white house”. Portugal’s influence on the city began in the 15th century. The original settlement, known as Anfa, was attacked and occupied by Portugal in 1468 on the pretext of eliminating pirates who were using the port as a base from which to harass Portuguese shipping. Casablanca thrived under Portuguese rule until the Great 1755 Earthquake destroyed the town, as well as Lisbon, the capitol of Portugal. It was not until the end of the 18th century that Moroccan leader Sidi Mohammed III reconstructed the town. Although known in Arabic as Dar el Beida, it still retained the name Casablanca - both terms meaning White House in English.

A Perfect Combination of Old and New

Rabat is not only the capital of Morocco, but is also rated as “the best” Moroccan city by many travelers. Far smaller than Casablanca, and not as culturally diverse as Merrakesh, Rabat is none-the-less a hit with Europeans and other visitors the world over; thanks to the city’s seamless mix of old and new.

Religious ceremonies in Morocco - Part 1

Morocco is predominantly Muslim and has five main religious ceremonies that Moroccans treasure and celebrate in different ways in a joyful atmosphere reigned by religion and traditions.