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.

Famous Qanun Player Hicham Chami

Hicham Chami is a musician from Morocco who plays the qanun, a plucked box zither-type classical instrument. Today he is a research fellow at the University of Florida and has received recognition and awards for his talent and performances throughout the years.

Kasbah of the Udayas

The diversity, rich history and cultural heritage of Morocco can be explored through its numerous attractions that allow visitors to travel back in time and visually experience Morocco's past. One such a site is located on the Bou Regreg River mouth in Rabat, and is known as the Kasbah of the Udayas. The significance of this ancient site was recognized by UNESCO, and it added the Kasbah of the Udayas on the World Heritage Tentative List in the year 2006, under their cultural division.

SPANA – Promoting Animal Welfare

As its name suggests, the Society for the Protection of Animals and Nature (SPANA) in Morocco is a non-profit charity devoted to the welfare of the country’s animals, as well as promoting nature conservation. With HRH Princess Lalla Asmaa as the organization’s Honorary President, SPANA undertakes to achieve its stated objectives of promoting the proper care of animals in both a work environment as well as companion animals; educating the public with regard to environmental issues; and contributing to the conservation of Morocco’s natural heritage.

Boost for Morocco Tourism

Tourism in Morocco is a vital industry as it not only promotes the country on various levels, including investments, but assists the local population in carving out an existence. From the Bab Rouah in Rabat to the Menara Gardens in Marrakech, Morocco is a country filled with unique attractions and extraordinary landscapes that are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Recognizing the importance of this industry, Caisse de Depot et de Gestion, an investment fund run by the state, have made the decision to boost the industry over a five year period and have set aside a staggering amount of money to make the project a reality.

Historical Attraction of the Merenid Tombs

The Merenid Dynasty of Morocco came into power in 1248 by defeating the Almohad Dynasty in the city of Marrakech. Rabat was declared the new capital city of Morocco, and architectural development and the growth of art in the country was encouraged by the Merenid Dynasty. They ruled over Morocco until 1415, and some of their structures are still visible today as reminders of their part in history. Amongst these is the Merenid Tombs.

Mohammed VI Football Academy

Sala al Jadida is located near the city of Rabat and is now the official home of the Mohammed VI Football Academy. The king recently inaugurated this project, which will open its doors to education and the development of football in the country. The project has been running since 2007 with the assistance of Nasser Larguet, Project Manager, who has been overseeing the project and touring Morocco in search of students who fit the requirements of the academy. The Mohammed VI Football Academy will not only be developing the sport and its future football stars, but providing the education that will shape the minds of the younger generation.

Feast of the Throne

When traveling from country to country you are often exposed to more culture and excitement if you plan your visit during festival time. Morocco may not always be thought of as a country filled with parties and festivities but quite a few traditional and modern celebrations are held by the local people. One of these is the Feast of the Throne.

Hassan II Golf Trophy 2008

The Hassan II Golf Trophy is a prestigious golf tournament that has been held in Morocco since 1971. Now, in its thirty-sixth year, this magnificent event has lured some of the world’s golfing greats to the shores of Morocco, including names such as Vijay Singh, David Toms and Payne Stewart. True to tradition, the Hassan II Golf Trophy will once again have a star-studded line-up for this year’s event, over which His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid will preside.

Temara - a Charming Seaside Getaway

Located on the Atlantic coast directly south of Rabat, Temara is a popular beach resort for the residents of Rabat, with the wealthier among them having splendid holiday villas along the beachfront. Visitors to Morocco are discovering that Temara, while not at the top of the conventional list of places to visit, has quite a few pleasant surprises.

Marvelous Discoveries at Oudaias Craft Museum

Described as a village within a city, the Kasbah des Oudaias in Rabat is a fascinating place to explore at leisure. Situated within the Kasbah, housed in a 17th century palace and surrounded by the exquisite Andalusia Gardens, the charming Oudaias Craft Museum invites visitors to view the many traditional arts and crafts of Morocco.

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.

Royal Institute of the Amazigh Culture

Situated in the Kingdom of Morocco’s capital city, Rabat, the Royal Institute of the Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) is an academic institute devoted to the safeguarding and promotion of the Amazigh (Berber) culture and languages. The institute was founded with full legal capacity and financial independence, under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, on 17 October 2001.

Fantastic Entertainment at the Mawazine Festival

Morocco’s capital city, Rabat, will once again play host to the annual Mawazine World Rhythms Festival, set to take place from 16 to 24 May 2008. Organized by the Maroc-Cultures Association, the festival will welcome musicians and music-lovers from all over the world to join in this eight day celebration of the uniting power of music. The focus of the Mawazine Festival will be primarily on jazz and gypsy music, while embracing a wide variety of other music genres.

Morocco’s Renowned Sidi Rock Festival

Morocco is known as a mysterious country with breathtaking desert scenes, forgotten oases and a rich and fascinating culture. On the streets, musicians play traditional music such as Rai, Sufi, Chaabi and Andalusian Classical. But music in Morocco has seen some drastic changes, and even though the older generations try desperately to hold on to the past, the youth have become quite fond of rock, trance and metal rock. This year, the Sidi Rock Festival will once again drown the screams of excited fans and bring together some of the greatest rock bands in Morocco.

The Intriguing Literary Works of Leila Abouzeid

The acclaimed author, Leila Abouzeid, is considered to be a pioneer among her Moroccan contemporaries, mainly due to her choice to write in Arabic rather than in French. Her works have been translated into a number of languages, including English, Dutch, German and Urdu. She currently lives in Rabat, Morocco where she is in demand as a speaker on television and radio.

Fine Moroccan Ceramics & Pottery

Besides Moroccan carpets, textiles, and other handicrafts, Morocco has become known all across North Africa and Europe for its pottery and ceramics. The three most known regions are Safi, Fez, Meknes, and Sale near the capital city of Rabat. Each region has its own style and color schemes. Many Moroccans argue that the best pottery with the most refined artistic flavor is in Safi where ceramics have had centuries to be perfected.

Shopping for Authentic Moroccan Carpets

Morocco’s allure isn’t simply its piece of Sahara Desert, its vast coastline, or its Imperial Cities. Morocco’s appeal to travelers is often the handmade crafts available for decent prices. And, for those gifted in the art of bartering – good prices that match what a local Moroccan might pay. One of the most sought after items in Morocco are carpets. For those armed with the knowledge of what makes a quality carpet and a basic price range to begin the wheeling and dealing, buying a carpet in Morocco can be a rewarding experience (and make your living room look astounding).

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.

Rabat: Chellah Gardens and Oudayas Kasbah

Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, is a popular destination for tourists who want to see some of the country’s main sights. Rabat replaced Fez as the official capital of Morocco, and is now the official home to King Mohammed VI’s Royal Palace. This attraction is a major draw, and you can view parts of the palace’s courtyards from an outside vantage point, but get too close and the guard’s will shun any attempts.

Rabat Morocco - 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 Marrakech, 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.

Rabat has acted as a turn-style over the millennium, as a who’s who of invaders has breached the city walls since the 12th century in search of a strategic retreat. Yacoub El Mansour, the Almohad, erected his tents. Later the Merinids left their stamp when they raised the necropolis of Chellah upon the ancient Roman city of Sala. In the heart of the city stands the Tour Hassan, the last remains of an unfinished mosque. Behind its marble columns, the Mohammed V Mausoleum calls out for solemn respect and peaceful contemplation.