Where the desert meets the Atlantic
Your guide to the southern provinces — cities, regions, culture, travel and the economy shaping Morocco’s next horizon.
Royal messageHis Majesty King Mohammed VI
I wish, in this regard, to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to all the countries that have contributed to bringing about this change, thanks to their constructive stances and tireless efforts in support of right and legitimacy. I would like to mention, in particular, the United States of America, under the leadership of our friend His Excellency President Donald Trump, whose efforts have paved the way for a final settlement of this conflict.
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European support for the Moroccan autonomy plan
How EU governments describe Morocco’s autonomy plan, from a credible basis for talks to France’s explicit position on sovereignty.
African support for the Moroccan autonomy plan
Ten African governments’ positions on Morocco’s autonomy proposal, from explicit endorsements to consulates in Laâyoune and Dakhla.
Discover the Moroccan Sahara, one guide at a time
Endless dunes, turquoise lagoons and year-round wind
- Kitesurf the Dakhla lagoon, one of the world’s flattest-water spots
- Walk the White Dune and spot flamingos in Khnifiss
- Visit Casa Mar and the Saint-Exupéry museum in Tarfaya
- Sleep under the stars at a desert bivouac near Smara
Photos: Nomadz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Adnane Chahboun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Houssain tork, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
An Atlantic economy on the rise
The sectors driving investment in the region.
Fisheries
Some of the richest Atlantic fishing grounds, with octopus, sardines and a growing processing industry.
Renewable Energy
Wind and solar parks along the coast, and some of Morocco’s largest planned green hydrogen projects.
Ports & Logistics
A deep-water Atlantic port under construction at Dakhla, and a new expressway linking the south.
Phosphates & Mining
Phosphate mining at Bou Craa, linked to the coast by a conveyor belt about 100 kilometres long.
Tourism
Kitesurfing in Dakhla, desert trips, oases and heritage towns, with a growing number of direct flights.
Agriculture
Greenhouse vegetables around Dakhla, camel farming, and a desalination project to irrigate new farmland.
The southern provinces in brief
Key facts for travellers, students and investors.
- Largest city
- Laâyoune
- Regions
- 3
- Languages
- Arabic, Hassaniya
- Currency
- Dirham (MAD)
- Airports
- Laâyoune · Dakhla
- Best season
- Oct – May
WesternSahara.com is the independent guide to Morocco’s southern provinces — built for travellers, businesses and anyone curious about the region’s people, places and future.
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