Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab

Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab is the southernmost region of Morocco, a long stretch of Atlantic coast and open desert running down towards the border with Mauritania. Its capital, Dakhla, sits on a peninsula wrapped around a sheltered lagoon, and it is the region’s gateway for visitors and trade alike.

Overview

The region has two provinces: Oued Ed-Dahab, which includes Dakhla, and Aousserd, inland to the south-east. The coast is low and sandy, with long beaches and cliffs, and the interior is among the emptiest landscapes in the country. Cool ocean currents keep temperatures mild on the coast all year.

What to see

• The Dakhla Lagoon, for kitesurfing, boat trips and birdwatching.
• Dragon Island and the White Dune, the lagoon’s two best-known landmarks.
• The warm spring at Asma, near Dakhla.
• Long, empty beaches along the coast road, many reachable only by 4×4.

Economy

Fishing is the backbone of the regional economy, especially octopus and small pelagic fish such as sardines. Since the late 1980s, greenhouse farms around Dakhla have grown tomatoes and melons for export. Two large projects are changing the region’s prospects: the Dakhla Atlantic port, under construction north of the city, and a wind-powered desalination plant designed to supply drinking water and irrigate new farmland. See Economy.

Getting around

Dakhla has the region’s only airport with regular flights. The expressway links it with Laâyoune and the north. South of Dakhla the road continues towards Mauritania; distances are long, and services are few.