New Push For Enhancement of Morocco's Ancient Medinas

On Monday, His Majesty King Mohammed VI presided over a ceremony at the Royal Palace of Rabat, which unveiled the programmes for the enhancement of the old medinas of Rabat and Marrakech, Casablanca and Fez

HM King Mohammed VI presides over the Rabat meeting 

The King ordered the development of the third phase of the programme of buildings threatened by ruin. For this the old Casablanca Medina has been given a budget of 300 million dirhams.

These new generation programmes aim to promote Morocco's ancient medinas, improve the living conditions of their inhabitants, preserve their architectural heritage, tangible and intangible, and promote their wealth and cultural authenticity.

At the beginning of this ceremony, the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Abdelouafi Laftit emphasized, in an address to His Majesty the King, that these programs, which proceed from a participative approach, support the rehabilitation projects of the old ones. medinas of Rabat, Marrakech and Fez.

The old medina of Rabat will see the restoration of ramparts, historic doors, of mosques and Zaouiyas, as well as the rehabilitation of the traditional foundouks and the provision of green spaces.

Under the program "Marrakech, city of permanent renewal" the city will see the preservation of more than 4,000 buildings, the rehabilitation of El Mellah neighbourhood, Ezrayeb and the Achouhada cemetery, as well as the development of tourist and spiritual tours of the old medina of Marrakech.

Fez, the kingdom's spiritual capital, will see the implementation of restoration programs for historic monuments and treatment of buildings threatened by ruin and a focus on the restoration of 27 historical monuments, including madrassas, foundouks, bridges, souks, tanneries, and bordjs.

These programs in Fez will benefit more than 1,600 people (craftsmen, shopkeepers, and students), allowing the restoration of more than 2,200 buildings threatening by ruin in the old medina of Fez.

According to the Minister of the Interior, the new upgrading program of the old medina of Rabat has a budget of about 325 million dirhams, with a contribution from the Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development of nearly 250 million dirhams.

The upgrading program of the old medina of Marrakech will cost 484 million dirhams. The Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development will contribute 150 million dirhams. The cost in the medina of Fez is nearly 583 million dirhams, including 100 million as the contribution of the Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development.

The Minister of the Interior indicated that HM King Mohammed VI ordered the development of the third phase of the program of habitats threatened by ruin as an integral part of the rehabilitation programme of the old medina of Casablanca with an overall budget of 300 million dirhams financed by the Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development.

The Minister of Tourism, Air Transport, Handicraft and Social Economy, Mr. Mohamed Sajid, pointed out that these enhancement programmes are aimed at strengthening the development of the medinas, improving their tourist and cultural attractiveness, the promotion of their civilizational and human heritage, in addition to improving the incomes of artisans and the development of the social economy.

Mr. Sajid said that the program for the old medina of Fes (2018-2023) concerns the rehabilitation of 39 historic sites of economic activity (Foundouks, workshops, souks), 10 mosques and Koranic schools, and the enhancement of 11 historical sites (water clock, museum of Jewish culture) and the restoration of Dar Al Makina. It is also planned that there will be 8 new car parks and the implementation of an electronic information system to enhance the tourist experience.

The minister also said that the upgrading program of the old medina of Marrakech (2018-2022) includes the preservation of historic monuments, the strengthening of the signaling system and lighting network, the establishment of interactive tourist information, and the development of public spaces and 6 car parks, including two underground.

The upgrading program of the old medina of Rabat (2018-2021) will focus on the development of the Place Bab El Had and places close to the central market, the strengthening of the signaling system, the setting up of interactive platforms for tourist information, pavement lanes (8 km), and the creation of two underground car parks in Bab El Had and Bab Chellah, with a total capacity of 1,090 vehicles.

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Arty Days - Music and Dance in Casablanca

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Calling all Australians in Morocco

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Casablanca and Bordeaux celebrate 30 years of twinning

According to the French Cultural Institute of Casablanca, cities of Casablanca and Bordeaux are preparing to celebrate 30 years of twinning through a series of events

In 2018, artists, inhabitants, architects, public actors, entrepreneurs will come to Casablanca to "discover or rediscover the most active city of Morocco".

The Institute proposes to mark this event, initiated under the theme "Casablanca / Bordeaux: 30 years of life together," by renewing the links between the two cities over the years.

Actors, artists and personalities, who will "have the heart to invent projects with and for Casablancais", will come from Bordeaux, announces the Institute. "As well as the invitations of personalities and artists from France, the Institute proposes to create new meetings, with the hope that they will open new projects and beautiful adventures."

According to the Institute, both cities have "things to share". They are both port cities, open to the Atlantic, and they have the distinction of being "rich in creativity and innovation". Bordeaux, being at the heart of wine tourism, is a popular holiday destination for many Moroccans.

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Is The Party Over For The Marrakech Biennale?

The Marrakech, initially scheduled in February 2018, has been postponed indefinitely Meanwhile, the brilliant critic of Cameroonian art, Christine Eyene, has been appointed curator of the next edition of the Biennale of Casablanca, scheduled for October 2018

The Marrakech Biennale has run into problems over funding and its image as a "party event", an image that has upset many locals.

"There is no money," says Amine Kabbaj, executive chairman of the event. I have written twice to His Majesty, I do not know how to awaken people to the highest level. Culture is not the priority of this government. "

Founded 13 years ago by Britain's Vanessa Branson (sister of Richard Branson, patron of Virgin group), the event managed to raise 900,000 euros from Moroccan sponsors in 2016. The edition led by Palestinian exhibition commissioner Reem Fadda was high quality and had a record attendance of 100,000 visitors. The choice of the excellent Moroccan exhibition curator Mouna Mekouar to orchestrate the next edition presaged the best.

But today is the time of the accounts. And, for the first time, the Biennale has a deficit of about 300,000 euros. Worse, it alienated the local community. "It is a biennial that has been made for foreigners and not for Moroccans," says Yasmina Naji, director of the gallery and Kulte Art Centre in Rabat. "Much money was spent in festive events, private parties, and very little on the production of works. The Biennale was poorly managed."

The cancellation is a blow to the contemporary art fair 1:54, which had voluntarily grafted on its calendar to organise its first edition in Marrakech. "I am sad that the Biennale is rejected, but I am convinced that it is only partly handed over," says Touria El-Glaoui, its director. "It seems all the more essential to launch 1:54 Marrakech and to offer an international exhibition of quality to the Moroccan public."

1:54 is a leading African art fair and after a successful third edition in New York in May 2017, the fair will return for its fifth London edition from the 5-8th October 2017.

Amine Kabbaj said she wanted to try everything for the end of November, with the organisation by the Moroccan Art Works Company (CMOOA), in a large hotel in Marrakech, of a charity sale of works donated by the artists. " It's not serious, now ask artists to fund the Biennale!"  says Yasmina Naji. "In any case, a biennale does not come up in a few months. Finally, we must understand the necessity of placing cultural management professionals at the head of this event."

Meanwhile in Casablanca...

Mostapha Romli, the founding president of the International Biennial of Casablanca, has named Christine Eyene the artistic director of the exhibition’s fourth edition, which will kick off in October 2018.

Founded in 2012, the biennial aims to create dialogue between Moroccan and African artists and the international art scene.

Christine Eyene

Eyene is a research fellow in contemporary art at the University of Central Lancashire, where she works on “Making Histories Visible,” an interdisciplinary visual arts research project led by artist and professor Lubaina Himid. She is also the cofounder of YaPhoto, a photography platform based in Yaounde, Cameroon. More recently, she organised the touring exhibition “Sounds Like Her,” which showcases women’s practices in music and sound art, opening at New Art Exchange in Nottingham in October 2017.

“It is in Morocco that I took my first steps in contemporary art many years ago,” Eyene said. “I am delighted at the opportunity to develop a large-scale project bridging Morocco and Africa with diverse international art contexts.”

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British Workshop Poster Causes Scandal in Casablanca

An advertising poster which first appeared on Wednesday this week has created controversy in Casablanca

Citizens were astonished at the sight of a new poster along major arteries of their city. The advertiser, British Workshop, is a centre offering English courses.

This poster depicts a character pointing a pistol at his head with the following slogan: "If you still don't speak English, and underneath the message in Moroccan Darija, "sir t'moute" "kill yourself"

Locals were shocked by the bad taste and mediocrity of this advertising, but Thami Benboujida, general manager of the British Workshop, says it is simply "offbeat and creative".

Thami Benboujida, is obviously a believer in the old adage "there is no such thing as bad publicity". He is forthright in his explanation.  "We want to shock, and this is the purpose of this publicity. English is the language of the future. It is essential for children to be interested in this language from an early age and this is the message we want to convey ".

To the point of suggesting suicide? The boss of the training establishment is justified by giving his poster a sarcastic character, yet it is necessary to perceive it. "We want to encourage young people to learn English," tempers Thami Benboujida.

Many Moroccans remain unconvinced and point out that the incitement to suicide should be illegal as suicide itself is in Morocco.

The British Embassy Tweeted that it found the poster "unpleasant".

Management of the GAM (Groupement des Annoncesurs du Maroc). Mounir Jazouli, reportedly says he was scandalised by the advert, but said that GAM "has no authority to control the content of billboards". The sector "is not subject to any control of any entity whatsoever".

In order for a poster to be withdrawn, "there must first be a civil society complaint or a complaint filed with the authorities. The control is therefore a posteriori", says Mounir Jazouli. "This kind of slippage, although very rare in Morocco, emanates from irregular small advertisers. The GAM advertisers are also subject to a charter of ethics and content of advertising messages and which GAM ensures the follow-up and the correct application. "

When the GAM intervenes, with non-members for similar incidents, it is informally. Its role is therefore purely preventive and awareness-raising.


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Gloria Gaynor Heads to Casablanca Festival

The International Festival of Casablanca will be held from July 6 to 15

Ten arts will be honoured during the ten days of festivities, on two main stages in the TORO space and in Ain Sebaa, where several national and international artists will perform, said the director general of Casa Events and Animation, Mohamed Jouahri, at a press conference devoted to the presentation of the festival's programming.

The festival has had a rocky history with last year's festival being scrapped. Thankfully, it appears to be back on track.

Abdelaziz Stati 

Other arts programmed include, dance, reading, film screenings, children's shows and street art.

I'm not dead!

Among the artists appearing are; Gloria Gaynor, Oum, Five stars, French Montana, Dizzy Dros, Daoudi, Zina Daoudia, Fnaire, Dj naamane, Fatima Zahra Laa Roussi, Mourad Bouriki, Haim Hobble, Hoba Hoba Spirit, Mister You, Kids united, Jil Jilala, Nass el Ghiwane, Dj Van, Hatim idar, Abdelaziz Stati, Betweenatna, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Wachm'n hit, Acid Arab, Daox, Polyswitch and Don Bigg.

Gloria Gaynor will appear - despite having been the subject of a death hoax this week! News of singer Gloria Gaynor’s "death" spread quickly causing concern among fans across the world. However the report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports.

On Tuesday (June 13) the singer's reps officially confirmed that Gloria Gaynor is not dead. “She joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimised by this hoax. She's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.


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Surf is up in... Casablanca!

The Atlantic coast of Morocco is well known for its surf, but this  week Tuesday afternoon saw some unusually huge waves striking the Casablanca coastline. Result: The Tahiti Beach Club complex, located on the Casablanca corniche, was submerged by the waters

Surf up at the Tahiti Beach Club

During the afternoon the water level rose several metres and caused material damage. Locals say the problem was exacerbated by the relatively low height of the beach club structures and their proximity to the coast.

This is not the first time such events have occurred. In January 2014, the Casablanca Recreation Club was devastated by giant waves,  making several months of work had been necessary.

On Tuesday the ocean was serving up some gigantic waves further up the coast, one of which resulted in the death of one person and injures to five others. The wave, on the golden beach of Harhoura, a few kilometres from Rabat, also injured six other people who were walking on the beach when the wave took them by surprise.

Giant waves strike Harhoura

Amongst the wounded were two French nationals (a father and son) and three women, who were saved from drowning by lifeguards "The ambulances and the helicopter arrived very quickly," says Hafida, a resident of Val d'Or.

A Canadian resident in the area who wanted to take photographs of  the waves, was also swept away by before being saved by the lifeguards. He had no injuries.

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Casablanca Becomes a War Zone - For Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan casts downtown Casablanca as a setting for the Yemeni civil war - much to the surprise of the locals

The new film by Chinese star Jackie Chan, "Desert Storm", which deals with the current civil war in Yemen, turned the centre of Casablanca into a war zone.

Locals were bemused to discover that some areas of their city had been transformed into a battlefield. The scene in the neighbourhood next to the Casablanca central market was no longer familiar, but rather like scenes usually seen on news reports from Yemen.

Amidst the smoke and devastation were the mangled bodies of burnt-out cars, pickup trucks armed with anti-aircraft cannon and machine-guns, troop transports and heavily armed soldiers.

A few days ago, it was the Dakar tunnel, leading to the Boulevard de la resistance, which served as a set.

Moroccan moviegoers will have to be patient, before discovering a transformed Casablanca, in the feature whose release date has not yet been revealed. Those hoping to see Jackie Chan were disappointed to learn that the man himself was not on set.

The Dakar tunnel, the main stage of earlier shooting, was cut with barricades of sandbags and patrolled by armoured vehicles equipped with anti-aircraft guns and military transport trucks.

Jackie Chan was not on the set

The shooting took place with a large number of extras - some in military uniform and others in traditional Yemeni clothing, all of them armed for war.

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Casablanca International Bookfair Highlights

The International Book and Trade Fair (SIEL) will be held from the 10th to 19th of February at the Casablanca International Fair. This year the fair is celebrating the eleven countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)

While it is a great opportunity to cruise the shelves for new reading material - but there are some special sessions not to be missed.

El Maleh

The year SIEL celebrates the centenary of the birth of the intellectual and fervent militant, Edmond Amran El Maleh. El Maleh was born into a Jewish family from Safi and moved to Paris in 1965, working there as a journalist and a teacher of philosophy.

He began writing in 1980, at the age of 63, traveling back and forth between France and Morocco. He stated that, in spite of his long stay in France, he had devoted his entire literary life to Morocco. From 1999 until his death he lived in Rabat. He was buried, according to his wishes, in the Jewish cemetery in Essaouira.

An interesting discussion of El Maleh and his writing will feature guests, Royal Advisor André Azoulay, writer and poet Hassan Nejmi, and Myriem Khrouz, deputy secretary general of the Edmond Amran El Maleh Foundation. The discussion will take place February 10th at the hall Edmond Amran El Maleh Hall at 5pm.

On February 11 at the France stand at 11 am,  journalists Houdaifa Hicham and Mohamed Samouni present Radicalisation: An evil with many faces, an investigative book on the different facets of the burning issue of radicalisation in Morocco. From Islamic education textbooks to the recent ban on the manufacture and sale of the burqa through to Daech supporting Moroccans.

Also on February 11 at 14.30 at the French stand, author and journalist Kenza Sefrioui outlines the Kingdom's reading problems in "Le livre à l'épreuve" on understanding the existential problems related to reading and books in Morocco.

ECCAS: culture in the postcolonial era. How do the creators of Central Africa think of the relationship to the self and to the other? This is the idea that will be discussed by Suzana Micue Obama Eyang and Estanislao Medina Huesca, from Equatorial Guinea. February 12 at the Ibn Battuta room from 6:30 pm

Tales: Latina style - this is the topic on February 14th at the Spanish stand at 10:30. This is an opportunity to listen to Beatriz Montero, writer and interpreter of children's stories talking about the secrets of the art of telling stories.  This should be fun!

Beatriz Montero

On February 16 at the Ibn Battuta room from 12:30 Amazigh (Berber) poetry: Hassan Aourid. The former historian of the kingdom Hassan Aourid engaged in "What says Reed / May day ttini uyannin " a collection of 93 poems written in Amazigh and translated into French. He discusses the period before his visit to the Royal College (he studied with Mohammed VI), his origins, his loves and his wounds.

Hassan Aourid

Magazine Souffles: poets and readings - On February 18 at the Africa hall from 18:30. This reading session of the emblematic cultural magazine Souffles will be organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Foundation Abdellatif Laâbi. The texts will be read by the poets Mostafa Nissabouri, Abdellatif Laâbi and artist Touda Bouanani, among others.

Tribute to Gonzalo Rojas: 100 years after. February 18th at the Edmond Amran El Maleh room from 6pm.. Al fondo de todo duerme a caballo  is a documentary about one of the greatest Chilean poets, Gonzalo Rojas, who died in  2011.

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Flying Carpet Flights - Tel Aviv to Casablanca?

The Israeli media are reporting that the Israeli tour operator Flying Carpet is looking at launching a flight link between Tel Aviv and Casablanca and Marrakech on a weekly basis starting in May

If the flights go ahead they will be the first since 2004 when, at the time of the Second Intifada, Flying Carpet suspended flights from Tel Aviv to Marrakesh

According to the reports Flying Carpet will link Israel and Morocco via flights operated by the Italian low-cost carrier Neos. To circumvent the absence of an air agreement between the kingdom and Israel, the tour operator plans a passage through the city of Catania in Sicily before connecting Morocco. The main reason that these flights are going to be stopping in Catania, Sicily for a short period of time is because Morocco and Israel don’t have a mutual flight agreement planes from one country are not allowed to fly directly to the other.

To get around this, the plane will land in Catania, where passengers disembark from the aircraft, receive new tickets showing the origin of the flight being from Italy, and re-board the plane, and then fly on to Morocco.

The plane's flight log will also register as only flying to and from Italy, as opposed to and from Israel.

The price of the ticket will be 600 dollars and the flights initially once a week, with a rotation between the airports of Casablanca and Marrakech. A test phase will be launched for two months before becoming regular.

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Jazzablanca Festival in April

Casablanca will host the 12th edition of the Jazzablanca Festival from April 8th to 16th at the Anfa racecourse and from April 14th to 16th on the BMCI stage

The French trumpet player Erik Truffaz will be honoured during this 12th edition of the Jazzablanca.

The Truffaz will present his new album to the Casablancan public on February 8 at the Megarama.

Jazzablanca 2017 will take place on three stages and will feature Jazz, Soul, Pop and Rock. Find more information at: http://www.jazzablanca.com/


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Emirates to Launch A380 Fights to Casablanca

Regular travellers to Morocco have welcomed news from Emirates Airlines that the popular Dubai/Casablanca route will be flown by Airbus A380 aircraft from March 26th, 2017

The airline's website, pointed out that Morocco will officially join the Emirates’ A380 network, when “the first ever commercial Airbus A380 flight to Morocco and North Africa, takes the iconic double decker aircraft to Casablanca in March.”

The upgrade from the Boeing 777-300 to the Airbus A380 will result in 1,834 additional seats per week. Emirates gave "growing demand" as the reason for the upgrade and said that it will result in, "...increased seat capacity across all three cabin classes and an enhanced premium product experience”.

The Airbus A380 is configured with 14 private suites in First Class, 76 lie flat seats in Business Class and 401 seats in the Economy Class cabin.

In addition, the flight’s cargo capacity will be up to to 12 tonnes per day.

The flight will depart Dubai at 7.25am and arrive in Casablanca at 12.55pm, with the return leg leaving Casa at 2.55pm, arriving in Dubai the following day at 1.25am.

Emirates Airline said that “Casablanca has become one of Emirates’ most popular destinations, which has seen steady growth since being launched in March 2002.” In 2015 Emirates carried nearly 260,000 passengers and more than 10,000 tons of cargo.

Travellers who will fly from Casablanca to Dubai served by the new A380 will be connected to onward destinations in the Emirates networks such as New Zealand, Hong Kong, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Fact Check:
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by European Union manufacturer Airbus. It is the world's largest passenger airliner, and the airports at which it operates have needed to upgraded facilities to accommodate it.
Wingspan: 80 m
Top speed: 1,020 km/h
Range: 15,700 km
Length: 73 m
Cruise speed: 907 km/h
Engine type: Turbofan
First flight: April 27, 2005

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Casablanca Invests in Security Cameras

While many European countries now employ public video surveillance as a primary tool to monitor population movements and to prevent terrorism, Morocco is catching up on the trend with a large investment in CCTV in Casablanca

Councils, law enforcement and security management professionals in many cities rely heavily on video surveillance as a tool to fight crime and prevent terrorism. According to some researchers, the camera surveillance systems discourage criminals and thus preventing crime.

CCTV systems continue to enjoy general public support but they do involve intrusion into the lives of ordinary people as they go about their day to day business and can raise wider privacy concerns. The debate between public good and citizens privacy is yet to be had in Morocco. But, as many advocates say, "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about".

A recent survey in the USA found, some 62% of people favour CCTV while 38% are opposed.

In the USA the value of public surveillance technology helped investigators in April, 2013 to identify the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing after sifting through video images captured by the city’s cameras.

Yet, despite CCTV assisting police and security officials, there are many opponents who are quick to quote Benjamin Franklin - “Those who give up liberty for safety deserve neither”.  They make the point that a camera is not a deterrent as all that’s needed is a mask and claim that CCTV allows governments to watch us, which may not matter now, but in the wrong hands, could be catastrophic.

Surveillance cameras are now everywhere in Casablanca and being recognised as an effective weapon against crime. The main city areas are under surveillance to ensure the safety of citizens and control crime and traffic problems.

Casablanca, as part of its urban development program, has completed the installation of 500 cameras in key areas with an investment of 450 million dirhams. The latest cameras have been added to the existing 400 surveillance cameras that cover the entire tram network.

Al Ahdath Al Maghribia News reports that other cameras are installed inside trams, allowing the drivers to constantly monitor what is happening both inside and out. The surveillance cameras are connected to monitors at the Casablanca Waliya in Sidi Moumen.

In addition the Casa Transport company, responsible for providing urban transport, has 300 cameras installed in buses.  Each bus is equipped with four cameras that have a fortnight recording capacity. Al Ahdath Al Maghribia reports that these cameras have already helped both the police and the judicial authorities resolve several criminal cases involving assault, theft or acts of hooliganism at football matches.

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Hoba Hoba Spirit Rocks Casablanca

The 16th edition of Jazzablanca has been a huge success and climaxed with the appearance of the rock/fusion legends, Hoba Hoba Spirit

Hayha music for the people!

The group has been pioneers of combining Afro fusion, Gnaoua and reggae. Their lyrics, in colloquial Arabic, French and English, are the rebellious cries of a generation and real kick in the face for the contradictions of Moroccan society.

The group defines its music as "hayha" - a word that roughly translates as "crazy" - but in a good way. Hayha music is often classified, along with Chaâbi, as music of the people.  However, no matter how you describe the genre, it is certainly popular with the thousands of Casaouis (residents of Casablanca) who turned up at the Place Mohammed V on Saturday night for the final Jazzablanca concert.

The festival organisers were ecstatic, saying, "Hoba Hoba Spirit are a megaphone for the young people's identity crisis, and their performances are a real catharsis for the audience with the choruses chanted loudly as they let loose the pent up urban energy".

Prior to the group taking the stage the audience were treated to The Golden Hands, emblematic figures of the Moroccan music scene in the 70s.

Back in 1969, the Golden Hands became famous throughout the country with the hit L’ange et ses vampires (The Angel and his Vampires). This resulted in wider fame, particularly in France, where the band played at Golf Drouot in Paris (then known as the rock temple). They made a comeback a few years ago at the 11th edition of Jazzablanca.

The festival has delivered a week of great music in Casablanca. Performers included Jamie Cullum, Macy Gray, Melody Gardot, Richard Bona, Goran Bregovic as well as Moroccan pop diva,Hindi Zahra.

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Four Seasons Casablanca Hits a Snag

The recently opened Four Seasons Hotel in Casablanca has run into a slight hitch. While its website advertises its "three Casablanca restaurants and bars with ocean views", the "chic" bars are running a little dry. as in a major "oops" moment, they failed to obtain a liquor licence.

The authorisation has been delayed due to the hotel’s location, which directly faces the Al Saud Mosque on the Casablanca Corniche.

"Refrigerated personal bar"?

The five-star hotel chain is at risk for not being granted a liquor license due to the terms of a very old royal decree dating back to July 17th 1967, which restricts the sale and consumption of liquor in establishments that are located near holy sites, places of worship, cemeteries, military buildings, and hospitals.

"The Bleu bar boasts a chic atmosphere for cocktails. Our sleek bar is the perfect place to enjoy the finest local oysters"

According to a report on the website Medias24, denial of a liquor license could cause serious losses for the hotel chain, which has invested one billion dirhams in building the hotel and expects to make 260 million dirhams in business during its first year.

The hotel administration are reluctant to comment on the status of the liquor license. “We do not know anything about it and the procedures for obtaining a license are under study,” a hotel official said.

Under Moroccan law there are two categories of venues with separate legal ramifications. The first category considers the sale of alcohol as the main activity, as in bars, for example. The second category, which would appear to apply in the Four Seasons' case, considers alcohol as a complementary service, as is the case of hotels.

If the venue in question falls within the second category, local authorities form a committee to study the distance between alcohol vendors in the area. According to Moroccan laws, there should be at least 300 meters of distance between alcohol vendors, but exceptions may be granted in the cases of hotels and restaurants.

Local authorities are ducking away from the case with the Governor of Casa Anfa, Najib Gourani, and the Wilaya declining to comment.

Alcohol is a divisive issue in Morocco, with many scholars pointing out that the Holy Quran does not explicitly forbid consumption of alcohol, but forbids "intoxication".  More conservative scholars beg to differ. But, as the Four Seasons Group is 50% owned by Saudi interests, and the mosque in question was built with Saudi money, it is expected the issue will eventually be sorted out in favour of the hotel.

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Jazz in the City ~ Jazzablanca 2016

The 11th edition of the Jazzablanca festival plays from April the 16th to 24th and this year's programme promises to be a high quality, eclectic mix. The organisers have just released the names of the 3 headliners for the festival

On April 17th fans will be treated to a concert from the man known as "The African Sting". Richard Bona, the Cameroonian bass virtuoso and songwriter, offers stylish jazz-rock and melodies from his native Cameroon.

With the powerful groove and unparalleled precision, Bona is considered one of the most gifted bassist of his generation and has  played with big names such as Didier Lockwood, Manu Dibango, Joe Zawinul, George Benson and Pat Metheny. Today, he leads a successful solo career and is considered a star of the jazz world.

Richard Bona

“Imagine an artist with Jaco Pastorious’s virtuosity, George Benson’s vocal fluidity, Joao Gilberto’s sense of song and harmony, all mixed up with African culture. Ladies and gentlemen, that is Richard Bona!” – Los Angeles Times

On the 19th Melody Gardot will make a return to the festival after her participation in 2013. Gardot (born February 2, 1985) is a Grammy-nominated American singer, writer and musician from Philadelphia. She has been influenced by such blues and jazz artists as Judy Garland, Janis Joplin, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Stan Getz and George Gershwin as well as Latin music artists such as Caetano Veloso. Her music has been compared to that of Nina Simone.

Melody Gardot

Her new album Currency of Man is full of 60s soul and funk groove of the 70's. Melody Gardot is a Buddhist, a macrobiotic cook and humanitarian who often speaks about the benefits of music therapy and the urgency of living "here and now".

The final member of the headline triad and who will take to the stage on April 20th is Goran Bregovic with his orchestra.

Goran Bregovic

This Yugoslavian Roma (gypsy) musician is hailed as one of the greatest European composers. This musical genius will deliver a generous and festive performance with a mixture of gypsy music and world music. Bregović's compositions, extending Balkan musical inspirations to innovative extremes, draw upon European classicism and Balkan rhythms. He has collaborated with the late Cesaria Evora, Iggy Pop, and scored the soundtracks for Emir Kusturica's films. Recently, he announced his official return to his home town of Sarajevo and set up a Roma education. foundation.

At venues around Casablanca, including the Anfa Racecourse, the BCMI stage and United Nations Square there will be musical parades, children's workshops, master classes, open-air concerts and competitions for young musicians, Casablanca will vibrate for 9 days to the sound of ... Jazzablanca!

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Casablanca's Lincoln Hotel May Be Saved

The Lincoln Hotel, architectural jewel of Casablanca, may finally be restored after being abandoned for several years and threatening to collapse

Built in 1917 by the French architect Hubert Bride, the Lincoln hotel is a symbol of Casablanca's past. The Arabesque Art Deco building has had a colourful history, including housing American spies during World War II when it was the headquarters for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a United States intelligence agency formed during World War II.

Located on Boulevard Mohammed V, in the heart of downtown Casablanca, the hotel stood out for its neo-Moorish style and its carved wooden lintels.

Over time the hotel suffered from neglect; its facade blackened. One of its terraces collapsed in 1989, causing two deaths. After the accident the hotel closed down and the building was abandoned. The landowner, restricted from demolishing the building legally, allowed squatters to occupy the hotel in hopes that the infrastructure would not hold up to their occupation and the building might disintegrate naturally. A further death occurred in 2004 and in February this year (2015) another collapse caused the death of one man and injuries to two more.

Although having been abandoned for more than two decades, there has been constant calls for its preservation and restoration, especially from the conservation group, the Casamémoire Association. Architectural activists, city authorities and the Ministry of Culture prevented the destruction of the façade, and the site was named a National Historic Landmark which ensured that the landowner could not tear down the building.

Now the city authorities have launched a call for expressions of interest for the redevelopment and renovation of the hotel.

According to the announcement by the Urban Commune of Casablanca, the project includes the renovation of the hotel on an area of ​​2,500 m2 and which must safeguard its authentic architectural style. Investors and developers have been called to submit tenders for the project.

If the plan succeeds, a faded architectural gem will rise from the rubble.

To see more about the Casamémoire Association, CLICK HERE. 

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Casablanca Marathon to be held October 25th

The 8th Grand Marathon of Casablanca will be held October 25th

 With the slogan "the heart of the city, in the heart of emotion," the Casablanca marathon expects to receive more than 4000 participants from Morocco and abroad.

For the eighth edition the marathon will be split into 3 events -  a marathon (42.1 km), a half marathon (21 km) open to professionals and amateurs and relay events (12 km  and 10 km). The Marathon village will be set up two days before the event to allow participants to register and have information about the race.


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Casablanca - Bad Press and Fewer Flights

The headline "Easyjet stops Casablanca flights from November" must have sent shivers down the spine of Casablanca's tourist operators. It comes at the same time as news that the city is in the top 10 least friendly cities in the world

According to a report carried by Yabiladi, low cost airline Easyjet will cease Casablanca routes due to worries of profitability and operational problems at Mohammed V airport.

Easyjet flights Casablanca-Paris will end on October 31, while Casablanca-Lyon ends November 3 and November 29 will be the last flight Casablanca-Milan.

Other Moroccan cities such as Agadir or Marrakech will still have services through to March 2016.

An Easyjet spokesperson says, "Easyjet has decided to stop its activities in Casablanca for the winter 2015-2016. This suspension is "following disappointing results on these destinations and operational problems for some time at Casablanca airport," says the spokesperson.

The National Office of Airports (ONDA) reports that they have no information on flight suspensions. "We have not received anything official from the company," an official told Yabiladi.

Lack of space at the airport due to the closure of Terminal 1 has posed problems for certain low-cost airlines including Easyjet, which was forced to drop from two daily flights to one last year. The French press has hinted that extension of Terminal 1, that began in 2010, is only part of the problem and that Morocco wants to "push low cost airlines to the exit" in Casablanca in favour of Royal Air Morocco. This thesis, has been rejected outright by ONDA, who say that completion of Terminal 1 will be late 2016.

However, Yabiladi points out that the fact that Easyjet is to suspend its links with Casablanca at the same time as it launches a new line to Marrakech during the same period, speaks volumes about the situation in airport Mohammed V.

Casa a city with an image problem

Meanwhile in the city...

While Casablanca may be Morocco's economic capital, it is suffers from an image problem. In the latest survey by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller website, Casablanca is not only in the top 10 least friendly cities on the planet, it is in 2nd place.

"Not what the movie suggested. Time has not served this dirty city well," opined one visitor. Morocco's largest metropolis is "chock full of overwhelming sensory experiences," "pestering street vendors and merchants," "traffic jams, screaming people," and "intense extremes." Put it this way: "The Hassan II Mosque was unbelievably beautiful, but three blocks away there was nothing but poverty."

Casablanca came in behind Caracas (Venezuela) and ahead of Guangzhou (China). According to readers of the site, Casablanca is a badly polluted city and suffers from garbage, traffic congestion, aggressive street vendors and the scammers. (See our story on Casablanca crime here).

Adding to Casablanca's woes is the competition from Agadir, Marrakech and Fez.

While Fes is basking in being 11th in the Lonely Planet Top 500 tourist destinations in the world and Marrakech getting new air services, Agadir is undergoing a surge in popularity.

The French flocking to Agadir

While overall French tourist numbers are down across the country, the French are invading Agadir. According to a statement from the Moroccan National Tourist Office, Agadir has seen a 28% growth this July compared to July 2014.

French tourists are attracted by Agadir due to the increase in airline capacity and publicity campaigns in France. Transavia has increased to 4 weekly flights Paris-Agadir, and Easyjet has two new weekly flights Toulouse-Agadir.

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