Rabat was the backdrop for a chase scene filmed for the upcoming Mission: Impossible movie:

Photo: Reuters

He’s famed for doing his own stunts in Hollywood blockbusters.

And on Thursday, movie legend Tom Cruise certainly looked like a pro as he continued filming scenes for Mission: Impossible 5 in Rabat, Morocco.

The 52-year-old actor – who was joined by his co-star Simon Pegg – took a moment to flash his pearly whites as he smiled and waved at his waiting fans…[Full Story]

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The post On the run! Tom Cruise and co-star Simon Pegg film dramatic car scene in Morocco for Mission: Impossible 5 [The Daily Mail] appeared first on Morocco On The Move.

A photographer describes his experience of photography and life in Morocco:

A camel caravan traversing Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert of Morocco. Photo: Agnieska Czerska Open Sky Expeditions

In Morocco, I met the woman I eventually married. Sometimes I blame it on the light. No, that’s not correct. Sometimes I credit the light for having shown — er, shone — her to me right.

We were part of a muster of youth activists meeting in Morocco, in a desert (and nearly deserted) village outside of Ouarzazate, the notable but small city on the open plateau just south of the High Atlas Mountains. To reach and later return from the distant village, we spent a full day hiking across the sun-blanched highlands, donkeys weighed down with our backpacks, the landscape broken by surprising “ruins” from the film sets of Kundun. Or was it The Mummy?

Once installed in our rudimentary adobe but hospitable homestays, we circled up during the days under or near a traditional, low-hanging Berber tent, depending on the strength of the late-autumn sun; at night we huddled together for warmth around broad platters heaped with homemade bread and steaming, aromatic Moroccan cuisine like couscous, pastilla or tajine…[Full Story]

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The post Travel Photography in Morocco: How to Capture a Sense of Light, Place — And Maybe Even a Wife [Huffington Post] appeared first on Morocco On The Move.

Audio from the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) on lessons from Morocco’s successes in countering violent extremism:

Jean-Paul Laborde, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED)

Morocco has developed a strategy to prevent the abuse of religion to justify and incite terrorist violence and is now sharing it with the world.

These measures were introduced in response to the 2003 terrorist bombings in Casablanca.

An institute has been established in the Kingdom where religious teachers undergo mandatory training before they start preaching in public.

Jean-Paul Laborde, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) and Assistant Secretary-General hailed the dissemination of these teachings also called the “Moroccan Experience”.

Cristina Silveiro began by asking Mr Laborde about the briefing taking place at the UN regarding Morocco’s counter-terrorism approach.

Duration: 2’55″:

Click image to play

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The post Morocco Shares Its Approach to Fighting Terrorism and Extremism [United Nations Radio] appeared first on Morocco On The Move.

Recent big-budget films are not the only ones heading to Morocco for filming:

From “Mission Impossible 5″ with Tom Cruise to epic “Queen of the Desert” starring Nicole Kidman, Morocco is basking in a resurgence in foreign film production, an industry body said Thursday.

The North African nation welcomed 32 foreign film and TV production crews in the first nine months of 2014 from countries including the United States, France and Britain, according to the Moroccan Cinema Centre.

Investment totaled more than $105 million (83 million euros) — a five-fold increase from 2013, it said…[Full Story]

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The post Morocco Sees Surge in Foreign Film Productions [AsiaOne Entertainment] appeared first on Morocco On The Move.

UD student Madalyn Becker spent her summer in Morocco, teaching through the America’s Unofficial Ambassadors program. UDaily

*Moroccan education — The children were a joy to work with. “It was so different,” she said. “I’ve worked in summer camps. I’ve worked with a lot of kids. They were so excited to learn.”*

UDaily, by Matthew Bittle (September 18, 2013) — University of Delaware students spent their summers in many different ways. Some had jobs, some had internships, and some just enjoyed the time off. Junior international relations major Madalyn Becker had a rather unique experience: She spent her summer in Morocco helping local children.

Becker interned with America’s Unofficial Ambassadors, an organization that “builds mutual understanding and enhances people-to-people partnerships between America and the Muslim world,” according to its website. Becker first found out about the group during one of her spring classes.

“My professor knows the founder of AUA,” said Becker, who has a minor in Islamic studies. “He came in and talked to class about internship opportunities.”

At the time, AUA had internships in three countries: Zanzibar, Indonesia, and Morocco.

Moroccan children play soccer on a makeshift field.  UDaily

Becker thought Zanzibar sounded interesting, but coincidentally, she had also been hoping to travel to Morocco someday. Additionally, Becker had been studying French, one of the languages spoken in Morocco, through school since age 10.

She applied to intern in Morocco, which intrigued her with its cultural and political dynamics, as well as the potential to share her knowledge of French. The application process involved submitting a resume to a committee, explaining how such an experience would help her and how she would be able to benefit the community.

She was accepted to the program as one of eight volunteers in Morocco, and they left on June 27. The eight of them all worked at different tasks, with one creating a website and two others working in national parks while Becker herself spent time at a local school in the village of Tarmilaat teaching French to 25 students ranging in age from five to 22.

A Moroccan home.

During her time in Morocco, Becker lived in a dorm at Al Akhawayn University, located in the city of Ifrane about 15 minutes from Tarmilaat. Though the town had no stores or restaurants, the city contained these things.

The village was located in the mountains, meaning the temperature often dipped quite a bit at night. Becker said it was not what she expected, given that the stereotypical image of Africa is deserts and heat.

While there, she took classes on Arabic, one of the official languages of Morocco, at Al Akhawayn University and lived with a Moroccan student studying there. That helped make the experience even more authentic for her.

[Continue Reading…]

“Dream of a peaceful Mali has now come true,” said Morocco’s King Mohammed VI at inauguration of Mali’s new President, Ibrahim Boubakar Keïta. “Morocco will remain a faithful, committed partner.” MAP

* “Morocco and Mali… embrace the same values of tolerance and openness to others, and this represents the bedrock of the spiritual bond between our two countries.

“Morocco will spare no effort to support Mali…recently set up a multi-disciplinary military field hospital in Bamako, which is supported by medical & humanitarian emergency assistance.”*

Maghreb Arab Press (Bamako, Mali, September 19, 2013) – Morocco’s King Mohammed VI delivered remarks today the inauguration ceremony of the new President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

Full text of remarks by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI:

King Mohammed VI of Morocco

“Praise be to God May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin.

Your Excellency Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, President of the Republic of Mali,

Distinguished Heads of State and Government,

Honorable Presidents and Representatives of Malian institutions,

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My presence among you on this memorable day illustrates the Moroccan people’s friendship and their commitment to their unique relationship with the Malian people.

On this solemn occasion, I would like to extend, once again, my warmest congratulations to His Excellency Ibrahim Boubakar Keïta on his election as President of the Republic.

I wish you every success, Mr. President, in your endeavours to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the people of Mali for peace, harmony and progress.

I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Interim President, Mr. DioncoundaTraore, for wisely supervising the sensitive transition period.

In this respect, I wish to commend the efforts exerted by the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS Member Countries and of Chad, alongside those of the Republic of Mali, our sister nation, during the painful ordeal this country recently went through.

I also wish to reiterate my thanks to the President of the French Republic, Mr François Hollande, for his country’s open and crucial support, and for France’s dynamic, bold diplomacy, both of which have contributed to the achievement of peace and stability in Mali.

Mr. President,

Despite difficulties that were once deemed insuperable, Mali managed to hold credible, transparent presidential elections, upholding the country’s sovereignty, stability and unity.

This success was undoubtedly the most pertinent response to the erring of radical and extremist groups of all kinds, everywhere else in the world.

As we pride ourselves on this collective victory over obscurantist and separatist forces in Mali, we all remain aware of the magnitude of the challenges that must be faced during this new phase of national reconciliation and reconstruction:

• A peaceful reconciliation between all Malians, open to all political trends. The creation of a specific “Department for National Reconciliation and Development of the Northern Region” constitutes a solid, promising basis for the achievement of reconciliation;
• Sustainable reconstruction through the consolidation of political, representative and security institutions, the revamping of development institutions and infrastructure and, finally, the reorganization of the religious domain. All of this is to be carried out while fully upholding the sovereignty and the free choice of Malians.

Mr. President,

The noteworthy presence of Mali’s friends in Bamako today clearly shows you can rely on their shared commitment to continuing to support you for the achievement of your mission – a mission which is as difficult as it is exhilarating. The international community will remain at your side to lay the ground for a new political and territorial governance system that suits your country’s geographical, economic and cultural characteristics.

Mr. President,

Mali’s unique cultural features have always constituted a major component of the Islamic heritage and of the African identity.

Any concerted international action that does not give due consideration to the spiritual and cultural dimension will therefore be doomed to failure. The partnership the Kingdom of Morocco wishes to propose for the tangible and intangible reconstruction of Mali is fully in line with this philosophy.

It is absolutely necessary to repair the material damage suffered and to treat symbolic wounds through the rehabilitation of mausoleums, the restoration and preservation of manuscripts and the achievement of socio-cultural revival.

Islamic customs and practices in Morocco and Mali are the same. They are nurtured by the same precepts of moderation and of the “middle-of-the-road” approach. Both countries embrace the same values of tolerance and openness to others, and this represents the bedrock of the spiritual bond between our two countries.

Guided by this common set of spiritual values and aware of the need to safeguard those values against all risks and perils, I am pleased that we will be signing an agreement for the training, in Morocco over the next few years, of 500 Malian Imams.

This two-year training course will be mainly devoted to the study of the Maliki rite and of the moral doctrine that rejects any form of excommunication.

Mr. President,

As a fervent advocate of South-South cooperation, Morocco will spare no effort to support Mali — our sister nation and neighbor — in the socioeconomic sectors which you deem a priority for the country. It will support Malian human development programs, particularly in the areas of executive training, basic infrastructure and health. In this respect, the Kingdom of Morocco has recently set up a multi-disciplinary military field hospital in Bamako, which is supported by medical and humanitarian emergency assistance.

Our cooperation will encourage the business community in both countries to become more actively involved in promoting trade and investment between our two nations, thus boosting employment and encouraging the transfer of skills and capital.

Mr. President,

All African sister nations have a vital role to play in this important reconstruction mission.

Unfortunately, and in spite of the stakes involved, certain states and parties seek to demolish where others choose to build. It is in keeping with a long-established, immutable tradition of cooperation with sub-Saharan sister nations that Morocco intends to shoulder its historical responsibility in this regard.

I have personally been devoting special attention to this key element of Morocco’s external relations, seeking to reinforce it as much as possible.

A founding member of the Organization of African Unity, Morocco is not a member of the African Union. Yet, it has sought, in a fully autonomous way and more than ever before, to launch tangible initiatives and efficiently carry out concrete projects. Today, significant results have been achieved, and Morocco intends to build on these achievements by carrying on with its untiring efforts to promote solidarity with sister nations.

Mr. President,

The dream of a peaceful Mali has now come true. In this new chapter of Malian history which is being written today, Morocco will remain a faithful, committed partner.

Thank you.”

“Dream of a peaceful Mali has now come true,” said Morocco’s King Mohammed VI at inauguration of Mali’s new President. “Morocco will remain a faithful, committed partner.” Photo: MAP

*Click here for full text of King Mohammed VI’s remarks in Mali*

MACP (Washington, DC, Sept. 19, 2013) — At the inauguration of Malian President Ibrahim Boubakar Keïta, King Mohammed VI cited Morocco’s and Mali’s shared values of “tolerance and openness” and deep cultural and spiritual bonds, pledging Morocco’s support for “this new chapter of Malian history.”

That support includes offering to train 500 Malian Imams using Morocco’s moderate and tolerant form of Islam to help fight the spread of extremism within their communities. Mali held successful presidential elections this past July after a year-long takeover of the northern part of the country by extremist groups.

King Mohammed VI pledged his support to the new President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, to help rebuild Mali’s war-torn economy and democratic institutions. Photo: MAP

“The dream of a peaceful Mali has now come true,” said King Mohammed VI, the only North African or Arab Head of State to join the ceremony.  “In this new chapter of Malian history which is being written today, Morocco will remain a faithful, committed partner.”

The King said, “Both countries embrace the same values of tolerance and openness to others, and this represents the bedrock of the spiritual bond between our two countries.”

King Mohammed VI, Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita chair signing of agreement to train 500 Malian Imams with Morocco’s moderate, tolerant form of Islam to help fight extremism.  Photo: MAP

“Morocco will spare no effort to support Mali,” said the King, in helping to rebuild Mali’s war-torn economy and democratic institutions with human development programs, leadership training, basic infrastructure, assistance to reestablish business and commerce, and health services.

The King noted Morocco “recently set up a multi-disciplinary military field hospital in Bamako,” supported by medical and humanitarian emergency aid.

Morocco’s King spoke with French President Francois Hollande at the inauguration ceremony. Photo: LeMatin/MAP

* For the full text of the King’s remarks, go to: http://www.map.ma/en/activites-royales/full-text-speech-delivered-thursday-hm-king-mohammed-vi-inauguration-ceremony-mali

King Mohammed VI, Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita chair signing of agreement to train 500 Malian Imams with Morocco’s moderate, tolerant form of Islam to help fight extremism.  Photo: MAP

Maghreb Arab Press, MACP (Bamako, Mali, September 20, 2013) – Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, and the new Malian President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, on Friday chaired the signing of an agreement on the training of 500 Malian Imams (religious scholars).

The action is part of Morocco’s contribution to reconstruct Mali and address the threat of extremism. Mali held successful presidential elections this past July after a year-long takeover of the northern part of the country by extremist groups.

Before signing the agreement, King Mohammed VI and the Malian Head of State held a private meeting, during which the Malian leader reiterated his thanks to the Moroccan King for traveling to Bamako for the inauguration ceremony and supporting efforts for peace and harmony in Mali.

The agreement, signed by Morocco’s Endowment and Islamic affairs inister, Ahmed Toufik, and Malian Minister for Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Moussa Sinko Coulibaly, addresses issues of religious cooperation, including Morocco’s commitment to train 500 Malian Imams over several years.

Morocco and Mali share the same cultural and religious identity, mainly Sunni Islam and the Maliki school of Islamic law, as well as the same values of tolerance and openness towards others. The two nations are committed to peace, security, stability, development, and good political and territorial governance in the region.

International music star Cheb Khaled, King of Algerian Rai music, can kiss his cares away with Moroccan citizenship granted by royal decree!  Image: Facebook

Albawaba (September 22, 2013) — King of Algerian Rai music, “Cheb Khaled” has been granted Moroccan citizenship, Moroccan media reported on Thursday.

Khaled Hadj Ibrahim, known internationally by his nickname “Cheb Khaled,” was officially offered Moroccan citizenship by a royal decree issued on Aug. 20, Moroccan media reported.

Moroccan press has linked Khaled’s new citizenship to his strong friendship with the country’s king.

A singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, Khaled has recorded music since he was a teenager, and it his long-term popularity combined with his ties to King Mohammed VI that have afforded him Moroccan citizenship.

Khaled rose to stardom with hit songs “Abdel Qader Ya Bou’lam” and “Didi,” which was released in 1992. “Didi” was ranked among the top ten in the French Singles Chart and remained among the top 50 for 20 weeks.

It is this popularity that earned him the unofficial title “King of Rai” and saw him performing in Twiza festivals in the Moroccan northern region of Tanja.

But Khaled’s music is enjoyed worldwide, not just in the Middle East.

In 2010 he performed Didi at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and his 2012 hit “C’est la vie,” was produced by Moroccan-Swedish producer RedOne and peaked at number 4 in the French music charts.

Nadia Elboubkri, MAC
Washington, DC
September 23, 2013

Nadia Elboubkri, MAC

As Morocco emerges as one of Africa’s leading countries in progress and growth, we wonder who the rising stars are behind Morocco’s economic, infrastructure, and leadership success. This month, Jeune Afrique announced that 10 Moroccan businessmen, financiers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and industrialists were ranked among the respected magazine’s top 25 “Leaders of Tomorrow,” selected for embodying “the future of the continent.”

With Morocco moving ahead in its ambitious agenda for change, there is increasing demand for capable, experienced, and motivated Moroccan men and women who can lead the way in meeting the challenges and overcoming the obstacles to a better tomorrow. These top ten Moroccan leaders are certainly making their mark and helping to pave the way for Morocco’s successful future.

Mohamed Hassan Bensalah, CEO Holmarcom Group

Mohamed Hassan Bensalah, CEO Holmarcom Group

After the death of his father, Mohammed Bensalah took over the family company as Chairman and CEO of Holmarcom. Bensalah’s approach to business is what landed him in the top 25 young leaders of Africa.

According to Holmarcom’s official history, Bensalah is decisive, pragmatic, and has a plan for the success of Holmarcom, embarking “on a vigorous growth phase…and [pursuing] its growth strategy, harnessing the strengths of its people, its industrial performance, traditions, and innovative know-how.”

Ismail Douiri, DG Attijariwafa bank

Ismail Douiri, DG Attijariwafa bank

Douiri became co-CEO of Morocco’s largest bank, Attijariwafa Bank, in 2008 after being promoted from Deputy General Manager.

He started his career in the U.S. at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, thereafter joining Casablanca Finance Group. Douiri has an impressive background, having earned his MBA from Harvard Business School then working for Morgan Stanley, and founded a mobile start-up in North Africa. In 2010 he was named Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Mehdi Tazi, DG CNIA Saada and SG Saham Finances

Mehdi Tazi has been Managing Director at CNIA Saada since 2011. He is also Member of the Executive Committee of the Company. He began his career in 1999 at KPMG Consulting France. Shortly after, he joined Saham Group as Development Director. Tazi has also held leadership positions at Isaaf Mondial Assistance, where he previously served as Deputy Managing Director.

Lamia Tazi, DG Sothema

Lamia Tazi, DG Sothema

Lamia Tazi, Managing Director at Sothema, made a name for herself with her strong opinions on local sourcing for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

She has spearheaded the movement to increase local production and bring business back to Morocco, to lower domestic prices and create a market for pharmaceutical exports in Morocco.

Khalid Khairane, Director of HSL project ONCF

Khairane, Director of the Tangier-Casablanca High Speed Rail Line project for Morocco’s leading railway company, ONCF, is winning recognition for his role in bringing advanced transportation to Morocco. The project has received high distinction from King Mohammed VI, and is among the most advanced in the region.

Youssef Chraïbi, President Outsourcia

Youssef Chraïbi, President Outsourcia

Youssef Chraibi gained popularity for his work as President of Outsourcia—a firm that is bringing Moroccan technology to the forefront in the region. Chraibi began his entrepreneurial career in France in the field of new technologies at the age of 24 years by co-founding Marketo.com.

As president of Outsourcia, he now employs more than 500 people in Morocco and France, where the company completed a transaction acquisition in 2010. Chraibi is also the 2010 recipient of the Medays Young Entrepreneurship Award.

Hicham Naciri, Partner at Allen & Overy

Hicham Naciri, Allen & Overy

According to Chambers Global 2013 (Morocco – General Business Law), “Hicham Naciri heads the team practicing Moroccan law. He has many years of experience in the jurisdiction, including a stint as Gide Loyrette Nouel’s local partner, and is in great demand.

He is regarded as a “really outstanding lawyer,” and “a proper deal maker and a leading light.” Naciri is in the top rankings of the Chambers Global 2013 and is a partner at Allen & Overy in Casablanca.

Majid Iraqi, DG Taqa North Africa

Majid Iraqui, Managing Director for TAQA in North Africa, has been working on expanding Morocco’s energy industry and creating jobs in Morocco at the same time. In a recent interview he commented on TAQA’s partnership with a foreign company: “The expansion of Jorf Lasfar will increase Moroccan power generation capacity by more than 10 per cent and is vital to enabling growth and creating jobs in the economy. Construction is well advanced thanks to the strong support of the Moroccan government and the ONEE.”

Zineb Abbad Al Andaloussi, Manager Rothschild

Zineb Abbad Al Andaloussi is a leading manager at Rothschild holdings in Morocco. Rothschild has assets in one of Morocco’s largest banks: Bank of Morocco.

Saad Sefrioui, CEO, Addoha Delegate

Saad Sefrioui, CEO of Addoha Delegate

Sefrioui is the CEO of Addoha Delegate, which requires managing billions of dollar investments in cement plants in Morocco. Sefrioui’s most recent project with Addoha involves construction of a plant that will have a production capacity of 500,000 tons of cement per year, expandable to one million tons / year.

Nadia Elboubkri is a Research Associate at the Moroccan American Center

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI (L) and newly-elected Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (R) meet in Bamako on September 18, 2013. AFP/ Habibou Kouyate

“Any coordinated international action which does not attach the necessary importance to cultural and religious aspects will be doomed to failure. The partnership that Morocco intends to offer in the physical and spiritual reconstruction of Mali is firmly rooted in that philosophy.”

– King Mohammed VI of Morocco

Magharebia, by Siham Ali (Rabat, Morocco, September 23, 2013) – In a move to promote tolerance and help rebuild Mali, Morocco will provide training to 500 imams from the war-torn country.

Moroccan Islamic Affairs Minister Ahmed Toufik and Malian Territorial Administration Minister Moussa Sinko Coulibaly signed the agreement Friday (September 20th) in Bamako.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco and new Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the new Malian president’s investiture ceremony last Thursday, the Moroccan sovereign addressed the training agreement.

King Mohammed VI, Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita chair signing of agreement to train 500 Malian Imams with Morocco’s moderate, tolerant form of Islam to help fight spread of extremism.

“Any coordinated international action which does not attach the necessary importance to cultural and religious aspects will be doomed to failure,” the monarch said. “The partnership that the kingdom intends to offer in the physical and spiritual reconstruction of Mali is firmly rooted in that philosophy.”

“It is essential that we repair the physical destruction and heal symbolic wounds by repairing the tombs, restoring and preserving the manuscripts and revitalizing the country’s socio-cultural life,” he added.

The program aims to meet an urgent social and religious need, and is being offered in response to a request from the Malian state, according to Toufik. Morocco stands ready to support the development of peace and rule of law in Mali, he added.

This partnership in the religious domain is aimed at promoting the values of peace and tolerance, particularly in Mali which has borne the full brunt of the horrors of terrorism and extremism.

– Sociologist Jalal Sebbar

According to Moroccan Minister for Islamic Affairs and Habous, Ahmed Toufik, the imams’ training will meet an urgent social and religious need by Mali. He went on to say that Morocco has always been ready to support the development of peace and the establishment of the rule of law and conditions for a decent life.

“As His Majesty King Mohammed VI pointed out, no one can now omit the spiritual aspect from the efforts for development, security and building the future,” the minister said.

This partnership in the religious domain is aimed at promoting the values of peace and tolerance, particularly in Mali which has borne the full brunt of the horrors of terrorism and extremism, sociologist Jalal Sebbar said.

“Mali needs to spread the values of tolerance among its people,” he explained. “The fight against fundamentalist teaching can only be won through effective teaching for religious leaders to enable them to explain the real values of Islam.”

Imam and former MP Abdelbari Zemzemi shared the view. “Morocco is known of the openness of its religious institutions, including those responsible for training,” he said. “It must be pointed out that the Malikite rite practiced in Morocco is far removed from extremism,” the imam added.

“Spreading the values of openness will enable Mali to deal with the fundamentalist philosophy of certain groups,” Zemzemi added.

Mehdi Bekkali, a teacher of Islamic education, said, “Religious co-operation is paramount in countering the erroneous ideas which have become fixed in the minds of some members of the public.”

“The effort, must take place in parallel with development initiatives and work to eliminate poverty,” he told Magharebia. “There’s nothing better than religious training for combating the arguments put forward by the obscurantists and enlightening the public about their rights and responsibilities,” he added.

People of Hanabou oasis in Moroccan Sahara do their best to maintain traditional oasis lifestyle. Click photo to meet Bedouins, water manager & camel drivers – on interactive journey of Sahara. DW

* Link to Video: Oasis Life – Defying the Desert *

DW/Deutsche Welle, by Mabel Gundlach (September 24, 2013) — Oases are the Sahara’s green islands. This is where the caravans used to stop to stock up on food and water. The people who inhabit the Hanabou oasis in Morocco do their best to maintain the traditional oasis lifestyle. Meet Bedouins, a water manager and camel drivers – on an interactive journey to the Sahara.

In the Tafilalt region, a large group of oases in the Moroccan Sahara, people were once exclusively dependent on farming and trading animal hides and salt. Today tourism has become a crucial source of income. The Tafilalt’s top attraction is Erg Chebbi, the sprawling sand dunes that exert a magical pull on desert enthusiasts from around the world.

Given the scarce water resources, however, tourism also poses a problem – a problem exacerbated by climate change. The region is experiencing more extreme weather conditions, with decreased regular rainfall on the one hand, but occasional torrential downpours on the other. At the same time, climate change is causing greater desertification of the oases. Prolonged periods of drought dry out the fertile soil, making it easier for the wind to carry it away. The consequence is a dwindling amount of arable farmland. The Moroccan government has introduced a rescue program. One of the measures is the planting of one million date palms. These plants are the heart of an oasis.

The government program is intended to help 6,000 date palm farmers in the region. Some of them live in Hanabou, a small oasis around 50 kilometers away from Erg Chebbi. Life in Hanabou is still largely governed by tradition. The oasis has two schools and a small clinic. Hanabou is a microcosm with an infrastructure sufficient to support its 4,000 residents. Many of them live in the ksar, the old fortified village surrounded by protective walls. Other oases in the area have new buildings, large roads and internet cafés.

Another special feature of Hanabou is the traditional irrigation system used to water the fields. Over time the locals have developed an efficient supply and distribution setup that is subject to strict rules. People here do directly experience the effects of climate change, as the precious water available to them grows scarcer. Still, they are optimistic that they will get by, helped by the traditional ways that enable them to manage their water resources responsibly. The enduring success of their high-maintenance irrigation system reflects how adaptable the oasis lifestyle is to the challenging environmental conditions.

Report: Mabel Gundlach
Camera & Photography: Wolf Gebhardt, Fatima Boughanbour, Mabel Gundlach
Editing: Klaudia Begić

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI (L) and newly-elected Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (R) meet in Bamako on September 18, 2013.  AFP/ Habibou Kouyate

* Economic, social, and cultural assistance as well as economic cooperation mark transition to elected government in Mali *

Jean R. AbiNader, Exec. Dir., Moroccan American Trade & Investment Council

MATIC, by Jean R. AbiNader (Washington, DC, September 25, 2013) — It was just an endnote to the news last week that the King of Morocco attended the inauguration of the new president of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (IBK). While this may seem of little consequence when compared to the horror of the previous takeover of Mali by militant Islamists, it in fact is a very important lesson in how to bring a country back to a track that puts it on the road to human, economic, and political development.

Mali was once a darling of Western analysts of democracy in Africa. Its rapid decline demonstrated how fragile and shallow those roots were. It is also a lesson in how a major power, in this case France, working with armed forces from neighboring countries, could provide a military option that would not restore the former rulers but open up the possibilities of elections that could begin a process of stabilizing and advancing Mali’s transition.

This is not to say that it is an easy road. Issues of ethnic, religious, and regional strife continue to challenge the new leadership. However, maybe this time the new government will actually move forward with long-promised reforms and negotiations to build a more inclusive and sustainable political system.

In his speech at the inauguration, the King did not overlook the difficult challenges in Mali’s healing. He noted three steps as crucial: reconciliation among Malians of all political stripes; sustainable reconstruction, including reorganizing development institutions and infrastructure; and reorganizing the religious domain.

“All of this is to be carried out while fully upholding the sovereignty and the free choice of Malians.”

The critical subtext for the King is that the international community must pay close attention to actions that Mali must take to avoid the mistakes of the past and move resolutely towards a more equitable and humane future.

Morocco to Lend Support to Mali’s Future Development

The King moved quickly beyond words to actions. He noted that Morocco will support human development programs, “particularly in the areas of executive training, basic infrastructure, and health.”

Morocco has already set up a multi-disciplinary military field hospital in Bamako, which is supported by medical and humanitarian emergency assistance. He was accompanied by key business leaders who will expand traditional ties with the private sector by promoting trade and investment between the countries.

Perhaps equally critical, particularly in the context of both the mall massacre in Kenya this week and the takeover of northern Mali by Islamic militants, who are still a force in the region, are the King’s efforts to assist Mali in terms of shared cultural and religious values. He said that “Mali’s unique cultural features have always constituted a major component of the Islamic heritage and of the African identity.” He noted that efforts that did not give “due consideration to the spiritual and cultural dimension [of Mali’s society] will…be doomed to failure.”

King Mohammed mentioned in particular the need to “repair the material damage suffered and to treat symbolic wounds through the rehabilitation of mausoleums, the restoration and preservation of manuscripts and the achievement of socio-cultural revival,” many of which were destroyed or ravaged by the extremists, maligning and destroying hundreds of years of Islamic heritage in Mali, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The King noted that “Islamic customs and practices in Morocco and Mali are the same. They are nurtured by the same precepts of moderation and of the ‘middle-of-the-road’ approach. Both countries embrace the same values of tolerance and openness to others, and this represents the bedrock of the spiritual bond between our two countries.”

King Mohammed announced that over the next few years, some 500 Malian Imams would be educated and trained in Morocco in the Maliki rite, which is characteristic of Morocco and many of its neighbors.

The Maliki rite is renowned for its inclusion and rejection of excommunication, which was a key weapon of the extremists. In this way, the King laid down a marker that Morocco would work diligently to oppose inroads of extremism in the practice of Islam, and devote resources to maintaining a middle path of tolerance and acceptance.

The speech and Morocco’s actions are not surprising to those who have watched Morocco re-establish its role as a leader in Africa. Since Morocco has long ties to Africa through commercial and cultural links, the King clearly believes that South-South relations are a vital component of Morocco’s future. As he remarked, “It is in keeping with a long-established, immutable tradition of cooperation with sub-Saharan sister nations that Morocco intends to shoulder its historical responsibility in this regard.”

He concluded with a promise to Mali that could well be the banner for Morocco’s relationships with Africa, “The dream of a peaceful Mali has now come true.  In this new chapter of Malian history which is being written today, Morocco will remain a faithful, committed partner.”

Jean R. AbiNader is Executive Director of the Moroccan American Trade and Investment Center

Co-published with Fair Observer (www.fairobserver.com)

Nezha Hayat at the World Economic Forum in Marrakech, Morocco. October 27, 2010

*Women’s rights: Named one of 2013’s 25 most powerful women in Africa by Jeune Afrique, Nezha Hayat is one of Morocco’s leading business women and an avowed campaigner for the place of women in business.*

Your Middle East, Interview with Nezha Hayat (September 25, 2013) — Following a successful career working on capital markets in Spain, Nezha first joined Société Générale Morocco in 1995, and became its first woman board member a year later.

In 2007, she joined the Executive Board of Société Générale Morocco, and early this year was named Chairperson and CEO of SOGELEASE. As part of her commitment to increasing the presence of women on boards of directors, in 2012 she founded Morocco’s Club of Women Corporate Directors. Ms. Hayat was recently honored by the British government for her contributions to women in financial and professional services.

Q. YME: You were the first woman to be on the board of directors of a bank in Morocco; recently named one of the 25 most powerful women in Africa; and have been honored by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and even the British government, among others, for your work in finance. What is the secret of your success? And what is the best path to success for women in the MENA?

Nezha Hayat: First of all, when I look at my career, I don’t see it in terms of success but in terms of progress. I am still working to move forward in my career and in my life, so I see positive steps each time I overcome an obstacle. I think one of the keys to success for women in this area is to never stop in the face of difficulty or failure, because there is always another solution—this is my first piece of advice. Be convinced about what you want to do and why you’re doing it.

A second key to success: as women we are quite new in this fight, to get to the top positions in large corporations. We should do it our own way, and not like men do it. We should do it not only in a feminine way but also in a personal way. I think that convictions and your values are powerful: be yourself, and defend your values.

Third piece of advice—the steps that have really counted in my career were not those taken when I arrived in a top position, but those taken when I accepted a challenge, took a position, restructured a department, or took a position creating a new venture that was not yet contributing to the results of the company.

“We should do it not only in a feminine way but also in a personal way”

My career has been shaped by taking what was complicated and what was new, and building and developing it. Wherever there is a road, even a very narrow one that one can take because the other roads are blocked, one should take it. Think not of what the company looks like today, or yesterday, but what it can become tomorrow – even when the vision is not in the head of the shareholders or top executives. Be creative, have a vision, be self-confident, be adaptable, and if, in spite of all these things, you find out that the company where you are is not meeting your demands, have the courage to change your situation.

Q. YME: Based on your experience, what do you think are the social, legal, and political frameworks that need to be in place for women to follow in your footsteps and establish a career in finance and business?

NH: In any country, women need to be university-educated, and they should attend good universities that educate a woman properly to be prepared for management leadership once she enters the company.

It is also important to have a legal framework that gives all its rights to women. In Morocco, this includes the Moudawana—the progressive law on women’s and family rights that King Mohammed instituted in 2004, as well as the revised Moroccan Constitution of 2011.

Q. YME: What changes have you seen in Morocco vis-à-vis women’s status, and what further changes do you expect to see in the future?

NH: There have been many reforms that helped—the Moudawana, the new 2011 constitution, and also the modernization of the economy. There are also many reforms in the business environment that make it better for both men and women. We are fortunate enough to have a king who is really promoting the individual and promoting women. And civil society is well organized; in the past we were talking about women creating an association of women entrepreneurs; today we have the general confederation of Moroccan enterprises, headed by a woman with a board of directors where at least a third are women. Today we have had women heading departments in the ministries of economy, energy, and finance. We see more women heading very technical and important functions within the private sector, as well.

YME: Has the Arab Spring had any effect on freedom and success for women in Morocco?

NH: In Morocco it had little to no impact. It may have brought the reform of the constitution a little sooner, but that reform was already planned. The new Constitution says very clearly that women and men are equal; there are many articles mandating that the government should make sure that women have equal positions in all fields of society. It’s there, it’s written, and it’s been approved. This new constitution also mandates a high authority that makes sure all statutes for equality for men and women will be implemented.

The medina in the Moroccan city of Fes is a UNESCO heritage site, and Morocco is investing to preserve its traditions there:

Photo: CNN

Fes is Morocco’s oldest city, and in many ways, it feels like a window on history.

It’s home to the world’s largest, living medieval settlement, as well as to thousands of professionals dedicated to keeping the flame of traditional craftsmanship alive.

A champion of antiquity, Fes shows off its old-world charm to all who visit…[Full Story]

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The post Fes: A Time Traveler’s Delight [CNN] appeared first on Morocco On The Move.

Rabat was the backdrop for a chase scene filmed for the upcoming Mission: Impossible movie:

Photo: Reuters

He’s famed for doing his own stunts in Hollywood blockbusters.

And on Thursday, movie legend Tom Cruise certainly looked like a pro as he continued filming scenes for Mission: Impossible 5 in Rabat, Morocco.

The 52-year-old actor – who was joined by his co-star Simon Pegg – took a moment to flash his pearly whites as he smiled and waved at his waiting fans…[Full Story]

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The post On the run! Tom Cruise and co-star Simon Pegg film dramatic car scene in Morocco for Mission: Impossible 5 [The Daily Mail] appeared first on Morocco On The Move.

A photographer describes his experience of photography and life in Morocco:

A camel caravan traversing Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert of Morocco. Photo: Agnieska Czerska Open Sky Expeditions

In Morocco, I met the woman I eventually married. Sometimes I blame it on the light. No, that’s not correct. Sometimes I credit the light for having shown — er, shone — her to me right.

We were part of a muster of youth activists meeting in Morocco, in a desert (and nearly deserted) village outside of Ouarzazate, the notable but small city on the open plateau just south of the High Atlas Mountains. To reach and later return from the distant village, we spent a full day hiking across the sun-blanched highlands, donkeys weighed down with our backpacks, the landscape broken by surprising “ruins” from the film sets of Kundun. Or was it The Mummy?

Once installed in our rudimentary adobe but hospitable homestays, we circled up during the days under or near a traditional, low-hanging Berber tent, depending on the strength of the late-autumn sun; at night we huddled together for warmth around broad platters heaped with homemade bread and steaming, aromatic Moroccan cuisine like couscous, pastilla or tajine…[Full Story]

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The post Travel Photography in Morocco: How to Capture a Sense of Light, Place — And Maybe Even a Wife [Huffington Post] appeared first on Morocco On The Move.

Audio from the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) on lessons from Morocco’s successes in countering violent extremism:

Jean-Paul Laborde, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED)

Morocco has developed a strategy to prevent the abuse of religion to justify and incite terrorist violence and is now sharing it with the world.

These measures were introduced in response to the 2003 terrorist bombings in Casablanca.

An institute has been established in the Kingdom where religious teachers undergo mandatory training before they start preaching in public.

Jean-Paul Laborde, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) and Assistant Secretary-General hailed the dissemination of these teachings also called the “Moroccan Experience”.

Cristina Silveiro began by asking Mr Laborde about the briefing taking place at the UN regarding Morocco’s counter-terrorism approach.

Duration: 2’55″:

Click image to play

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The post Morocco Shares Its Approach to Fighting Terrorism and Extremism [United Nations Radio] appeared first on Morocco On The Move.

Recent big-budget films are not the only ones heading to Morocco for filming:

From “Mission Impossible 5″ with Tom Cruise to epic “Queen of the Desert” starring Nicole Kidman, Morocco is basking in a resurgence in foreign film production, an industry body said Thursday.

The North African nation welcomed 32 foreign film and TV production crews in the first nine months of 2014 from countries including the United States, France and Britain, according to the Moroccan Cinema Centre.

Investment totaled more than $105 million (83 million euros) — a five-fold increase from 2013, it said…[Full Story]

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The post Morocco Sees Surge in Foreign Film Productions [AsiaOne Entertainment] appeared first on Morocco On The Move.

Morocco’s boutique hotels in traditional riad homes are one of the great charms of Morocco:

Photo: Royal Mansour

A number of Morocco’s riads (traditional courtyard houses) have been transformed into incredible boutique hotels over the past several years, giving travelers a cultural and luxurious experience that was once off limits.

A classic riad is built around a central courtyard with a garden and fountain.

The interior often features lavish ornamentation — glazed ceramic tiles (zellij) in colorful geometric patterns on walls and floors, carved pierced white stucco work, painted wooden ceilings (zouakt) and shiny polished plaster walls (tadelakt)…[Full Story]

The post Morocco’s Riad Hotels: Private Palaces for Travelers [CNN] appeared first on Morocco On The Move.