Oued Eddahab Council Approves Major Development Projects for Dakhla

The Provincial Council of Oued Eddahab has unanimously approved a series of socio-economic and environmental initiatives in Dakhla. These projects include expanding air connectivity through Royal Air Maroc and investing 40 million dirhams into a new urban green belt to boost tourism and regional welfare.

How will air connectivity change in Dakhla?

The Council adopted an amendment to its partnership with Royal Air Maroc to increase flight frequency to the city. According to the agreement, the national carrier will establish a new Marrakech–Dakhla route with two weekly flights.

Additionally, the Rabat–Dakhla connection will be strengthened, increasing from two to three flights per week. These changes are designed to energize tourism activity throughout the Oued Eddahab province and the wider region.

Did You Know? The new flight expansions involve two major hubs, with the Rabat-Dakhla route seeing a 50% increase in weekly flight capacity.

What are the details of the Dakhla Green Belt project?

The Council approved a 40 million dirham (MDH) partnership to develop a green belt covering 60 hectares. Funding is split between the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council (20 MDH), the Dakhla communal council (10 MDH), the Provincial Council of Oued Eddahab (5 MDH), and the El Argoub communal council (5 MDH).

The project will unfold in two distinct stages. The “Dakhla Aménagement et Développement” local development company will manage the first phase, focusing on roads, tracks, and equipment.

The second phase will be handled by the National Agency of Waters and Forests. This stage is dedicated specifically to reforesting the designated area.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by pairing increased air accessibility with large-scale environmental infrastructure, the region is likely attempting to balance rapid tourism growth with urban sustainability. This dual approach may prevent the environmental degradation often seen in fast-growing coastal destinations.

Which social programs are receiving support?

A new partnership agreement was approved to support the “SOS Villages d’Enfants Maroc” association in Dakhla. This funding targets the daily care and operating costs for children in the province.

Le conseil de la région Dakhla Oued-Eddahab en mode prospection en Afrique

The initiative aims to strengthen social protection and improve the general living conditions for these children through enhanced social services. This reflects a broader effort by the Council to integrate social welfare into its regional development strategy.

What happens next for Oued Eddahab?

The Council has already adopted procedures to support projects led by civil society associations. Furthermore, the members approved the reallocation of equipment budget credits for the 2026 fiscal year.

These financial adjustments could allow the province to pivot resources toward emerging priorities. The implementation of the green belt and the new flight schedules may lead to a measurable increase in visitor arrivals and urban greenery in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new flight routes for Dakhla?
Royal Air Maroc will launch a Marrakech–Dakhla route with two flights per week and increase the Rabat–Dakhla route to three flights per week.

How is the 40 million dirham Green Belt project funded?
The funding is shared among the Regional Council (20 MDH), the Dakhla communal council (10 MDH), the Provincial Council (5 MDH), and the El Argoub communal council (5 MDH).

Who is managing the reforestation of the Green Belt?
The National Agency of Waters and Forests is responsible for the second phase of the project, which focuses on reforesting the 60-hectare area.

Do you think increasing flight connectivity is the most effective way to boost regional tourism?