12th Edition of the Moroccan Diaspora Festival Launches in Ouarzazate
On Monday, August 10, 2026, the 12th edition of the Moroccan Diaspora Festival commenced in Ouarzazate, under the theme "Moroccans Abroad at the Heart of Morocco 2030 Initiatives." This vibrant festival, organized by the Energy Association for Development and Renewable Culture with the support of the Drâa-Tafilalet Regional Council and in partnership with the Ouarzazate Provincial Council, will run until August 16. The festival serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange regarding the pivotal role of Moroccans living abroad in supporting the major projects initiated by Morocco, aimed at achieving the milestones set for 2030.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Abdullah Jahiz, the governor of the Ouarzazate province, held at the city’s conference palace. The event attracted a diverse audience, including local officials, elected representatives, and members of the Moroccan diaspora residing overseas.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Jahiz highlighted the relevance of the chosen theme for this year's festival, emphasizing the crucial contributions of Moroccan expatriates in advancing the strategic projects spearheaded by Morocco under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. He noted that the National Day for Moroccans Living Abroad, celebrated annually on August 10, exemplifies the royal attention given to the Moroccan community abroad and underscores the importance of strengthening their ties with their homeland while enhancing their contributions to national development.
Mr. Jahiz further stressed that the expertise possessed by Moroccans abroad represents a significant asset for Morocco, given their academic and professional trajectories and the wealth of skills they have acquired across various economic, technological, industrial, cultural, and social fields. With major sporting events set to be hosted by Morocco in 2030, he reiterated the necessity of mobilizing diverse Moroccan talents, both domestically and internationally, to ensure the success of these strategic projects and bolster the competitiveness of the national economy, positioning Morocco as a regional hub for investments.
He invited Moroccans residing abroad to continue contributing to this developmental dynamic by supporting investments, sharing expertise, fostering economic and scientific partnerships, and endorsing developmental initiatives, in line with the royal vision that regards the Moroccan diaspora as vital partners in building the Morocco of tomorrow.
Showcasing Ouarzazate's Rich Potential
Additionally, the governor shed light on the various natural, touristic, cinematic, and energy potentials that Ouarzazate boasts, making it an attractive destination for high-value investments and promising economic opportunities for the Moroccan diaspora. Samia Aznak, the president of the Energy Association for Development and Renewable Culture, echoed his sentiments, stating that the National Day for Moroccans Living Abroad represents an opportunity to highlight the contributions of the diaspora to development and to strengthen their connections with the Kingdom.
She pointed out that this occasion also allows for the appreciation of the diaspora's contributions across different fields and opens new avenues for their engagement in the ongoing major development projects in the Kingdom. Ms. Aznak emphasized the role that Moroccans living abroad play in the economic and social development of the Drâa-Tafilalet region through their investments and financial remittances, highlighting their contributions to promoting the region and its heritage in their host countries.
The opening ceremony featured the presentation of the "Ouarzazate Migration Award" for 2026, awarded to Nour Eddine Sinaa, a Moroccan entrepreneur residing in France, in recognition of his professional achievements abroad, and to Bernard Yves Jean, a French investor and owner of a tourism business in Ouarzazate, in appreciation of his involvement in the local economic and social landscape.
Moreover, the festival kicked off with an exhibition showcasing local products, allowing visitors and members of the Moroccan diaspora to explore the diversity and richness of the region's offerings. This edition of the Moroccan Diaspora Festival aims to strengthen the ties between Moroccans living abroad and their homeland by creating a space for dialogue and exchange that encourages diaspora members to engage in local and regional development initiatives, supporting their investment and community projects to benefit the region.
The program includes seminars, workshops, and artistic evenings focusing on migration issues and ways to enhance the bonds between the Moroccan diaspora and their homeland. As reported by maroc.ma.
