Morocco Roundup: Visa-free entry, heatwaves, diplomatic relations

Humanitarian project

UAE's humanitarian project in Morocco aims to provide medical relief for over 25,000 people each year in earthquake-stricken areas across the Middle East and North Africa. The mobile medical service unit, Asterians United, will offer consultations and first-aid treatment directly to communities in need. The project will run for 10 years and may be renewed, with plans to expand aid missions to other areas in the region, Arab News reported. Morocco was severely affected by a deadly earthquake in September 2023, leaving many injured and lacking essential services.

UAE-Morroco diplomatic relations

The UAE Embassy in Rabat celebrated the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Morocco with a seminar on the prosperous and promising future of their relations. The event highlighted the strong economic and trade ties between the two countries and discussed their geopolitical significance. The News Mill reported the seminar was attended by government officials, diplomatic mission heads, academic experts, and media representatives.

Visa-free entry

Azerbaijan and Morocco have lifted visa requirements for each other's citizens. According to Visa Guide, the decision was made to increase tourism and business between the two countries. Morocco has experienced a significant increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of 2024, aiming to attract over 15 million tourists by the end of the year.

Heatwaves

Heatwaves are forecast to persist in Algeria and Morocco through at least the end of July, with temperatures projected to escalate to 47 degrees centigrade. The heatwaves are attributed to climate change, and authorities have issued warnings in both countries. Earlier this year, heatwaves swept through most of Southern Africa. Last year, Morocco also suffered a devastating earthquake. Victims of the earthquake protested outside Parliament in Rabat, demanding increased support and compensation, according to reports from CAJ News Africa.

National archaeological map

The Ministry of Culture in Morocco has launched the country's first national archaeological map, in collaboration with the National Agency for Land Conservation, Cadastre, and Cartography (ANCFCC). The map aims to systematically catalogue Morocco’s cultural heritage, boost preservation efforts, and enhance the management of archaeological sites and monuments. It features known and previously documented archaeological sites from various regions, with plans to expand coverage in the future. Morocco World News indicated the ministry is also developing regional digital predictive maps and atlases to integrate cultural heritage into tourism planning and development projects.