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Hespress English

2/28/2025, 10:24:21 AM

Algeria has expressed opposition to the recent establishment of the regional office of the Arab Union for Construction and Real Estate Development in Laayoune, Morocco, according to Hespress AR sources. A well-informed source revealed that the Algerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Cherif Walid, sought a meeting with Lahak Al-Otaibi, the president of the Arab Union for Construction and Real Estate Development. Official correspondence from the Algerian embassy in Riyadh insisted on arranging the meeting, which was held recently. Following their discussion, the Algerian official reportedly attempted to build rapport with Al-Otaibi and invited him for an official visit to Algeria to meet with authorities responsible for housing and urban development. The source indicated that Algeria likely expressed its reservations about the establishment of the regional office in Laayoune, a city in the Moroccan Sahara. Read more: https://hes.press/41CEwPX

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2/27/2025, 7:20:28 PM

The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs announced today, Thursday, that the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan will take place on the evening of Friday, 29 Sha’ban, corresponding to February 28. The ministry has requested officials in charge of the observation to report the confirmation or non-confirmation of the sighting through designated phone numbers.

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2/28/2025, 3:46:47 PM

Ramadan is set to begin Saturday, March 1 in Saudi Arabia, the country announced. The crescent moon was observed this Friday, confirming the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

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2/28/2025, 12:10:36 PM

Morocco and Delta Airlines have announced a new direct flight from Atlanta to Marrakech, launching in October 2025. This marks a key milestone in Morocco’s efforts to attract more U.S. tourists. With 402,377 American visitors in 2024—a 7% increase from 2023—the new route aims to further boost these numbers. The direct flight from Atlanta, a major U.S. hub, will offer three weekly services, strengthening Morocco’s tourism ties with the U.S. Delta’s Boeing 767-400 aircraft will provide 238 seats per flight. The new line follows the success of the New York-Marrakech route, reinforcing Morocco’s position as a top tourist destination for Americans.

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2/27/2025, 10:39:47 PM

The Moroccan Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has notified scholars who traditionally lead the annual Hassania lectures during Ramadan that the sessions will not be held this year. In an official communication reviewed by Hespress, the ministry expressed its appreciation for their understanding regarding this decision. The Kingdom of Morocco has consistently organized these religious lectures each Ramadan, a tradition upheld by the Commandery of the Faithful since the late King Hassan II.

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2/28/2025, 3:11:45 PM

Telecommunications market in Morocco grew by 4.3% in 2024, reaching nearly 58.3 million users, according to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF). Mobile phone penetration hit a record high of 158.3%, up from 150.9% last year and 131.1% in 2019, as reported by the DEPF in its latest economic note. Fixed-line telephony market grew by 5.7% by the end of 2024, following an 8.7% increase the previous year. The internet market also saw significant growth, surpassing 40.2 million subscribers by the end of 2024, achieving a record penetration rate of 109.2%.

Hespress English

2/28/2025, 8:35:46 PM

Hespress English extends its warmest wishes to all esteemed readers and visitors in Morocco and abroad. May this Ramadan be filled with blessings, peace, and spiritual growth. Ramadan Mubarak!

Hespress English

2/28/2025, 8:03:38 PM

Morocco's Ministry of Islamic Affairs confirmed on Friday that Ramadan 2025 (1446 AH) will begin on Sunday, March 2. The crescent moon wasn't sighted after sunset on Friday, February 28 (Shaaban 29th). This means Shaaban will have 30 days, and the holy month of Ramadan begins the following day.

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2/27/2025, 11:08:10 PM

Moroccan authorities have launched an investigation into unlicensed storage facilities being used to hoard fruits and vegetables in several districts near Casablanca, sources familiar with the matter said. According to reports submitted to the Interior Ministry, commercial spaces in popular neighborhoods of Berrechid, Had Soualem, and Sidi Rahal have been converted into illegal warehouses. Read more: https://hes.press/43fHwTr

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2/27/2025, 9:46:38 PM

The cancellation of this year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations, while posing short-term challenges for seasonal businesses, is expected to strengthen the national economy and promote sustainable livestock management, according to economic experts. The decision comes amid rising living costs and financial strain on Moroccan households. Economist Mohammed Jedri noted that Morocco’s livestock herd has shrunk by more than 38%, lacking sufficient time to recover. Read more: https://hes.press/4ilFeGN