L'Oriental
Oujda
Eastern cultural crossroads.
Oujda at a glance
- Region
- L'Oriental
- Province or prefecture
- Oujda-Angad (prefecture)
- Status
- Regional capital
- Population
- 494,252 (2014 census)
- Area
- Not available
- Elevation
- 470 m
- Coordinates
- 34.681, -1.909
- Postal code
- 60000
- Phone area code
- +212 536
- Time zone
- Africa/Casablanca (see note on Ramadan)
- Local names
- Oujda (French) · وجدة (Arabic)
- Best time to visit
- March to May and September to November
Population is from the 2014 census (HCP) and is being updated. Climate figures are indicative regional profiles. Confirm details with official sources before relying on them.
About Oujda
Oujda is the capital of the Oriental region, a university city near the Algerian border known for its medina, rai music heritage and as a base for Saidia beach and the Beni Snassen mountains.
History
Founded in 994 by Ziri ibn Atiyya, Oujda has long been a frontier city between Morocco and its eastern neighbours.
Things to see in Oujda
- Old medina and Bab Sidi Abdelwahab
- Lalla Meriem Park
- Beni Snassen mountains and Zegzel gorges
- Saidia beach (about 60 km)
Climate and best time to visit
Semi-arid Mediterranean. Drier than the Atlantic side, with hot summers, chilly winters and low rainfall spread through the cooler months.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November. Indicative regional profile.
Getting to Oujda
- By air
- Oujda Angads Airport (OUD), about 15 km from the centre.
- By train
- Oujda station is the eastern terminus of the line from Casablanca, Rabat and Fes.
- By bus
- CTM, Supratours and regional bus companies serve most routes; grand taxis cover shorter hops. Check current schedules.
- By road
- Reached by national roads and, on many routes, the motorway network. Check road conditions in winter, especially in mountain areas.
Economy
Services, trade, education and agriculture; the region is developing logistics and renewable energy.
Food and drink
Eastern Moroccan cooking with lamb, couscous and local sweets.
Festivals and events
Festivals of rai music and Maghreb arts are held in the region; check current dates.
Where to stay
Oujda has a full range of accommodation, from international hotels to guesthouses and, in historic quarters, traditional riads and dars. Staying inside or near the old town makes it easier to explore on foot.