Laayoune is a city disputed between Morocco and Western Sahara. It is the capital of the Laayoune Province and part of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region. It is the largest city in the southern Saharan provinces.

Its population was 258,233 according to the 2024 census.

History


Historical sources indicate that the history of Laayoune dates back to its initial formation during the Spanish colonization of Western Sahara. It was established in 1928 as a military base, around which some basic urban developments began. Facilities and services were then established to meet the needs of the colonial authorities, particularly the families of Spanish soldiers stationed in the area. According to the same historical sources, the region's importance increased in the late 1940s with the discovery of phosphate mines in the Bou Craa area near Laayoune by the Spanish geologist Manuel Alamedina in 1947.

In 1950, General Franco visited Laayoune, and in January 1958, the Spanish government issued a decree classifying Western Sahara as a Spanish province, with Laayoune as its administrative capital. Historians link the migration of Sahrawi nomadic groups to the city center to Operation Ecofilón, the military campaign launched by the Spanish-French alliance against the Sahrawi Liberation Army. The city was divided into a section for Spanish settlers and another section inhabited by the local population.

The city of Laayoune was established in 1973 on the banks of the Saguia el-Hamra river at a site called Ain M'dilchi, meaning "fresh water spring," 25 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. Following the departure of the Spanish colonizers and the establishment of Moroccan sovereignty over the southern provinces, Laayoune experienced significant urban expansion and development, transforming into a modern city. Its economy is rich in important mineral and extractive resources, and desert tourism has flourished with the construction of large hotels and markets for local desert products, in addition to seaside tourism on the Foum El Oued beach on the city's outskirts.

Apart from the official narrative, some researchers question the city's founding date. Abdelwahab Sibouyeh, president of the Cultural Association for Manuscripts and the Preservation of the Memory of the Moroccan Sahara, confirmed at a symposium held in conjunction with the screening of the documentary "The Role of Archives and Manuscripts in the Historical Documentation of the Documentary on Culture, History, and the Hassani Saharan Region," that the city's history dates back to before 1928. Sibouyeh revealed historical documents mentioning the name Laayoune, including the names of individuals who settled in the area, as attested to by judges affiliated with the Moroccan central authorities.

In 2002, King Mohammed VI paid an official visit to Laayoune and delivered a speech in the Mechouar Square.

In 2006, King Mohammed VI visited Laayoune again and appointed the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs, tasked with overseeing the autonomy initiative for the Sahara.

In 2015, King Mohammed VI presided over the launch ceremony in Laayoune for the implementation strategy of the new development model for the southern provinces, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Green March.

In 2016, King Mohammed VI visited Laayoune and chaired a cabinet meeting there.

On June 26, 2019, Côte d'Ivoire opened an honorary consulate in Laayoune. On December 18, 2019, the Comoros opened its consulate in Laayoune. On January 17, 2020, Gabon opened its consulate in Laayoune. On January 23, 2020, the consulates of São Tomé and Príncipe and the Central African Republic opened in Laayoune. On November 4, 2020, the United Arab Emirates opened a consulate general in Laayoune. On December 14, 2020, the Kingdom of Bahrain opened its consulate in Laayoune. On March 4, 2021, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan opened its consulate in Laayoune. On July 29, 2021, Malawi opened its consulate general in Laayoune.



Tourism

The city of Laayoune offers visitors the chance to experience two contrasting sides of the city: its modern side with its wide boulevards and contemporary hotels, and its other side, the desert suburbs and plains where life is much simpler.

Squares and Gardens

Al-Mashwar Square: Inaugurated by King Hassan II during his visit to the city in 1985, this open-air square attracts many visitors. It also hosts festivals, evening events, and various celebrations commemorating the Green March.

Oum Saad Square: A modern square spanning 8 hectares, it includes a municipal theater, a community center, a shopping complex, fountains, playgrounds, green spaces, and several gardens and recreational facilities.



Museums

Museum of Saharan Arts: This museum is located on the first floor of the House of Culture in Laayoune, which was built in 2001. The House of Culture also houses the Museum of Resistance, a music institute, and a multi-purpose hall on the ground floor. The first hall contains photographs of archaeological sites, camel saddles and other accessories, wooden panels, and a reconstructed model of a Quranic school and a desert tent. Jewelry, clothing, and musical instruments are also on display. The second hall is a small space showcasing local handicrafts, such as leather goods.


Traditional Crafts

At the Traditional Crafts Complex, visitors to Laayoune can admire traditional Saharan products made from purely natural materials, such as goat and camel hides and ivory. Among the most prominent of these products are artifacts and kitchen utensils. The Traditional Crafts Complex is considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Laayoune. Moreover, this complex has contributed to raising the level of training and skills for young artisans in the city and has supported and encouraged local traditional crafts.


Safari Trips

Visitors to the city can enjoy exploring the desert regions surrounding Laayoune. Many travel agencies offer safari trips to these areas, providing tents for a day trip away from the city, as well as organizing other activities such as sand dune climbing.