A Major Project for the Rehabilitation of the Old Medina of Fez
The Governor of the Fès-Meknes region, Mouad El Jamai, confirmed yesterday in Fez that the programs aimed at enhancing and restoring the old Medina of Fez benefited from investments amounting to nearly 3 billion dirhams during the period between 2010 and 2025.
El Jamai, speaking at the opening of the first edition of the “Architecture Week,” organized by the Higher School of Architecture and Construction Professions at the Private University of Fez, explained that these investments involved the implementation of 399 projects and the rehabilitation of 4,671 buildings at risk of collapse, which has positively impacted the lives of approximately 20,000 beneficiaries.
In presenting the results of the rehabilitation and restoration programs for the old Medina of Fez, implemented under the supervision of the governorate and executed by the Agency for Development and Restoration of the City of Fez, the governor highlighted the diversity of these programs, which include, among others, 32 projects concerning historical monuments, 100 projects to enhance the dynamics of traditional industry and commerce, 95 projects dedicated to places of worship, and 119 projects directed at recreational spaces.
Furthermore, there are 17 additional projects focusing on the rehabilitation of buildings and improving the urban landscape, 11 projects dedicated to local facilities, and 25 projects aimed at improving accessibility, including new strategic parking facilities at Bab Al Jadid and the intercity areas. El Jamai particularly emphasized the tangible socio-economic impact of these programs, especially concerning tourism, noting that between 2010 and 2023, the number of accommodation units doubled (an increase of 123%), the number of beds rose by 132% (from 1,056 to 2,448), and the number of overnight stays increased by 81%. Similarly, air traffic at Fez-Saïs Airport recorded a 131% surge, reaching 1.7 million passengers.
Regarding the vital artisan sector, the governor explained that turnover increased by 154% (reaching 4.32 billion dirhams), and the workforce grew by 74%, rising from 23,000 to 40,000 individuals. He added that the number of artisans obtaining quality certification rose from 21 to 433 (an increase of 1,962%).
The local official considered this efficiency to reflect the legitimacy of the integrated approach that combines architecture, urban planning, heritage preservation, and socio-economic development. He also praised the initiative of the Higher School of Architecture and Construction Professions at the Private University of Fez, emphasizing the importance of training qualified and aware professionals in these challenges to continue this positive dynamism and build the future of Moroccan cities. For his part, the president of the Private University of Fez, Mohamed Aziz Lahlu, stressed the significant importance of this event for future architects, whom he referred to as “the successors of tomorrow.” After highlighting the importance of cooperation among all concerned parties, Lahlu pointed to the “unique status of the Millennium City of Fez, not only as a development hub but also as a fundamental source of inspiration.”
Additionally, the president called on the youth to engage in this dynamism and ensure that the city of Fez occupies a significant place in their future projects, urging them to be ambassadors for this city, “which holds a significant place in the future of Morocco and Africa.”
According to the authorities at the Private University of Fez, the first edition of Architecture Week serves as an essential platform for sharing experiences, inspiring future professionals, and enhancing cooperation to achieve coordinated urban development that respects the cultural identity of the Kingdom.
