Oujda: The Gateway to the East

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeالوداع
  [alwadaa]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathiraa]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [laa afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqa'imah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا أكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassil bialsuritah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atassil batabib!]
• I'm lostضاعت مني الطريق
  [da'at minni alttariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atafarraj]
• How much is it?كم هو ثمنه؟
  [kam huwa thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafdh alsi'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشر والنصف
  [al'ashir wannahf]
• Morningالصباح
  [assabah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [almasa']
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [albarihah]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [saba'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniya]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [ayna ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'unaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [mata alqadim (alhafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkirah (ila ...)]

Oujda was founded in 994 by Ziri ibn Atiyya, the chief of the Berber Zenata Maghrawa tribe. The city served as a strategic military outpost due to its location near the Algerian border, facilitating both defense and trade. The early years of Oujda were marked by its role as a battleground in various regional conflicts.

During the 11th and 12th centuries, Oujda came under the control of the Almoravid and later the Almohad dynasties. These powerful Berber empires contributed to the city's growth by enhancing its fortifications and encouraging trade. The Almohad period, in particular, saw the construction of several significant architectural landmarks.

In the 13th century, Oujda fell under the influence of the Merinid dynasty. This era was marked by notable developments in architecture and urban planning. The Merinids built the Great Mosque of Oujda and reinforced the city walls, establishing Oujda as a significant center of commerce and learning in the region.

Oujda was occupied by French colonial forces in 1907, becoming part of the French Protectorate in Morocco. The French influence led to the modernization of the city's infrastructure, including the introduction of railways and new urban planning techniques. Despite this, Oujda remained a focal point for anti-colonial sentiment and nationalist movements.

Following Morocco's independence in 1956, Oujda experienced significant growth and modernization. The city's strategic location continued to play an important role in its development. Oujda became a hub for cross-border trade and cultural exchange with Algeria, even as political tensions sometimes strained relations between the two countries.

Oujda is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and cuisine. The city hosts several annual festivals, such as the International Festival of Rai Music, which celebrates the region's unique musical traditions. These cultural events draw visitors from around the world and highlight Oujda's vibrant local culture.

Oujda is located in the northeastern part of Morocco, close to the Algerian border. The nearest airport is Oujda Angads Airport (OUD), which is about 12 kilometers from the city center. Several international and domestic flights operate to and from this airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the city. Additionally, Oujda is well-connected by train and bus services from major Moroccan cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes.

Within Oujda, you can use taxis, which are relatively affordable. There are two types of taxis: 'Petit Taxis' for trips within the city and 'Grand Taxis' for longer distances and trips to nearby towns. Public buses are also available and are an economical way to get around. For a more personalized experience, consider renting a car to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Oujda, so withdrawing cash is convenient. Ensure you have some dirhams on hand before venturing out, especially if you plan to visit rural areas.

Oujda is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always best to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is wise to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, particularly in the city center and at popular tourist spots.

In case of emergency, dial 19 to reach the police or 15 for medical assistance. Oujda has several hospitals and clinics that can provide medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are many pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby medical facilities and have local emergency numbers saved in your phone.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Oujda like a local, visit the local markets such as Souk El Ma, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Moroccan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the beautiful Lalla Aicha Park for a relaxing afternoon. For a unique experience, take a short trip to the nearby Saidia Beach, known for its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters.