Oued Eddahab Reunification Day 2026

Oued Eddahab: history of the reunification

The Oued Eddahab Reunification Day commemorates Morocco's recovery of the Dakhla region on August 14, 1979, the final step in the recovery of Morocco's Southern Provinces, which began with the Green March in 1975.

From Spanish colony to Moroccan sovereignty

The Western Sahara was a Spanish colony known as the Spanish Sahara. After years of diplomatic pressure and the Green March of October 1975, Spain signed the Madrid Accords (November 14, 1975), transferring administration to Morocco (northern zone) and Mauritania (southern zone — the Oued Eddahab/Dakhla region).

Mauritania's withdrawal and the 1979 reunification

Weakened by Polisario Front raids and economic difficulties, Mauritania signed the Algiers Agreement (August 5, 1979), renouncing its claims on Oued Eddahab. Morocco formally recovered the territory on August 14, 1979, completing the reunification of its Southern Provinces.

Dakhla today: a booming hub

Dakhla is now one of Morocco's fastest-growing cities: an international kitesurfing destination, a special economic zone, and a logistics gateway to sub-Saharan Africa. The Dakhla Atlantic port project is set to become one of Africa's largest Atlantic-facing ports.

Oued Eddahab Day 2026, 2027, 2028

• 2026: Friday August 14 — automatic 3-day weekend
• 2027: Saturday August 14 — 3-day weekend
• 2028: Monday August 14 — 3-day weekend (Sat–Sun–Mon)