Moroccan tea ceremony shines at FAO's World Tea Day celebration
The ceremony, attended by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, featured a stand set up by Morocco's permanent mission to the UN agencies based in Rome. Decorated in the colors of the Kingdom, the space showcased the richness and diversity of Moroccan tradition.
At the heart of the Moroccan exhibit was an authentic traditional salon, where visitors were invited to discover and experience the centuries-old art of preparing mint tea. The space drew a large number of diplomats and high-ranking international officials eager to explore this cherished ritual, a true symbol of sharing, conviviality, and Moroccan savoir-vivre.
Guests had the opportunity to savor Moroccan tea prepared in the traditional manner, representing an entire culture of taste and ritual. The experience was complemented by a refined selection of Moroccan pastries, highlighting the country's culinary heritage.
This year, Morocco was selected by the FAO to represent the cultural richness of tea worldwide, alongside China, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Russia, and Indonesia. The international celebration aims to promote the diversity of tea-related traditions and underscore their significance in culture, agriculture, and sustainable development.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ya Biladi
7 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's tourism revenues reach 54 billion dirhams by June 2025, up 9.6%
Tourism revenues in Morocco reached 54 billion dirhams by the end of June 2025, marking a 9.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, an additional 4.7 billion dirhams, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy. This strong performance, the ministry explained in a statement, is largely due to a 19% rise in tourist arrivals, highlighting Morocco's growing appeal as a top international destination. The increase also contributed significantly to boosting the country's foreign currency reserves and supporting the national economy. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor stated that this momentum reinforces Morocco's ambition to position itself as a high-value tourism destination. «We're focusing on investing in tourism-related entertainment, which is a key driver for increasing visitor spending, extending stays, and encouraging repeat visits», she said. The ministry noted that the rise in both tourist numbers and foreign currency revenues is a direct result of initiatives under the 2023–2026 roadmap to improve air connectivity and promote Moroccan tourism abroad. These results are supported by several initiatives aimed at diversifying the tourism offering and maximizing the positive economic impact across all regions of the Kingdom. Among them is the GO SIYAHA program, designed to develop new and innovative tourist experiences across Morocco. Additional efforts include the launch of specialized incubators in areas such as Moroccan cuisine, gaming and digital services, which aim to foster creative ideas tailored to tourists' expectations. The ministry also highlighted the creation of a project bank containing over 900 ready-to-launch tourism projects nationwide. These are intended to capitalize on local potential and help develop concrete, marketable tourism offerings across the country.
Morocco World
15 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco's Airport Authority Appoints New Directors
Rabat – The National Airports Office (ONDA) announced the appointment of two new directors to key roles as part of the airport authority's newly announced vision. ONDA appointed Abdelhalim El Karimi as the Director of Air Navigation, who brings 14 years of experience within ONDA. He headed the Information Systems Department at ONDA prior to this new appointment. His new mission will make air navigation a driver of sovereignty, safety, and innovation. ONDA also appointed Hicham Rahil as director of Airport operations. Rahil holds a PhD in applied mathematics. He received training in air traffic control and has extensive on-the-ground experience as they managed several key hubs within the national network. Rahil will be responsible for orchestrating the transformation of group services in line with international standards. These new appointments reflect the 'desire to place the transformation of Moroccan airports within a human-centered, gradual, and well-managed dynamic. It concluded that ONDA is investing in 'internal talent, recognizing committed career paths,' ONDA stressed. On Monday, ONDA announced its new visual identity as part of the 'Airports 2030' strategy launched in February. The plan seeks to revamp Morocco's infrastructure in preparation for prestigious events like the 2025 AFCON and the FIFA World Cup 2030. According to the latest data from the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts, Morocco's airports recorded a growth of 16.4% by the end of the first quarter of 2025. About 720,645 passengers passed through Moroccan ports by the end of March, representing a 3.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Ya Biladi
Mechanical tourism booms in Tangier as Spaniards seek affordable car repairs
Mechanical tourism is firmly establishing itself in Morocco. Each summer, hundreds of Spaniards make the journey across the Strait of Gibraltar... to have their cars repaired. Tangier has almost inadvertently become North Africa's go-to destination for affordable auto repairs. It often begins with a repair quote considered «exorbitant» in Spain. Take Marcos, a resident of Madrid, who owns a 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser. He was facing a staggering 4,000-euro bill for a complete transmission overhaul and turbocharger replacement. A quick search online led him to a car forum recommending Tangier. He followed the advice: for under 1,000 euros, including parts, his vehicle was good as new in just a few days. According to Spanish outlet El Confidencial Digital, labor costs in Morocco are around 2 euros per hour. In Spain, they can be a hundred times higher. Even a full paint job costs 500 euros, a price that would only cover a single panel in Madrid or Seville. The savings extend further: a round-trip ferry from Tarifa to Tangier is less than 200 euros. Some even plan their vacations around a visit to the mechanic. What started as a makeshift solution is becoming a regular practice for thousands of Spaniards. Moroccan garages are building a reputation, particularly those that use new parts directly supplied by manufacturers. However, the rapid growth of this parallel industry isn't without its downsides. Illegal workshops are emerging, especially near Ceuta and Melilla. Some offer last-minute fixes before technical inspections, often without official approval. The Spanish newspaper highlights «spare parts of dubious origin, including those stolen in Spain», though such instances are said to be «infrequent». Additionally, cross-border auto repairs raise environmental concerns. Morocco's more lenient waste management regulations allow for cost savings but pose significant ecological risks.
