Morocco's Maritime Fleet Declines to 17 Ships, Government Plans Revival Strategy

Diaspo #395 : Hicham Amrani, the Moroccan training Gulf leaders in the art of public speaking

Ya Biladi

4 hours ago

Ya Biladi

Diaspo #395 : Hicham Amrani, the Moroccan training Gulf leaders in the art of public speaking

From the ancient streets of Fez to training platforms across the Gulf, and from the lecture halls of the Faculty of Arts to the book-signing tables of the Sharjah International Book Fair, Moroccan professional Hicham Amrani has traced a unique path, where a love for learning meets human connection, and where self-discovery fuels a drive to make an impact. From Fez to the United States Born in Fez in 1975, Hicham Amrani pursued his higher education in the English Department at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University. After graduating in the summer of 1999, he took a leap and joined a cultural exchange program in Orlando, Florida, working for a year as a cultural representative at Disney—a formative experience that would open new and unexpected doors. In an interview with Yabiladi, he recalled: «After that year, thanks to a generous scholarship, I was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania», where he pursued a master's degree in political science while also studying Arabic and other subjects. «It wasn't easy», he admitted, «but I overcame the challenges because studying in the U.S. had always been my dream». Amrani later enrolled in a PhD program in international relations at the London School of Economics. However, due to personal circumstances, he had to pause his studies. That decision led him to a new chapter in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). «I initially went to visit my brother», he said, «and ended up working in public relations, strategic communication, and marketing for two years». He then moved to Canada, spending three and a half years in the financial sector. «I obtained several certificates and diplomas in finance, which helped a lot professionally. But I knew deep down that finance wasn't my final path, I've always been drawn to more creative fields». Serendipity and a Thousand Appointments Amrani eventually returned to the UAE, motivated by three things: his existing network, his fluency in English, and the region's dynamic economic and technological environment. He joined APCO Worldwide, a global strategic communications firm, working with local and federal government institutions. There, he began to gain recognition in the Gulf as a communications expert. «One event changed everything», he said. «We received a call from a high-level official preparing to speak at a global forum. He needed a coach to help him with his speech. My director assigned me the task, and I accepted without hesitation. I've always believed there's no room for 'I don't know' in our field. I encourage my team to embrace challenges because growth starts with courage». At the time, Amrani was training media professionals to handle cameras and tough interview questions. After a week of coaching, the official delivered his speech and personally thanked Amrani. He later recommended him to other influential figures. «Within eight months, my role shifted significantly, from consultant to trainer». He gradually began coaching high-profile clients and soon became a certified trainer for several major figures in the region. «With God's grace and my parents' blessings, I carved out a place for myself in the training field», he said. «I continued my education and earned multiple certifications in a field that values communication as a powerful tool, not just for delivery, but for shaping perceptions and public opinion». In 2015, Amrani founded his own firm dedicated to training and strategic consulting in communication and leadership. His services soon expanded to clients across the Gulf. Writing During Lockdown «When the COVID-19 lockdown hit, I found myself, like many, with a lot of unexpected free time», he said. «One night, I just opened my laptop and started writing. In a single session, I finished ten pages. Two days later, I reread them and realized I had the beginning of something bigger». He shared the draft with a British friend who encouraged him to continue, saying: «This deserves to be published». By 2023, Amrani had completed and polished his first book, SPEAK LIKE A VIP: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Art of Public Speaking. It debuted in November 2024 at the Sharjah International Book Fair. «What made it even more special», he said, «was the incredible coincidence : Morocco was the guest of honor that year». Amrani said the warm reception from the Moroccan pavilion team was deeply meaningful and reinforced that the effort had been worth it. The book generated strong interest, and many readers later sought out training based on its contents. He also launched an Instagram page to promote the book. «Many clients who read it came back to me asking for coaching and workshops related to its themes». He is now working on translating the book into Arabic and plans to launch the Arabic edition at the 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair. «I hope to also organize a book signing in Morocco, whether at the Rabat International Book Fair or another cultural event, that would be an honor». For Deeper and More Impactful Training This year, Amrani enrolled in a master's program in neuroscience and psychology at King's College London. «This is a natural extension of my work», he explained. «A large part of what I do involves understanding human behavior, especially how people react under stress or pressure. I touched on that in the first part of my book». «Studying how the brain works and how it influences decision-making allows me to offer training that's grounded in science, not just intuition|, he added. Despite his international career, Hicham Amrani remains deeply connected to Morocco. «Whenever I have the chance, I talk about Morocco—its history, its culture, its people. I truly believe that every person abroad, even unofficially, is an ambassador for their country». In 2018, he organized his first conference in Morocco, The Conference on Happiness and Human Development, in Casablanca. «The turnout and engagement were incredible», he said. «I wanted to continue the series, but juggling logistics between two countries made it difficult», he regretted.

Ya Biladi

12 hours ago

Ya Biladi

Diaspo #395 : Hicham Amrani, the Moroccan training Gulf leaders in the art of public speaking

From the ancient streets of Fez to training platforms across the Gulf, and from the lecture halls of the Faculty of Arts to the book-signing tables of the Sharjah International Book Fair, Moroccan professional Hicham Amrani has traced a unique path, where a love for learning meets human connection, and where self-discovery fuels a drive to make an impact. From Fez to the United States Born in Fez in 1975, Hicham Amrani pursued his higher education in the English Department at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University. After graduating in the summer of 1999, he took a leap and joined a cultural exchange program in Orlando, Florida, working for a year as a cultural representative at Disney—a formative experience that would open new and unexpected doors. In an interview with Yabiladi, he recalled: «After that year, thanks to a generous scholarship, I was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania», where he pursued a master's degree in political science while also studying Arabic and other subjects. «It wasn't easy», he admitted, «but I overcame the challenges because studying in the U.S. had always been my dream». Amrani later enrolled in a PhD program in international relations at the London School of Economics. However, due to personal circumstances, he had to pause his studies. That decision led him to a new chapter in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). «I initially went to visit my brother», he said, «and ended up working in public relations, strategic communication, and marketing for two years». He then moved to Canada, spending three and a half years in the financial sector. «I obtained several certificates and diplomas in finance, which helped a lot professionally. But I knew deep down that finance wasn't my final path, I've always been drawn to more creative fields». Serendipity and a Thousand Appointments Amrani eventually returned to the UAE, motivated by three things: his existing network, his fluency in English, and the region's dynamic economic and technological environment. He joined APCO Worldwide, a global strategic communications firm, working with local and federal government institutions. There, he began to gain recognition in the Gulf as a communications expert. «One event changed everything», he said. «We received a call from a high-level official preparing to speak at a global forum. He needed a coach to help him with his speech. My director assigned me the task, and I accepted without hesitation. I've always believed there's no room for 'I don't know' in our field. I encourage my team to embrace challenges because growth starts with courage». At the time, Amrani was training media professionals to handle cameras and tough interview questions. After a week of coaching, the official delivered his speech and personally thanked Amrani. He later recommended him to other influential figures. «Within eight months, my role shifted significantly, from consultant to trainer». He gradually began coaching high-profile clients and soon became a certified trainer for several major figures in the region. «With God's grace and my parents' blessings, I carved out a place for myself in the training field», he said. «I continued my education and earned multiple certifications in a field that values communication as a powerful tool, not just for delivery, but for shaping perceptions and public opinion». In 2015, Amrani founded his own firm dedicated to training and strategic consulting in communication and leadership. His services soon expanded to clients across the Gulf. Writing During Lockdown «When the COVID-19 lockdown hit, I found myself, like many, with a lot of unexpected free time», he said. «One night, I just opened my laptop and started writing. In a single session, I finished ten pages. Two days later, I reread them and realized I had the beginning of something bigger». He shared the draft with a British friend who encouraged him to continue, saying: «This deserves to be published». By 2023, Amrani had completed and polished his first book, SPEAK LIKE A VIP: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Art of Public Speaking. It debuted in November 2024 at the Sharjah International Book Fair. «What made it even more special», he said, «was the incredible coincidence : Morocco was the guest of honor that year». Amrani said the warm reception from the Moroccan pavilion team was deeply meaningful and reinforced that the effort had been worth it. The book generated strong interest, and many readers later sought out training based on its contents. He also launched an Instagram page to promote the book. «Many clients who read it came back to me asking for coaching and workshops related to its themes». He is now working on translating the book into Arabic and plans to launch the Arabic edition at the 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair. «I hope to also organize a book signing in Morocco, whether at the Rabat International Book Fair or another cultural event, that would be an honor». For Deeper and More Impactful Training This year, Amrani enrolled in a master's program in neuroscience and psychology at King's College London. «This is a natural extension of my work», he explained. «A large part of what I do involves understanding human behavior, especially how people react under stress or pressure. I touched on that in the first part of my book». «Studying how the brain works and how it influences decision-making allows me to offer training that's grounded in science, not just intuition|, he added. Despite his international career, Hicham Amrani remains deeply connected to Morocco. «Whenever I have the chance, I talk about Morocco—its history, its culture, its people. I truly believe that every person abroad, even unofficially, is an ambassador for their country». In 2018, he organized his first conference in Morocco, The Conference on Happiness and Human Development, in Casablanca. «The turnout and engagement were incredible», he said. «I wanted to continue the series, but juggling logistics between two countries made it difficult», he regretted.

Report: China, Russia Likely to Recognize Moroccan Sovereignty Over Western Sahara

Morocco World

15 hours ago

Morocco World

Report: China, Russia Likely to Recognize Moroccan Sovereignty Over Western Sahara

Marrakech – A recent report by the Migration Research Institute identifies Morocco as 'the most stable country in the entire Maghreb' and indicates major diplomatic developments may soon reshape the Western Sahara dispute. Despite persistent high-level tensions with neighboring Algeria, Morocco maintains 'almost unconditional U.S. support,' according to the 'Morocco at Crossroads' report released on June 24. The analysis states that 'the coming months' could see both China and Russia 'approve Moroccan advance in the so-called 'Moroccan Sahara'' at the UN Security Council, following similar positions already adopted by the United States, France, and the UK. The report notes that since the US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020, the territory 'has been included in Moroccan territory on U.S. maps.' France followed the US last summer, while the UK made a similar move this month. Among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, 'only China and Russia are missing for the final word.' Growing energy investment hub Strategic investments are propelling Morocco to the forefront of the global energy transition. Possessing 70% of the world's phosphate reserves, the country controls a crucial resource for mid to low-end batteries and 'can oust Indonesia in this sector due to proximity to the EU's market.' In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, China's CNGR Advanced Material announced a $2 billion investment to construct a cathode plant in Morocco aimed at supplying American and European electric battery markets , 'circumventing recent legislative restrictions.' For the director of CNGR Europe, Morocco represents a 'sweet spot' as 'fewer permits are needed to build, and products can be redirected from there to third countries in the event of European and American market closures.' In a parallel development, September 2023 saw LG Chem (South Korea) and Huayou Cobalt (China) announce 'the construction of a lithium cathode and refining plant in Morocco' where 'the competitive environment is similar to the South American quadrant where they aim at the exclusivity of Argentine lithium.' The document explains that CNGR 'invests in synergy with the ruling dynasty and aims to produce 1 million electric vehicles per year spread between Tesla, CATL (Chinese too) and LG Chem.' However, it cautions that 'the activities in connection with China are borderline,' referencing a Chatham House report on Morocco and Tunisia. French backing for Morocco has intensified, with French Trade Minister Franck Riester revealing that 'Proparco, a subsidiary of the French Development Agency, could contribute to the financing of the high-voltage line between Dakhla, the largest centre in Western Sahara, and Casablanca, as well as the construction of the Morocco-Europe pipeline.' The report discusses 'the rapprochement with France due to the trip of the foreign minister Le Maire in April 2024,' as well as cultural exchanges at the Book Fair of Rabat, which the report describes as 'anticipated in Paris by the French counterpart just one month ago.' It characterizes these interactions as 'Time for shaking hands, books and diplomatic intelligence, literally in the etymological sense of 'intus legere' or 'read inside'.' Expanding and legitimate influence Morocco's economic strengths extend beyond energy. The analysis points out that alongside 'Chinese electronic batteries and the integration of Moroccan manufacture with the EU system,' other established sectors with expansion potential include 'banks, pharmaceutical industries, fertilizer and agricultural products sectors' oriented toward Sub-Saharan Africa. The Moroccan banking sector, reformed in the 1990s, is now 'increasingly professional and transparent' with three banks ranking among Africa's top ten, controlling over $90 billion in assets and operating across 22 African countries. The report addresses water resources as another area of contention, stating that 'Morocco is going to build new big dams near the southern border with Algeria, in this way putting at risk the existence of Bechar, a big university city that also hosts an important military commando.' On regional security challenges, the document observes that most migrants entering Europe come from Africa rather than Eastern Europe. It questions how the EU plans 'to deal with a wave of migrants aged between 15 and 30 (the 'fighting age')' who are 'sometimes indoctrinated by Islamic extremist ideologues while crossing deserts.' The analysis proposes that Sufi orders could play a constructive role, describing them as entities 'with which someone will have to conduct a dialogue' to counter extremist messages. It advocates for establishing 'a cultural, even philosophical dialogue to get to know better each other's positions' as a foundation for improved mutual understanding. The document examines Turkiye's growing military presence in the region, which it describes as 'impressive for both Moroccan and European observers,' particularly in the Sahel region covering countries like Mali, Mauritania, and Chad. The report concludes by examining Morocco's delicate position between competing global powers. It reveals that China invested MAD 26 billion ($2.6 billion) in the port of Tanger Med II, which entered service in 2019. However, it raises questions about how Morocco will defend itself in the upcoming trade conflict between the US and China while managing its ongoing tensions with Algeria. As international recognition of Morocco's position on Western Sahara grows, the country appears positioned to strengthen its regional influence, balancing relationships with global powers while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of North Africa. Tags: ChinaRussiaWestern sahara

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Diaspo #395 : Hicham Amrani, the Moroccan training Gulf leaders in the art of public speaking

Diaspo #395 : Hicham Amrani, the Moroccan training Gulf leaders in the art of public speaking

Report: China, Russia Likely to Recognize Moroccan Sovereignty Over Western Sahara

Morocco's Maritime Fleet Declines to 17 Ships, Government Plans Revival Strategy

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Diaspo #395 : Hicham Amrani, the Moroccan training Gulf leaders in the art of public speaking

Diaspo #395 : Hicham Amrani, the Moroccan training Gulf leaders in the art of public speaking

Report: China, Russia Likely to Recognize Moroccan Sovereignty Over Western Sahara

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