Column by Camilia Serraj

The tourism section of the 2027 Finance Bill reviews the sector’s performance from 2023 to 2026 and announces a new roadmap aimed at attracting 26 million tourists by 2030. For 2027, the measures planned as part of preparations for the 2030 World Cup are built around three priorities: tourism offerings and investment, promotion and air connectivity, and human capital.

Following the Authenticity and Modernity Party’s victory in the legislative elections, Moroccan Reddit users have drawn connections between statements by two senior party figures, interpreting them as possible signs that consensual sex outside marriage could be decriminalized. As social attitudes and behavior evolve, what exactly does Article 490 of Morocco’s Penal Code prohibit, and why do critics want it repealed? A sociologist, an activist and a lawyer examine the debate.

A sovereign cloud, a 50-megawatt data center in Rabat, artificial intelligence (AI) models trained for Darija and Tamazight, and the nationwide expansion of the JobInTech program are among the priorities outlined in Morocco’s 2027 draft finance bill. Its presentation note takes stock of progress, including 27.08 billion dirhams in offshoring service exports in 2025, and sets six priority areas for next year under the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy.

The 2027 Finance Bill allocates 106.9 billion dirhams to the Ministry of National Education, up from 102.2 billion dirhams under the 2026 Finance Law. The budget comes as the government reaches the end of its 2022-2026 Roadmap and seeks to consolidate and build on its achievements in 2027. In higher education, the presentation note outlines the gradual rollout of a new university structure under Law No. 59-24, including the creation of 49 institutions. Meanwhile, the shortage of student accommodation stands at nearly 400,000 beds.

Moroccan DJ and producer Omary is set to release “Tourat,” his second album, on Friday, October 23. Across 12 tracks, he blends electronic production with Morocco’s musical heritage, drawing on aïta, beldi, Amazigh music and classical Arabic music. In an interview with Le360, he discusses the traditional artists who helped shape the record, his Turkish influences and a deeply personal track recorded with his father, Abdo.

Morocco’s government plans to build four university hospitals, upgrade 1,600 primary healthcare facilities and raise the number of healthcare professionals to 35 per 10,000 people by 2031 under its new health reform agenda.

British big-wave surfer Andrew Cotton was in Morocco for the MOGA electronic music festival, where he led a workshop on breathing techniques and breath-holding. In an interview with Le360, he discusses his relationship with fear, his return to the water after a serious wipeout in Nazaré, Portugal, and the breathing technique that helps him stay calm under pressure.

Abdellatif Ouahbi was appointed Minister of Justice on Friday, October 16, at the Royal Palace in Rabat during a ceremony presided over by King Mohammed VI. A lawyer by profession, he led the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) from 2020 to 2024 and previously held the same ministerial post from 2021.

Morocco is hosting experts from the Middle East, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa to review a global index designed to measure social innovation, raising questions about whether indicators largely developed in wealthier countries adequately reflect how communities in the Global South address social needs.