An article published on May 18, 2026, highlights the historical significance of Al-Qarawiyyin University, located in Fez, Morocco. Established in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, the institution began as a mosque built with her inherited wealth but soon evolved into a center for both worship and learning. Over time, it became a major hub for knowledge production and intellectual development within the Muslim world.

The university expanded beyond religious studies to include Arabic language, philosophy, logic, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. It played a key role in the exchange of knowledge and culture between the Muslim world and Europe during the Islamic Golden Age. Notable scholars such as Ibn Khaldun, Ibn Rushd, and Muhammad al-Idrisi were associated with it. Supported by successive rulers, the institution grew architecturally and housed one of the world’s oldest functioning libraries.

UNESCO and Guinness World Records have recognized Al-Qarawiyyin as the world’s oldest continuously operating university. In 1963, the Moroccan government restructured it into a modern public university, preserving its religious and educational traditions.

Morocco has strengthened its national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup as France-born midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi has chosen to represent the North African nation internationally. The 18-year-old, a former captain of France’s youth teams, received FIFA approval to change his sporting nationality, allowing him to play for Morocco in all international competitions.

Bouaddi, who captained France’s under-21 side in a European Championship qualifier against Luxembourg, currently plays for French club Lille and has already made over 90 appearances across competitions. He holds the record as the youngest player to appear in a European club competition at 16 years and three days old. Morocco has recently been active in recruiting dual-national players, including France-born defender Issa Diop and Ajax’s Rayane Bounida, formerly of Belgium’s under-19 team.

Following its historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run, Morocco aims to build on that success. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is expected to announce its final squad soon for the 2026 tournament, which will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Sudanese refugees fleeing the war that erupted in Sudan in April 2023 are increasingly stranded along Morocco’s eastern border, caught between Algerian and Moroccan security forces. Many, like 17-year-old Amir Ali, have endured torture, trafficking, and repeated detentions while crossing Libya and Algeria before reaching Morocco, which they view as a safer destination to seek asylum. Despite being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Morocco has yet to implement a national asylum law, leaving the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) to handle registration and refugee status determinations under its international mandate.

By the end of 2025, UNHCR had registered 22,370 refugees and asylum seekers in Morocco, with Sudanese nationals forming the largest group of new arrivals. However, refugees face severe challenges: limited access to healthcare, housing, and formal employment, and reports of police pushbacks to southern Morocco or the Algerian border persist. Aid groups such as Fondation Orient-Occident describe the Sudanese community as deeply traumatized and living in precarious conditions.

UNHCR officials warn that a humanitarian funding crisis in 2025 has slowed registration and reduced assistance, leaving many refugees vulnerable to arrest, removal, and worsening health conditions while awaiting resettlement or medical care.

Heavy rainfall has caused extensive flooding across northern Morocco, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people from four provinces. Authorities confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing to ensure public safety and minimize damage. In Larache province’s Souk El Khemis city, about 81,709 residents were evacuated, while 9,728 people were moved from Sidi Kacem, 2,853 from Sidi Slimane, and 14,133 from Kenitra.

Officials stated that emergency shelters have been established and essential assistance is being provided to those affected. The Ministry of Water reported that rising water levels in the Massen Valley triggered flash floods near Guercif in eastern Morocco early Wednesday.

Flooding has disrupted traffic on major roads across several provinces, including routes connecting Tangier and Tetouan, as well as roads in Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane.

At least 21 people have been killed and 32 injured after sudden flash floods struck Morocco’s Atlantic coastal province of Safi following an hour of intense rainfall. Authorities confirmed the casualties on Sunday, noting that most of the injured have since been discharged from hospitals. The downpour inundated more than 70 homes and shops in Safi’s old city, swept away vehicles, and damaged several roads, disrupting transport routes across the port area.

Local residents described the event as devastating, with one calling it “a black day.” The Moroccan weather service has forecast further heavy rainfall across the country through Tuesday, marking a dramatic shift after seven years of severe drought. Emergency teams continue rescue and recovery operations amid fears of additional flooding.

The incident highlights Morocco’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events linked to climate variability. Authorities are expected to review urban drainage systems and disaster preparedness as rainfall patterns become increasingly unpredictable.

At least 19 people were killed and 16 others injured when two adjacent four-story buildings collapsed early Wednesday in the historic city of Fez, Morocco, according to state media reports. The incident occurred in the Al-Mustaqbal district, where eight families lived in the two structures. Emergency teams, including local authorities, security forces, and civil protection units, quickly launched search and rescue operations.

State broadcaster SNRT reported that the buildings had visible cracks and were in a state of long-term neglect. Despite known structural risks, local authorities reportedly failed to take preventive measures. Reuters noted it could not independently verify the extent of the damage, and the Interior Ministry did not immediately comment.

The collapse comes two months after protests in Fez over deteriorating living conditions and inadequate public services. The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of Morocco’s urban safety standards, particularly in aging neighborhoods of major cities, where maintenance and enforcement remain inconsistent.