Venue
Main Venue
Private University of FEZ
Situated in the vibrant city of Fez, the Private University of FEZ offers a modern and professional environment for academic and conference events. The campus features advanced facilities and flexible spaces suitable for workshops, seminars, and large gatherings.
Visa Information
We are delighted to welcome you to the Kingdom of Morocco for the XIX World Water Congress. To facilitate your arrival, it is essential to check the visa requirements for your country of origin. We recommend that you start the administrative formalities in advance to ensure a smooth arrival. This section will provide you with all the information you need about visa requirements for entering Morocco, as well as the steps to follow.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. You can submit and track your E-Visa or AEVM (Electronic Authorization to Travel to Morocco) applications via the Acces Maroc portal.
For further information, please contact the Moroccan diplomatic and consular representations in your country of residence, or via the platform: https://www.consulat.ma/en/consular-information. As you can see in the picture below, you can choose your country of residence and contact the consular services for your questions and requests for additional information.
Venue Location
By Air/Aeroport Fez Saiss
The conference venue is served by the Fez Saiss Airport and Fes Railway Station if you arrive from Casablanca MohamedV aeroport.
Fez Saiss Airport (FEZ) is approximately 30 minutes from the university. Bus and Taxis and private shuttle services are available for a smooth transfer.
The conference venue, is conveniently accessible. It is approximately 20 minutes by car from Fez saiss airport, which connects to major domestic and international flights. The Fez railway station, located in the city center, provides easy access via a 15-minute drive or public transportation, making travel to the university straightforward for those arriving by train.
By Train
Fez Train Station is about 20 minutes away. Local taxis and ride-hailing services provide easy access to the campus.
By Car
To get to Fez by car, you can use the existing highway network, such as the A2 highway (Casablnca-Oujda), which serves Fez . A new highway linking Fez to Marrakech via Béni Mellal is planned and should considerably reduce travel times in the long term, but it is still in the study phase. Payment methods on Morocco's highways include Jawaz, bank cards, network card and cash Easy access via Route Nationale RN6 and city roads. On-campus parking is available for attendees and guests.
Accommodations
Please check Google for hotel options that fit your budget: click here
Royal Fez Hotel
Riad Al Andalous
Hotel Sahrai Fez
Riad Fes
Palais Faraj
Riad Laaroussa
Hotel Saharai
Riad Fes Maya
Riad Fes Amane
Fez – The Oldest Imperial City of Morocco
Fez is one of the most important cultural and spiritual centers in Morocco and home to the oldest university
in the world, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 A.D. by Fatima al-Fihri.
Founded in 789 by Idris, the Arab ruler responsible for the Idrisid dynasty, Fez has been a key center of
trade
and learning, served as Morocco's capital multiple times, and experienced a Golden Age under the
Marinid dynasty in the 13th–14th centuries. Many of the medina's iconic monuments, including
Islamic colleges, palaces, and mosques, date from this period.
The city is renowned for its rich architectural heritage, traditional crafts such as ceramics, leatherwork,
and
weaving, and vibrant music and dance traditions including Gnawa music and traditional belly dance.
Fez offers a unique travel experience combining history, culture, and the natural beauty of the nearby Atlas
Mountains, including hiking along the Oued Fez River.
Key Aspects of Fez
History & Culture: Founded in the 9th century, it's one of Morocco's four imperial cities, serving as the capital for centuries. It's considered the "Athens of Africa".
Fes el-Bali (Old Medina): A maze of narrow, winding streets, souks (markets), and historic buildings, it's one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world.
Craftsmanship: A major center for traditional crafts, including leather goods (famous tanneries), coppersmithing, weaving, and pottery, with artisans clustered around the ancient Qarawiyyin mosque.
Landmarks: Features include the iconic Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), intricate Islamic architecture, historic madrasas (schools), and the Al-Qarawiyyin Library.
Cuisine: Renowned for rich Fassi dishes like pastilla (sweet and savory pastry), special couscous, and hearty Harira soup.
The "Fez" Hat: The city gave its name to the red, cylindrical felt hat with a tassel, once a popular headwear in the Muslim world, named after the dyes used there.
What to Expect
Immersive Experience: An "open-air museum" showcasing traditional Moroccan life, art, and commerce.
Navigation: Expect to get lost in its hilly, winding alleys; donkey and foot traffic are common.
Authenticity: A deep dive into centuries-old traditions, distinct from the more modern feel of cities like Casablanca or Marrakesh.
Photo University-Al Quaraouiyine
Photo Madarsa(school) Al Bou Inania
Photo Bab Boujloud the main Old Fes medina Gate
Photo Ain Nokbi Hand craft Artisanat Potery
Garden Jnane Sbil
Fes new city Parc
Volubilis Roman city Ruins