Dakhla

Dakhla is a coastal city in Western Sahara, located on the Atlantic coast at the western edge of Dakhla Bay. It serves as the capital of the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region and is the administrative center of the surrounding municipality. The city sits on a natural lagoon with sheltered waters that support the local fishing industry and attract water sports enthusiasts.

The climate is arid and desert-like, with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is scarce, and southeasterly and harmattan-style winds are common, contributing to favorable conditions for wind- and kite-surfing in the bay.

Historically, the town was known during Spanish rule as Villa Cisneros. After the decolonization process and subsequent conflict over Western Sahara, Morocco established administrative control and renamed the settlement Dakhla. The area has since developed as a regional administrative and economic hub.

Economy and development center on fishing, seafood processing, and the port that serves domestic and international fleets. Tourism has grown, with the bay’s shallow, windy waters making it a well-known destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding, alongside coastal and desert landscapes that attract visitors year-round. Renewable energy projects, including wind and solar installations, have also been pursued in the region.

Transportation options include Dakhla Airport, which provides connections to Casablanca and other Moroccan cities, and a network of coastal roads linking Dakhla with other towns along the Atlantic coast. The population comprises Sahrawi and Moroccan communities, with a growing urban center that acts as the region’s political and commercial hub.