Fez — The city of Dakhla is set to host the 12th edition of the Raid Sahraouiya from February 7 to 14, reaffirming its status as a key destination for women-led sport, solidarity, and intercultural exchange in Africa and beyond.
Held annually for more than a decade, the Raid Sahraouiya has established itself as a flagship event in women’s solidarity sport, bringing together participants from Morocco, Africa, Europe, and other regions for a demanding yet deeply human collective adventure.
Sport as a tool for empowerment and dialogue
According to the organizers, the Raid Sahraouiya promotes a vision of sport that goes beyond competition, positioning physical challenge as a lever for women’s empowerment, active solidarity, and intercultural dialogue. Each edition unites women around shared values of sisterhood, resilience, self-transcendence, and mutual support.
The event is organized by the Association Lagon Dakhla for the development of sport and cultural animation, and contributes to showcasing both Dakhla and Morocco as hubs for sport, well-being, and socially engaged initiatives on a continental and international scale.
A space for female sports diplomacy
Each year, women from Europe, West Africa, Central Africa, and various Moroccan regions converge in Dakhla, turning the Raid Sahraouiya into what organizers describe as a form of female sports diplomacy. Through this gathering, Morocco projects an image of openness, inclusivity, and cooperation, while fostering meaningful exchanges between participants of diverse backgrounds.
For its 12th edition, the event places a particular focus on the link between sport, mental health, and emotional well-being, highlighting the psychological dimension of performance and personal growth.
Mental preparation and lasting impact
Olympic judoka Asmaa Niang, who took part in the 2025 edition, will accompany the 2026 raid as a mental preparation coach. Her involvement underscores what organizers describe as the profound and lasting impact of the Sahraouiya experience on participants, both on and off the course.
A renewed commitment to solidarity
Staying true to its founding values, the Raid Sahraouiya continues its concrete solidarity efforts through the Sahraouiya For Solidarity program. In 2026, the event renews its partnership with SOS Villages d’Enfants Maroc, aiming to fully equip the sports hall of the SOS Village in Dakhla.
The project is expected to benefit more than 100 children and young people, contributing to improved physical health, emotional balance, and social inclusion. Through this initiative, sport becomes a powerful tool for education, prevention, and hope.
Each year, the Raid Sahraouiya brings together more than 100 participants and has grown into a global community of thousands of ambassadors. As the event returns to Dakhla in February, it continues to embody a model of sport rooted in solidarity, well-being, and the shared strength of women across borders.
