IEEE GCAIoT 2025 Visiting Guide

The Red City of Morocco Your Visiting Guide

We are pleased to welcome you to Marrakech. And we hope you enjoy your time with us.
Our country is known for its hospitality, rich heritage, and beautiful landscapes. This guide will help you make the most of your visit to the 9th IEEE GCAIot 2025.
We wish you a safe and pleasant stay.

General Information about Marrakech

The Most commonly used Languages in Marrakech are Arabic & French also English May be used in some touristic places like Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).
The Currency of Morocco is Moroccan Dirham (MAD) where 1 MAD = 0.11 USD (This could be changeable based on the Exchange rate).
Morocco follows GMT+1 (Central European Time) throughout the year except Ramadan. Clocks are adjusted to ease fasting hours.

Traditions and Culture of Marrakech

Marrakech is one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. Its red walls, palaces, and mosques reflect centuries of Islamic, Berber, and Andalusian influence.
Marrakech is a cultural capital & home to majestic architecture, vibrant souks, and spiritual centers. The city’s heart is Jemaa el-Fnaa it has been a hub of trade, storytelling, and music and is now recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage.
Rich in art, tradition, and community spirit, Marrakech is where past and present meet in colorful harmony.

Marrakech’s Cuisine

Marrakech’s cuisine is a delicious blend of tradition, spice, and warmth—offering visitors an unforgettable culinary experience. Influenced by Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and French cultures, the city’s dishes are rich in flavor and deeply rooted in Moroccan heritage.

No visit is complete without trying signature dishes like tagine, couscous,Grilled Sardinesو, Pastilla, Mint Tea (“Moroccan Whiskey”) and harira

What to visit in Marrakech?

Events shouldn't be left in Marrakech during the period from the 23~25th of Novembre 2025

Marrakech Marathon

Duration: Sunday, November 23, 2025

An international-level race that attracts runners from around the globe, offering various race categories and a route through the city’s scenic neighborhoods. A vibrant sporting spectacle and ideal for both participants and spectators.

Yoga Retreat Marrakech

Duration: November 22–25, 2025

A wellness retreat focusing on yoga, meditation, and holistic experiences. While not in the city center, it’s hosted in and around Marrakech and runs through your period of interest.

Transportation in Marrakech

As all cities Marrakech has 4 ways of transportation which are:

Taxi

Buses

Trains

Private cars

Out of the ordinary mode of transport

Taxi is commonly used in many countries but When it comes to Morocco, the situation takes a unique turn. You came across the term Grand Taxi many times not quite understanding what the term meant. You may though it was probably just a regular taxi! It wasn’t until much later that you realized there was actually a difference between a Grand Taxi and a taxi.

What are Morocco’s Grands Taxis?

Grand Taxis(taxiat kebira in arabic) are a common and way to

travel between cities. These shared taxis, often old diesel Mercedes cars, carry up to 6 passengers and wait until full before departing.
Faster than buses, they offer a ride-share experience, but for those in a hurry, it’s possible to pay for the whole taxi and leave right away.

How Do Grand Taxis Work?

Grand Taxis only depart when all six seats are filled, which can be inconvenient for some travelers. You have a few options:

Pay for all six seats to leave immediately and that is ideal for small groups or unpopular routes.
Pay for two front seats to ride more comfortably or start the trip sooner it is helpful for solo female travelers.
Pay for one seat which is the normal

Keep in mind: unless you hire the entire taxi, the driver may stop to pick up other passengers going the same way.

When arriving at a Grand Taxi “station,” there is often a person in the group of drivers who leads the communication with the tourists. You should negotiate with that person and make sure he understands the price you’re willing to pay.

Some rules to know:

Always negotiate the price before getting in the taxi.
Always have a price ready before you start the negotiations.
Have a walk-away plan (a maximum price) ready: If you walk, they will often give you a better price and start a new negotiation.
If you’ve got particularly heavy luggage, there might be a surcharge.
There is an extra fee for a ride to/from the airport.
The cost for all 6 seats should always be six times the cost for one place.
It’s not necessary to give tips, but you can round up to the nearest 5 dirhams. For longer trips, give 10, 20, or 30 dhs, depending on the distance.

What about taking the Petit Taxi in Morocco?

Petits Taxis are smaller cars used to take short rides within the city. They have a maximum capacity of three. (Meaning that if you are +4 people, you won’t be able to ride in the same taxi.) A lot of Moroccan Petit Taxi drivers refuse to stop for 3 passengers as they make more money taking only 1 or 2 passengers and adding a 3rd passenger along the way.
A trip within the city center shouldn’t be more than 10 dirhams. The best way to prevent being ripped off is to make sure the taxi meter is set. If the taxi driver doesn’t want to start it, try to negotiate for a specific fare before you leave.

Here is a tip: if you meet a driver you like, tip him well and take his number for any future need.

How to recognize a Petit Taxi?

Fun fact: Petit Taxi comes in different colors depending on the city you’re in.

As we are in Marrakech so the color of the petit taxi is Ochre

In summary
Grands and Petits Taxis are a convenient and adventurous way to travel through Morocco. You should definitely try it at least once during your trip to North Africa. You only have to take a seat and enjoy the ride!

Marrakech’s bus system

Offers an affordable and authentic way to explore the city. Operated by ALSA, the main urban network includes around 45 bus lines connecting major neighborhoods, tourist attractions, and transit hubs. A single ride typically costs 4 Moroccan dirhams (MAD), and tickets are bought directly from the driver. so be sure to carry small change. One of the most important routes for travelers is Bus Line 19, which links Marrakech Menara Airport to the city center, stopping at key spots like Jemaa El-Fna, Gueliz, and the train station. It runs approximately every 20 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, making it a convenient choice for airport transfers.

For a greener and smoother ride, visitors can also try the BRT Line A. a trolleybus system partially powered by solar energy. This route connects Bab Doukkala (near the Medina) with the Al Massira area and offers a modern, eco-friendly alternative to standard buses.

Those looking to sightsee can hop on ALSA’s open-top tourist buses, which operate two main circuits: a Historical Tour and a Palmeraie Tour. These tours run throughout the day and include audio guides in several languages, providing a scenic overview of Marrakech’s landmarks.
Marrakech’s buses are a budget-friendly way to get around if you plan ahead and know your route.

Ikhlass card

The ikhlas card allows you to move freely and safely throughout the network by offering you a discount of up to 17% on the ticket price.

Marrakech is a key hub in Morocco’s national rail network, offering safe and efficient train connections to major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Tangier. Operated by ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer), the city’s modern train station, located in the Gueliz district, serves as the southernmost point of the country’s rail lines.
The most popular route is between Marrakech and Casablanca, with over eight daily departures. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, making it a convenient option for both business and leisure travelers. From Casablanca, passengers can continue to destinations such as Rabat, Fes, and even Tangier, with total travel times ranging from 4 to 8 hours depending on the city.
Trains in Morocco offer two classes: Second Class, which is budget-friendly but can be crowded, and First Class, which includes reserved seating and more comfort. Ticket prices vary by route and class, ranging from 49 MAD to 280 MAD. Tickets can be bought at the station or online, although in-person purchases are often more reliable for international travelers.

Until then, Morocco’s current trains remain a dependable and scenic way to experience the country. Whether you’re heading to the capital, exploring ancient Fes, or traveling up north to Tangier, the journey from Marrakech by train is a smooth ride through Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

Getting Around Marrakech by Private Car: Comfort, Convenience, and Control

For travelers seeking a more comfortable and flexible way to explore Marrakech, hiring a private car with a driver is an excellent option. Whether you need an airport transfer, city tour, or full-day excursion, private car services in Marrakech offer door-to-door transportation with licensed, bilingual drivers and modern, air-conditioned vehicles. These services typically include all fees fuel, driver, and insurance in a fixed price, with cars ranging from sedans to luxury SUVs and minibuses. Prices vary depending on vehicle type and duration, but you can expect to pay between 300 and 1,200 MAD per day. Many companies require a deposit, usually via PayPal or bank transfer, with the rest paid on arrival. Private cars are ideal for airport pickups, sightseeing, or day trips to places like the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira.

Note that:

book only through licensed providers and avoid unmarked or unregistered drivers
InDrive are also popular alternatives for short trips within the city, offering clear pricing and less risk of overcharging compared to local petit taxis

Overall, a private car offers a safe, stress-free way to navigate Marrakech—especially if you’re short on time or looking for personalized service.

An Unforgettable Stay in the Heart of New city of Marrakech

Hotel Lawrence D’Arabie

About 0.3 km (~7-minute walk) from the university.
Comfortable 3★ hotel with car rental on site.
Rates around €35–46 per night.

Tempoo Hotel Marrakech City Centre (Adults Only)

Stylish 4★ adults-only hotel just beside the university (~0.3 km).
Chic design and lively atmosphere, rooms from ~€79/night.

Oxygene Apartment (Gueliz/Hivernage)

Apartment-style suites with outdoor pool & terrace.
Approximately 0.3 km from the campus.
Rates start at ~€91/night.

Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech

A full-service 5★ resort hotel in Hivernage, under 0.5 km from the university.
Offers spa, swimming pool, restaurants with modern luxury—rooms from ~€196/night.

Green Cactus Hotel

A 3-star hotel located in Ben Guerir, about 60 km from Marrakech, offering basic amenities like a pool, breakfast, and free parking.
A budget option with mixed reviews—best suited for stays near Mohamed VI Polytechnic University, not central Marrakech.

Apps That Make Your Visit Easier

App Name	Purpose
ONCF Trafic	Check train schedules and real-time info for Moroccan National Railways
CTM Mobile	Easily book intercity coaches and seats with CTM buses
Météo Maroc	Get accurate 5-day forecasts, wind and tide data across Morocco
Darija Dialect	Learn local Moroccan Arabic phrases for markets and casual chats
Pharmacie de garde Maroc	Locate open pharmacies by city and date
Autoroutes du Maroc	Real-time highway traffic alerts and toll info
Visit Morocco	Free travel companion designed to enhance your experience in Morocco with the following features:

SIM Cards & Internet Access in Marrakech

Using SIM Cards and Local Internet in Marrakech

To stay connected during your visit to Marrakech, you can easily purchase a local SIM card from one of Morocco’s main telecom providers. The process is quick and available upon arrival.

Main Telecom Providers:

Orange Maroc
Maroc Telecom (IAM)
INWI

Where to Buy SIM Cards:

Kiosks and official counters inside Marrakech Menara Airport
Official stores in shopping centers or city areas
Some hotels may offer SIM cards upon request

Prices & Top-Up Options:

SIM cards cost around 20 to 50 MAD
Common internet data packages:
- 1 GB ≈ 10 MAD
- 5 GB ≈ 25 MAD
- 10 GB ≈ 50 MAD
You can top up your balance at local shops or via the providers’ official apps.

Internet Access:

Excellent 4G coverage throughout Marrakech (Medina & New City)
Most cafés and hotels offer free Wi-Fi

Important Tip:

Bring your passport when purchasing a SIM card, as registration is often required.

Useful Tips & Local Etiquette for Visitors Marrakech

Respect Local Dress Codes

While Morocco is relatively moderate, it’s respectful to dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.

Photography Etiquette

Always ask before taking photos of people, especially in markets or rural areas.

Religious Respect

Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques (except a few like Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca). During the call to prayer, be mindful and avoid loud noise near mosques.

Bargaining is Normal

In souks (markets), bargaining is part of the culture so, do it politely and with a smile!

Ramadan Etiquette

During the holy month, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting.

Carry Identification

Keep a copy of your passport or ID with you, as police may ask for it during routine checks.

Tipping (Baksheesh)

Tipping is expected in restaurants, cafés, and for services. A small tip is a sign of appreciation.

Do not speak negatively about religion. This is a highly sensitive topic in Morocco.

Helpful Landmarks, Services, Emergency and Assistance Numbers

For Money Exchange:

Cash Plus

Address: Hay Nour, Ben Guerir

Cash Plus – Avenue Mohamed V

Address: Avenue Mohamed V, Ben Guerir

BMCE Bank – Ben Guerir Branch

Address: Boulevard Mohamed V, Ben Guerir

Key Advice

Cash Plus branches and BMCE Bank are within walking distance from the university campus.
Use BMCE ATMs for the best exchange rates and reliable service.

Emergency Contacts in Morocco:

Police (for crime or safety): 19 (from landline) / 112 (from mobile)
Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 150 or 141
Fire Department: 15
Royal Gendarmerie (rural police): 177
Tourist Police (for foreign visitors): 0524 38 46 01 (local number)

Maps & Navigation:
To help you get around the city and plan your routes, here are useful maps: