For years, Dubai has been the go-to holiday destination for many Britons looking for sunshine, luxury hotels and beachside relaxation. But with rising costs and concerns about tensions in the Middle East, some travellers are starting to look elsewhere.
One destination attracting growing attention is El Jadida, a coastal city in Morocco located just a three-hour flight from London.
According to a travel report published by the Daily Mail, “the little-known Moroccan city that could be the new Dubai” offers many of the things that made the Emirate popular, including luxury resorts and warm weather – but most importantly – without the crowds.
Dubai welcomes around 1.3 million British visitors every year. However, the report says travel patterns have shifted since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. The UK’s Foreign Office has issued travel advice for parts of the region, while Dubai International Airport has seen a decline in passenger numbers.
El Jadida, on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, combines modern tourism with a rich history. The city’s old Portuguese quarter was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and is known for its historic fortifications and cultural diversity.
“Within metres of each other, a mosque, a synagogue, and a Catholic church, which shows the North African country’s rich, diverse culture and history,” the report said.
A major attraction is the Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, a luxury complex with 500 rooms spread across 250 acres. The report notes that rooms cost roughly half the price of those at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, a sister property.
The resort features seven kilometres of coastline, 15 restaurants and bars, an 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player, and North Africa’s largest 24-hour casino.
The Daily Mail reporter said the resort offered the same level of luxury associated with Dubai but with far fewer visitors, describing quiet beaches and open coastal landscapes.
El Jadida boasts 300 days of sunshine each year and is increasingly being seen as a closer, quieter and more affordable option for British holidaymakers looking for winter sun.
