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In Faizah’s eyes, there is no singular Morocco, only an infinite array of ways to fall in love with it
Faizah Alaoui is the eldest daughter of HH Prince Hicham of Morocco, first cousin to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and Malika Benabdelali. At the age of six, she moved to the United States with her parents and younger sister, a transition that would shape her upbringing and academic journey.
Faizah went on to pursue an extraordinary education, earning a Bachelor of Science from Yale University, followed by a Master of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her time at both institutions not only reinforced her intellectual rigour but also deepened her sense of purpose.
That purpose would take shape in her career as an educational professional, a role that allowed her to think globally. But for Faizah, education has always been more than a profession; it is a deeply personal calling. She has dedicated her work to making quality education fairer, more relevant, and more humane. Whether advising national ministries, mentoring students, teaching in universities, or building AI-powered learning tools, her vision has remained the same: education should empower, not standardise.
Yet, even as she built a life across continents, Faizah’s heart never strayed far from Morocco. Every single holiday, without fail, she returned to reconnect with her roots. Those summers were more than holidays; they were rituals of identity. It was during these family moments that Morocco imprinted itself on her most deeply.
One year ago, Faizah made a defining and intentional decision: to stop being a visitor and begin a new chapter in Morcocco. “It is a decision I made with intention,” she shares. “Not simply for the weather, the beauty, or the delicious food, though those are undeniable blessings.”
Speaking to MADAME Arabia, she described her return not as a nostalgic whim, but as a homecoming long in the making, stitched together by decades of memory and an enduring sense of belonging. “I came back to fall in love with this place all over again,” she reflects, “but this time on my own terms. Not merely as the daughter of Moroccan parents, or a summer vacationer, but as a woman choosing to build a life here, deliberately, slowly, and with purpose. There is something extraordinary about rediscovering the country that shaped you from afar.” “I know I am super biased, but Morocco is literally the best place on Earth.”
Faizah Alaoui on the beauty of Morocco
“What I love most about Morocco is that no two cities are the same,” Faizah reflects. “There is no single Morocco, only many versions of it, each with its own rhythm and soul.” From the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas to the sun-drenched alleys of Essaouira, the country’s diversity is both geographical and cultural. “You can spend a weekend in a five-star riad in Marrakech, where rose petals are sprinkled on your breakfast tray, or pitch a tent and sleep beneath a sky full of stars in the dunes of Merzouga. You can hike through the Atlas Mountains by day and sip fresh orange juice overlooking the ocean by night.”
As a global citizen, Faizah delights in sharing Morocco with others, whether they are discovering it for the first time or returning for the tenth. “There really is something for everyone,” she says, “and every time I show someone around, I discover a new piece of it for myself. That’s the beauty of it, Morocco is never just one thing. It shifts depending on where you go, who you are with, and even who you are becoming.”
Recently, Faizah hiked to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Reflecting on the experience, she describes it as both physically challenging and deeply rewarding. What struck her most, she shares, was not just the breathtaking views, but the warmth and hospitality of the villagers she met along the way. “It reminded me that Morocco’s magic lives not only in its landscapes, but in its people,” she says. “There is a quiet, instinctive generosity here, a way of welcoming strangers as if they have always belonged, that feels deeply rooted in the Moroccan identity.”
Faizah’s Guide to Morocco
When asked to share her must-visit cities and experiences, Faizah lights up. For her, Morocco’s profound diversity offers something unique in every season. “During the summer,” she notes, “the north unveils Morocco’s most beautiful beaches”, places where she holds some of her happiest childhood memories. Summers spent along the northern coast were filled with family, laughter, and long days in the sun, formative moments that continue to shape her connection to the country.
Another one of her favourite escapes is the vibrant coastal village of Tamraght, nestled just outside of Agadir. Beloved for its surf culture and laid-back charm, it is a place she returns to for both adventure and calm. No itinerary, she insists, is complete without a stop in Tangier, that captivating city where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, steeped in history, literature, and layered creativity. Then there is Chefchaouen, the famed Blue City, whose charm, she says, “never fades, no matter how many times you visit.”
For hiking, Faizah recommends the trails of Akchour, where visitors can not only take in the region’s breathtaking waterfalls and forests but also encounter traditional village life along the way. “And of course,” she adds, “The Atlas Mountains offer some of the most stunning hikes and authentic hospitality you’ll ever encounter.” She also speaks fondly of Aït Bouguemez, affectionately known as the Happy Valley, where the landscape is as uplifting as the community spirit that defines it.
Above all, Faizah encourages travellers to look beyond the usual stops and dive into Morocco’s heart through its local guesthouses and family-run eateries. “It’s the perfect way to discover the true essence of Morocco and our rich culinary heritage,” she affirms. For those who want to shop, she recommends getting lost in the vibrant souks of Marrakesh and Fes, where every alleyway is brimming with traditional craftsmanship, leather, textiles, and timeless treasures.
Though initially hesitant to choose favourites, Faizah confesses a deep soft spot for Rabat, her birthplace. Her affection for the capital extends to its surroundings, especially Bouznika, a coastal town about thirty minutes away. She often makes the drive for one purpose: to savour the region’s famous shwa, or grilled meats, at a beloved local spot. “It’s always worth the trip,” she says with a smile.
As our conversation draws to a close, Faizah Alaoui offers one piece of heartfelt advice to anyone planning a visit to Morocco: “Do not be afraid to explore beyond what’s in the guidebooks. Kindness awaits around every corner, you’ll always find someone willing to help. The Morocco you will come to love the most is in the warmth of a people who somehow always make room, at their table, in their hearts, for one more guest.”
Source: madame arabia
