Dakhla: The 2026 Raid Sahraouiya Kicks Off Under the Banner of Solidarity and Women’s Empowerment
Dakhla came alive this Sunday with the launch of the 12th edition of the Raid Sahraouiya, a sports and solidarity challenge exclusively for women. In a festive and warm atmosphere, this new edition opened under the themes of sisterhood, personal achievement, and sharing, confirming the unique place this event now holds in the national sports landscape.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 2026 edition, scheduled from February 7 to 14, was inaugurated in the presence of several local figures, including the Secretary General of the Wilaya of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, Abderrazak El Gourji, the President of the Lagon Dakhla Association, organizer of the raid, Laila Ouachi, as well as representatives of territorial authorities.
The start of this human and sporting adventure was marked by a running race of over 10 kilometers, giving participants the opportunity to cross iconic landscapes of the region. Under a bright sun, the competitors demonstrated remarkable cohesion, fully embodying the spirit of the Raid Sahraouiya, which is based on mutual support, resilience, and collective strength.
Over the years, the Raid Sahraouiya has become an unmissable event, a true showcase highlighting strong values such as women’s engagement, active solidarity, and personal challenge. It also contributes to promoting the southern provinces, particularly the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, whose exceptional natural setting provides an ideal backdrop for the event.
This edition stands out for the richness and diversity of its participants. Alongside loyal competitors are newcomers from various backgrounds: high-level athletes, artists, local female footballers, and young students, all united by a shared collective challenge and a spirit of sisterhood.
The Raid Sahraouiya is distinctive for its exclusively female format and its organization in inseparable pairs. Each team must complete all stages together without ever separating, strengthening solidarity and teamwork. The sports program, combining running, mountain biking, and canoeing, emphasizes cohesion over individual performance.
Beyond competition, the Raid Sahraouiya is notable for its strong social commitment. The event supports the SOS Children’s Villages association as well as other charitable initiatives, making sport a genuine vehicle for generosity and social impact.
For more than a decade, the Raid Sahraouiya has embodied an engaged and inclusive vision of sport, where physical effort becomes a tool for women’s empowerment, intercultural dialogue, and lasting solidarity. Each edition brings together women from Morocco, Africa, and beyond for a unique human adventure, celebrating collective strength, courage, and sharing.
Editorial team/le7tv
