Zaida, Morocco

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Zaida
Town
Zaida Location in Morocco
Coordinates: 32°49′N 4°57′W / 32.817°N 4.950°W / 32.817; -4.950
Country	Morocco
Region	Drâa-Tafilalet
Province	Midelt Province
Elevation	4,783 ft (1,458 m)
Population  (2024)
• Total	14,449
Time zone	UTC+0 (WET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+1 (WEST)

Zaida (in Berber: ⵣⴰⵢⴷⴰ, and in Arabic: زايدة) is a Berber village in the central-western region of Morocco. It is located about 30 kilometers southeast of the city of Midelt and is known for its apple production.

The population of Zaida is approximately 14,449 inhabitants (2024), most of whom are farmers. The village is heavily reliant on agriculture, with inhabitants cultivating apples, olive trees, and cereals.

Here are some additional facts about Zaida, Morocco:

• Zaida is situated at an altitude of 1,458 meters above sea level.^[1]
• The village has a temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
• The native language in Zaida is Berber Arabic.

For a long time, this village has been known for its apple cultivation. At the beginning of its commercial exploitation, the main brand was called Baldi. With the rise of agriculture in Morocco, new apple varieties have been imported, which yield results as good as in their countries of origin. Today, several dozen varieties of apples are produced, including Gala Royale, Gala Mondiale, Delicious, Golden, Star, Terbana, Bouzgoudou, Zirzima, Hana, and Baldi.

Zaida is located on National Road N13, at the intersection with National Road N29. It is called "the gateway to the Sahara" because travelers heading to the Sahara pass through this town, especially tourists visiting Merzouga and the Tafilalet region.

Thanks to its geographic location, Zaida has become an essential^{[according to whom?]} stop where drivers and travelers pause for a break.^{[citation needed]} It features shops such as fruit and dried fruit stalls, as well as restaurants serving grilled dishes.

Zaida is a relatively new town, located at the crossroads of two national roads (RN 13 and RN 33), and it is also traversed by the famous Moulouya River. Its establishment dates back to the installation of mining companies in the 20th centuryth century. Before the arrival of these companies, the town consisted of various Amazigh tribes (Ait Ala Omimoun, Ait Ouloussan, Ait Ighrbin, Ait Ghyat, etc.).

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  Aida Bouhafs summer 2024
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  Zaida Bouhafs summer 2024
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  Zaida Douar Ait Bnicho
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  Aouinat Tlaia water source
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  Zaïda Mines
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  Zaida granite
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  Zaida panoramic view Khatouch
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  Zaida panoramic view Khatouch (second view)
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  Zaida Gadim
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  Zaida Gniouichan
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  Zaida statue in Adik sand
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  Zaida Adik: horse statue
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  Zaida Adik 1: sand from the old quarry
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  Zaida sandstorm
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  Zaida panoramic view