These areas fall within the framework of a national and urban development plan in order to enhance the role of industrial zones in the development of urban areas, commercial activities and services. It is a model which has proved to be effective because it can create jobs and stabilize the population of urban zones.
The main industrial zone of Laâyoune region is located in El Marsa. Other areas are being developed including:
• An activity zone in the city of Laayoune
• An exportation free zone in the city of El Marsa
in addition to the major attractions of the region: Naîla lagoon, Khoui Nâam cascade, Emssièd oasis, Tafoudart Valley, Tarfaya-Casamar, Hamamat Jraifia…
Given its unique position on the Atlantic and the Bay of the same name, industrial zones of Dakhla mostly lie at the Bay of Dakhla and more specifically at the port zone. Other areas are planned in the bay in the surrounding area: Foum El Bouir.
The following table shows the distribution of companies created in Dakhla and region per sector of activity:
Activity Sector |
Number of companies |
Job Number |
Agribusiness |
92 |
3 777 |
Freezing, processing and packaging Fish and cephalopods |
78 |
3 679 |
Production of ice (fishing) |
2 |
8 |
Bread production |
10 |
60 |
Camel milk production |
1 |
10 |
Cow milk production |
1 |
20 |
Tourism |
27 |
270 |
Hostinng |
17 |
190 |
Restoration |
4 |
35 |
Rental car agencies |
2 |
10 |
Travel agencies |
4 |
35 |
Agriculture and livestock |
11 |
6 612 |
Farms in greenhouses |
5 |
6 000 |
Traditional Farms |
1 |
12 |
Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, camels) |
5 |
600 |
Fisheries |
162 |
30 080 |
Fishing |
150 |
30 000 |
Fishing in deep water |
10 |
50 |
Aquaculture |
2 |
30 |
Other services and trade |
65 |
265 |
Photo Laboratory |
5 |
15 |
Printing |
2 |
16 |
carton and plastic Packaging |
2 |
40 |
Modern Carpentry |
14 |
104 |
Refrigeration Transport |
4 |
20 |
Food Markets |
5 |
10 |
Furniture |
2 |
8 |
Computing |
3 |
6 |
Mode |
3 |
6 |
Parfumeries |
10 |
10 |
Drugstores |
15 |
30 |
Handicraft |
20 |
4 080 |
Traditional clothing |
10 |
20 |
Nomadic tents |
2 |
10 |
Fabrication de bijoux |
6 |
4 000 |
Tapestry |
2 |
50 |
Construction and Public Works |
20 |
1 618 |
Production of agglomerates |
6 |
1 550 |
Painting |
3 |
20 |
Decoration |
2 |
8 |
Carpentry |
2 |
12 |
Plumbing |
3 |
12 |
Electricity |
4 |
16 |
Source : CRI the Oued Eddahab-Lagouira
The plan of Dakhla free zone port is shown below:

Click here to view the plan.
The following illustration shows Foum El Bouir bay:

Click here to view the plan.