Connference Venue
The conference will be held at the Conference Centre of Cadi Ayyad University, MX8W+H9M, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco. It is located in the Amerchich district, close to Boulevard Al Kouliyate and ESAV (École Supérieure des Arts Visuels). This is a university and residential area, approximately 15–20 minutes by taxi from the main tourist districts of Marrakech.
Accommodation
The Amerchich / Al Kouliyate area, where the conference venue is located, is primarily a university district and offers limited hotel accommodation. We therefore recommend staying in one of the following well-connected neighbourhoods, all within a short taxi ride of the conference centre.
- Option 1 — Guéliz (recommended). Marrakech's modern city centre, offering a wide range of international and boutique hotels. The area is lively, with numerous cafés, restaurants, shopping centres, supermarkets and banks within walking distance. Taxis are readily available at all hours. Approximately 15–20 minutes from the conference centre (around €2 by taxi).
- Option 2 — Hivernage. An elegant and quieter district known for its upscale hotels and resorts. Hivernage offers a refined atmosphere with high-quality restaurants, rooftop bars, gardens and wellness facilities, while remaining close to Guéliz. Approximately 15–20 minutes from the conference centre (around €2–3 by taxi).
- Option 3 — Palmeraie (closest to the conference venue). Located along the same main road as the UCA Conference Centre (Boulevard Abdelkrim El Khattabi / Route de Casablanca), these hotels are only 5–10 minutes away by taxi (around €1.5 by taxi). The area is quieter and more residential than Guéliz, Hivernage or the Medina. Hotels are generally spacious and well equipped, often featuring swimming pools, and restaurants (e.g. Ibis Marrakech Palmeraie, Wazo Apart-Hôtel, Hotel Relax Marrakech). The city centre can easily be reached by taxi in around 15–20 minutes.
- Option 4 — Medina / Jemaa el-Fna. Ideal for participants wishing to experience the historic heart of Marrakech. Staying in the Medina offers easy access to traditional riads, souks, monuments and the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, with countless cafés and restaurants nearby. The conference centre is approximately 20–25 minutes away by taxi (around €3).
Getting to the Conference Centre
There is no convenient direct public transport from the main hotel areas. Taxis are the recommended option - we strongly encourage participants to share a taxi with other attendees. From the city centre: approximately 20 minutes, around €2 during daytime.
When travelling around the city, fares are metered (the minimum fare is approximately €0.60). Drivers sometimes claim the meter is broken - be aware that a taxi without a working meter is not legally allowed to operate. Be courteous but firm: always ask the driver to turn on the meter when you get in. Ride-hailing apps such as InDrive are also widely used in Marrakech.
Airport & Arrival
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is approximately 8 km from the city centre, around 20 minutes by road.
Getting from the airport to your hotel or the conference centre
- Official taxi. Official taxis are available 24/7 directly outside the arrivals terminal. Upon arrival, passengers should purchase a prepaid taxi ticket at the official taxi counter (or self-service kiosk) inside the terminal before proceeding to the taxi rank. Fares are fixed according to the destination, making the system simple and transparent. Typical fares to the main accommodation areas are:
- Guéliz / Hivernage: 100–150 MAD (approximately €9–14)
- Medina: 100–150 MAD (approximately €9–14)
- Palmeraie: 120–180 MAD (depending on the destination)
Night fares (after approximately 10:00 pm) are slightly higher.
- Bus. A shuttle connects the airport to Jemaa el-Fna square in approximately 30 minutes, with stops at Hivernage, Guéliz and Jemaa el-Fna. It runs daily from 6:00 am to 9:30 pm, every 20 to 30 minutes, for €3 one way.