Publications
Museum Digitalization and Territorial Development: A Conceptual Framework for Structural Equation Modeling in the Moroccan Context
A groundbreaking conceptual framework for museum digitalization in Morocco integrates organizational capabilities, user experience, and territorial attractiveness to model the impact of digital transformation on cultural heritage management. This study bridges gaps in existing research by applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze data from the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat and the Mohammed VI Museum for the Civilization of Water in Marrakech. It synthesizes multiple theories, including the Technology Acceptance Model, Resource Based View, and Smart Tourism, to propose 12 research hypotheses that explore perceived barriers, user satisfaction, engagement, and territorial development. The framework aims to provide actionable insights for sustainable spatial development and policy formulation, advancing knowledge on digital heritage management in developing contexts.
Shared Heritage? Remaking the European Zone in Rabat
UNESCO's inscription of Rabat as a 'shared heritage' site reframes French colonial architecture as a symbol of respect and modernist influence, downplaying the power dynamics of settler colonialism. The study reveals how preservation narratives strategically connect European zone urban planning to Moroccan national identity, while obscuring the role of white supremacy in structuring the built environment. By analyzing inscription materials, the research demonstrates how colonial histories are selectively reinterpreted to align with World Heritage criteria, effectively silencing explicit racial hierarchies that underpinned French colonial authority.
Advanced machine learning for predicting groundwater decline and drought in the Rabat–Salé–Kénitra region, Morocco
Advanced machine learning models, particularly random forest (RF), demonstrate exceptional accuracy in predicting groundwater storage variations in the Rabat–Salé–Kénitra region of Morocco, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.981 and minimal prediction errors. This study highlights RF's superior performance over other models like ANN, GB, SVR, DT, and Prophet, which was integrated for handling seasonality in time-series data. The research emphasizes the urgent need to integrate these predictive models into groundwater management strategies to combat groundwater depletion caused by population growth, agricultural expansion, and climate change-induced droughts. These findings offer policymakers a robust toolkit to regulate water extraction, promote sustainable practices, and ensure the long-term viability of vital groundwater resources in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dynamics of Urbanization in the City of Rabat-Morocco, Which Sustainable Transition?
Rabat, Morocco's capital, faces significant challenges despite its advantages as a post-Protectorate city. A study by Elhamdouni et al. (2024) reveals that while Rabat has experienced urban evolution with historical and political importance, it grapples with issues such as rural exodus, insecurity, and urban pockets. The research employs a cartographic approach using time sequences to visualize Rabat's urban dynamics, aiming to answer critical questions about its evolutionary stages and future trajectory. This method highlights the complex interplay of spatial, social, economic, political, and environmental factors shaping the city's sustainable transition.
Predicting groundwater level based on remote sensing and machine learning: a case study in the Rabat-Kénitra region
Groundwater level prediction in the Rabat-Kénitra region of Morocco has been significantly advanced using machine learning, achieving unprecedented accuracy. A study integrating satellite data from GRACE and MODIS—such as land surface temperature, soil moisture, and vegetation indices—alongside precipitation and terrestrial water storage, demonstrated that Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR) models outperformed traditional methods with an R² value of 0.99, a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 1.94, and a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 2.98. This breakthrough highlights the potential of combining diverse environmental datasets with advanced machine learning techniques to enhance groundwater management, particularly in water-scarce regions vulnerable to climate change. The approach offers robust predictions, addressing the limitations of conventional methods that struggle with non-linear relationships and data noise.
Monitoring rural-urban transformation in the coastal region of Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, Morocco
A 473% expansion of urban built-up areas in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra (RSK) region, Morocco, was documented between 1972 and 2020, with significant growth concentrated along key transportation corridors. This rapid rural-urban transformation (RUT), analyzed using machine learning classifiers and Landsat data on Google Earth Engine, revealed the formation of a Rural-Urban Interface (RUI) where urban sprawl encroached upon surrounding rural lands. The study highlights complex interactions between environmental, social, economic, and political forces driving these spatial changes, offering critical insights for managing ecosystem services in rapidly urbanizing coastal regions of the Global South.
Synergizing multi-criteria diagnosis for safeguarding cultural heritage and the restoration of vanished legacy: A historical exploration in science, technology, and archaeology
A multidisciplinary approach combining terrestrial photogrammetry, numerical modeling, and archaeological characterization has been successfully employed to diagnose the condition of the Marinid Madrasa in Rabat, Morocco. This advanced methodology provides a robust foundation for developing strategies that balance conservation with urban development, ensuring the long-term protection of this 4th-century architectural marvel. The study highlights the potential of integrating cutting-edge technologies with historical and cultural significance to navigate the challenges of preserving heritage in modern contexts.
A GIS-based Methodology to Explore and Manage the Historical Heritage of Rabat City (Morocco)
A comprehensive GIS-based methodology has been developed to inventory, analyze, and manage the historical heritage of Rabat, Morocco. This approach integrates archaeological, textual, iconographic, and photographic data to create a detailed database and thematic maps, including 3D visualizations. The study successfully established an exhaustive catalog of Rabat's monuments and sites, evaluating their historical significance and potential while assessing threats to archaeological areas like Chellah. By systematically documenting cultural assets—including adobe buildings—this methodology provides tools for heritage preservation, tourism development, and sustainable management, addressing critical challenges in Morocco's local development.
A hole in the wall: French colonial planning approaches and the building of the Central Market in Rabat, Morocco (1922–1925)
The Central Market of Rabat, built by French colonial powers between 1922 and 1925, represents a unique case study that both challenged and reinforced colonial urban planning agendas. This market, despite being a notable landmark in Rabat's history, had been overlooked until now. By analyzing National Moroccan archives and colonial postcards, the study reveals how the market defied key colonial planning principles such as the 'policy of association,' the 'image of the city,' and the 'dual city.' The demolition of the medina wall adjacent to the market exposed inconsistencies in colonial approaches, allowing the 'Ville Nouvelle' (New Town) to penetrate the medina. This research not only sheds light on the complexities of Rabat's colonial history but also provides insights into its contemporary identity, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 and recognized as a cultural capital in 2022.
Analysis of Clay Humidity Behavior for the Preservation of Historical Monuments
Hollowed clay walls lose water significantly faster—within five days—compared to full walls, which retain moisture for up to ten days. This discovery offers critical insights for the preservation of historical monuments, particularly those built by Moroccan dynasties (Al Mohade and Alaouite) in Rabat and Fez, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study employed X-ray analysis to identify materials and experimental sampling to assess humidity behavior across different wall designs. These findings provide actionable guidance for conservation strategies aimed at extending the lifespan of these cultural treasures.
Countermapping colonial amnesia in Parisian landscapes
Colonial amnesia is systematically embedded in Parisian landscapes, reflecting broader global patterns of selective memory. This study counters such erasure by reconstructing the city's history through its entanglements with French colonialism, particularly during the 1889 World Exposition and in the planning of Algiers and Rabat. By linking decolonial critiques—such as those of Fanon and Vergès—with analyses of war memorials, it resituates heritage sites within a transcontinental cartography. The research reveals that urban planning in Paris's banlieues serves as a monument to (post)colonial legacy, offering a critical tool for decolonial thought. This approach challenges the neutrality of national memory and exposes racial violence's exclusion from global history.
Heritage and Territory Project: Case of Rabat (Morocco)
Rabat's urban development successfully reconciles its UNESCO World Heritage status with modern territorial attractiveness. The city, recognized for its historic and cultural significance, has implemented an integrated urban program that balances heritage preservation with contemporary growth. This approach leverages Rabat's unique identity to enhance its competitiveness in a globalized context. The study, based on documentary analysis, highlights how the city's built fabric—inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List—serves as both a cultural asset and a catalyst for sustainable urban development.
Mapping the Pollution Plume Using the Self-Potential Geophysical Method: Case of Oum Azza Landfill, Rabat, Morocco
Research at the Oum Azza Landfill in Rabat, Morocco, reveals that pollution from leachate does not extend beyond the landfill's immediate hydrogeological downstream due to natural drainage. Using self-potential (SP) geophysical methods, scientists mapped a pollution plume by analyzing soil surface potentials and cross-referencing with water table data, leachate properties (pH, redox potential, electrical conductivity), and landscape features. The study distinguished between electrokinetic (~30%) and electrochemical (~70%) components contributing to the observed potential range of 70 mV, demonstrating that while pollution is present downstream, it remains confined by natural drainage systems without spreading further under surrounding hills.
Occurrence and distribution of endocrine disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuticals in the river Bouregreg (Rabat, Morocco)
A study on the River Bouregreg in Rabat, Morocco, reveals widespread contamination by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and pharmaceuticals. These pollutants, originating from municipal and industrial wastewater as well as agricultural runoff, were detected at all five sampling sites along the river, with the highest concentrations found near its mouth—up to 368 ng/L for EDCs like bisphenol A and estrone. Pharmaceuticals, including anti-inflammatory/analgesic drugs (detected in 80% of samples), antibiotics, and anti-epileptics, were also prevalent. The research used continuous solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze 27 compounds, highlighting the river's vulnerability due to reliance on surface water for drinking supply. Principal component analysis linked contamination patterns to water physico-chemical properties, underscoring the need for targeted pollution control in this UNESCO-listed urban landscape.
Simulation Daily Mobility in Rabat region
A simulation model of daily mobility in Rabat, Morocco, reveals how urban overcrowding is exacerbated by the movement patterns between residential and workplace locations. Using GPS coordinates to map individual displacements, researchers implemented a prototype that captures the interconnected dynamics of private and public transport in the region. The study highlights the need for realistic mobility simulations to address urban planning challenges, offering insights applicable to other rapidly developing cities.
Effect of no tillage on the physico-chemical properties of soils of the El Koudia region, Rabat (Morocco)
No-tillage (NT) significantly enhances soil organic matter accumulation and structural stability compared to conventional tillage (CT), particularly in the 0-5 cm surface horizon. This study, conducted at the El Koudia experimental station in Rabat, Morocco, found that NT soils exhibit a mean weight diameter (MWD) of 0.94 mm, indicating greater resistance to erosion degradation, while CT soils showed an MWD of 0.83 mm. Additionally, NT preserves soil moisture and promotes water retention by 5 to 10%, addressing critical challenges in Moroccan agriculture such as water erosion and organic matter depletion. The research analyzed soil samples from durum wheat (Arrehane variety) crops, focusing on physico-chemical properties under different tillage practices to assess their impact on soil health and sustainability.
Effect of restricted emissions during Covid-19 lockdown on air quality in Rabat - Morocco
During the COVID-19 lockdown in Rabat, Morocco, air quality significantly improved due to restricted human activities. Concentrations of nitrogen monoxide (NO) dropped by up to 94%, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by up to 51%, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by up to 45%, and coarse particulate matter (PM10) by up to 53% compared to pre-lockdown levels. Satellite observations from TROPOMI on Sentinel-5P confirmed unprecedented NO2 reductions of up to 60%. However, ozone (O3) concentrations increased by approximately 20%, likely due to reduced nitrogen oxides and fine particles that normally scavenge HO2 radicals, leading to greater O3 production. This study highlights the dramatic impact of emission restrictions on urban air quality and provides insights into atmospheric chemical processes.
Tsunami vulnerability and damage assessment in the coastal area of Rabat and Salé, Morocco
A GIS-based method reveals significant tsunami vulnerability in Rabat and Salé, Morocco, particularly in densely populated coastal areas. The study combines numerical modeling of worst-case tsunami scenarios—derived from historical earthquakes like the 1755 Lisbon quake—and building vulnerability data to produce damage maps. These maps highlight risks in residential and tourist zones along the Bouregreg Valley, where flat terrain and rapid urbanization exacerbate exposure. Findings underscore the need for targeted evacuation planning and mitigation strategies to address tsunami-induced hazards in this UNESCO-listed region.
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