Morocco’s Mohammed VI May Visit Nador as Spain’s King Heads to Melilla
King Mohammed VI could travel to Nador as early as this week, as King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visit Ceuta and Melilla. The Moroccan monarch’s trip would reportedly be linked in particular to the opening of a new port in Beni Ensar.
A visit by Mohammed VI is in the works just a few kilometres from Melilla. According to sources in Rabat consulted by Spanish newspaper El Español, the Moroccan monarch plans to travel to Nador during October, possibly as early as this week. The timing could place him in close proximity to King Felipe VI, who is expected in Melilla on Wednesday, October 14.
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A source familiar with the matter in Rabat says Mohammed VI is due to launch operations at a new marina and fishing port in Beni Ensar, a Moroccan municipality on the border with Melilla. The project includes facilities to accommodate cruise ships, with the aim of developing tourism in this part of northern Morocco.
The region is also preparing for the opening of the Nador West Med complex, which is scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026. This major industrial and commercial port, separate from the facilities in Beni Ensar, is one of the kingdom’s main investments on its Mediterranean coast.
Two royal visits just a few kilometres apart?
Across the border, Spain’s schedule has already been set. According to the Spanish Royal Household, Felipe VI and Letizia will visit Ceuta on Tuesday, October 13, and Melilla the following day. The royal couple will meet local authorities and civil society representatives.
El Español highlights the symbolic significance of Mohammed VI potentially being in Nador at the same time. The newspaper views it as a response to the Spanish monarch’s visit to two cities over which Morocco claims sovereignty. However, a decision to schedule the two visits to coincide has not yet been made.
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The prospect of the trip comes as Yahya Yahya, a former senator and mayor of Beni Ensar, has called for demonstrations on October 13 and 14 against the Spanish monarchs’ visit. The rallies are planned for the exact dates of Felipe VI and Letizia’s trip.
The previous such visit dates back to November 2007. When Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía travelled to Ceuta and Melilla, Mohammed VI strongly condemned their visit. Morocco then recalled its ambassador to Madrid, Omar Azziman, triggering a diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
