Oujda: capital of the Oriental undergoing a major transformation

Oujda is the main city of the Oriental region, located on the Algerian border. Long perceived as a landlocked city, Oujda has undergone a profound transformation since 2010 thanks to massive public investment: Université Mohammed Premier (one of the largest in Morocco), a technology park, solar energy projects and tourism development. In 2026, the city offers a growing job market for qualified profiles, with a very attractive cost of living.

Sectors hiring in Oujda

1. Energy and renewable energies

The Oriental is at the heart of Morocco's energy strategy. The Noor Midelt solar power plant and the region's wind farms are creating jobs.

  • Positions sought: solar/wind maintenance technician, energy engineer, industrial electrician, renewable energy project manager
  • Salaries: 6 000 – 22 000 MAD
  • Companies: MASEN, ONEE, energy subcontractors, international solar companies

2. Trade and services

Oujda is a regional commercial center that serves the entire Oriental region and benefits from its border position.

  • Positions sought: sales representative, store manager, salesperson, real estate agent, banker
  • Salaries: 3 500 – 10 000 MAD
  • Development: shopping centers, national franchises, large retail stores

3. Education and research

Université Mohammed Premier employs thousands of people and generates a services ecosystem (catering, student housing, continuing education).

  • Positions sought: teacher-researcher, trainer, administrative staff, laboratory technical staff
  • Salaries: 7 000 – 22 000 MAD

4. Health

The CHU Mohammed VI of Oujda, inaugurated in 2014, is a regional referral center that regularly recruits.

  • Positions sought: specialist doctor, nurse, laboratory technician, pharmacist, administrative staff
  • Salaries: 5 000 – 35 000 MAD depending on specialty

5. Construction and urban planning

The Oriental development program generates infrastructure projects: roads, social housing, public facilities.

  • Positions sought: civil engineer, site manager, surveyor, architect
  • Salaries: 5 000 – 18 000 MAD

6. Tourism (developing)

The Saïdia seaside resort (60 km away) and thermal/cultural tourism are gradually creating jobs.

  • Positions sought: receptionist, entertainer, guide, chef
  • Salaries: 3 500 – 10 000 MAD

7. Administration and civil service

As the regional capital, Oujda concentrates regional administrations and deconcentrated State services.

  • Access: civil service competitive examinations
  • Salaries: 6 000 – 20 000 MAD (scale + bonuses)

Average salaries in Oujda

  • Senior executive: 12 000 – 28 000 MAD
  • Middle manager: 7 000 – 14 000 MAD
  • Technician: 4 000 – 8 000 MAD
  • Employee: 3 000 – 5 000 MAD

The cost of living in Oujda is one of the lowest in Morocco: rent 1 200 – 3 000 MAD, food and transport very affordable. Real purchasing power can exceed that of Casablanca for qualified positions.

Business areas

  • Oujda Technopole: IT, services, innovation
  • Selouane Industrial Zone: various industries
  • City center: shops, services, administrations
  • University campus: education, research
  • CHU Mohammed VI: health
  • Saïdia: seaside tourism (seasonal)

Most in-demand profiles

  • Renewable energy engineers (solar, wind)
  • Doctors and paramedical staff (regional shortage)
  • Qualified teachers and trainers
  • Industrial maintenance technicians
  • Sales representatives with knowledge of the regional market
  • IT specialists (the technology park is hiring)

Advantages of working in Oujda

  • Very low cost of living: the best purchasing power in Morocco for executives
  • Less competition: qualified profiles are rare in the region
  • Quality of life: calm, clean city with a pleasant continental climate
  • Proximity to Saïdia: beaches 1 hour away for weekends
  • International airport: direct flights to France and Belgium
  • Public investment: modern infrastructure (tramway, CHU, university)

Tips for landing a job in Oujda

  • Qualified profiles are in high demand: if you have a Bac+5, you are in a strong position
  • Family and local networks are crucial: activate your contacts in the region
  • Target renewable energy projects for salaries above the regional average
  • Doctors and paramedical staff easily find a position at the CHU or in a private clinic
  • The administration recruits regularly through competitive examinations: monitor emploi-public.ma
  • Register with ANAPEC Oriental for local offers
  • Check Jawb.ma with the Oujda filter for available offers

Outlook

The Oriental benefits from the 2022-2027 Regional Development Program, endowed with billions of dirhams. Solar energy projects, the modernization of Saïdia, the development of the technology park and investments in health and education will create thousands of jobs in the coming years.

Conclusion

Oujda is a city in full renaissance that offers interesting opportunities for qualified profiles ready to settle in the Oriental. The very low cost of living, massive public investment and the lack of qualified candidates make it a favorable market for job seekers. Find job offers in Oujda on Jawb.ma.