Morocco, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, has produced countless individuals who have left their mark on the world. Some of the most renowned Moroccans have ventured beyond their homeland, achieving global recognition in various fields. Here are five of the most famous living Moroccans who were born in Morocco and now reside abroad, highlighting their backgrounds, accomplishments, and current lives.
Gad Elmaleh
Date of Birth: April 19, 1971
Origin: Casablanca, Morocco
Profession: Comedian and Actor
Current Residence: Paris, France
Gad Elmaleh is one of the most celebrated comedians in the Francophone world. Born and raised in Casablanca, he later moved to Canada and then France, where his career took off. Known as the “King of Comedy” in France, Elmaleh has also made a name for himself in English-speaking countries, performing stand-up shows and even acting in Hollywood films.
His ability to connect with diverse audiences and his unique humor, often based on cultural misunderstandings and his Moroccan heritage, have made him a global star. Despite his success abroad, Elmaleh often references his roots, bringing a touch of Moroccan culture to his comedy.
RedOne (Nadir Khayat)
Date of Birth: April 9, 1972
Origin: Tetouan, Morocco
Profession: Music Producer and Songwriter
Current Residence: Los Angeles, USA
Nadir Khayat, better known as RedOne, is a world-renowned music producer and songwriter. Born in Tetouan, he moved to Sweden as a teenager to pursue his passion for music. Over the years, he has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Enrique Iglesias.
RedOne’s signature style has shaped numerous global hits, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and millions of fans worldwide. Now based in Los Angeles, he continues to create chart-topping music while proudly representing his Moroccan heritage on the global stage.
Leïa Slimani
Date of Birth: October 3, 1981
Origin: Rabat, Morocco
Profession: Author and Journalist
Current Residence: Paris, France
Leïa Slimani is an award-winning author and one of the most influential voices in contemporary literature. Born in Rabat to a Moroccan father and a Franco-Algerian mother, Slimani moved to Paris to pursue her studies and career.
Her novel Lullaby (Chanson douce) won the prestigious Prix Goncourt in 2016, propelling her to international fame. Slimani’s works often tackle complex themes such as identity, gender, and cultural conflict, drawing on her personal experiences. Currently, she resides in Paris and serves as an ambassador of Francophone affairs for the French government.
Meryem Benm’barek
Date of Birth: April 10, 1984
Origin: Rabat, Morocco
Profession: Film Director and Screenwriter
Current Residence: Brussels, Belgium
Meryem Benm’barek is a rising star in the world of cinema. Born in Rabat, she moved to Europe to study film and has since established herself as a powerful voice in the industry. Her debut feature film, Sofia, won the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section in 2018.
The film explores themes of societal pressure, family dynamics, and gender roles in Moroccan society. Now based in Brussels, Benm’barek continues to create thought-provoking films that challenge societal norms and bring Moroccan stories to a global audience.
Karima Benoune
Date of Birth: April 15, 1969
Origin: Rabat, Morocco
Profession: Academic and United Nations Expert
Current Residence: California, USA
Karima Benoune is an internationally recognized scholar and human rights advocate. Born in Rabat, she pursued higher education in the United States, eventually becoming a law professor at the University of California, Davis. Benoune served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, where she worked to protect cultural heritage and diversity globally.
Her book Your Fatwa Does Not Apply won widespread acclaim for shedding light on the resistance against extremism in Muslim-majority countries. Benoune’s commitment to justice and human rights continues to inspire people worldwide.
Hicham El Guerrouj
Date of Birth: September 14, 1974
Origin: Berkane, Morocco
Profession: Former Athlete
Current Residence: Switzerland
Hicham El Guerrouj is widely regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history. Born in Berkane, Morocco, he dominated the 1,500 meters and mile events, earning the nickname “King of the Mile.” El Guerrouj won two gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics and holds multiple world records that remain unbroken.
After retiring from athletics, he became a global ambassador for sport and youth development through his work with international organizations like the International Olympic Committee (IOC). El Guerrouj now resides in Switzerland, where he continues to promote sportsmanship and inspire young athletes.