Oran 2022 Mediterranean Games: Algeria's second city ready to welcome the world

From June 25 to July 6, the Algerian city of Oran will become the capital of Mediterranean sport. The city will host the 19th edition of the Mediterranean Games and in this “Road to” series, we’ll take you there, showing how this vibrant city and its people are getting ready for the event.

Dubbed "the radiant" city, Oran has many facets thanks to its mix of Ottoman, Spanish and French influences. It’s thanks to this rich culture and tradition, but also modern outlook, that the city’s leaders are confident Oran is the perfect place to host such a sporting competition.  

Oran's governor (or wali) Saïd Saayoud, says the city is very well known in the west of Algeria and at a national level. 

"It is a city that has seen a lot of development in recent times. The population of the west is very welcoming and everyone is preparing for the Mediterranean Games, so that they will take place in the best conditions and that the 19th edition will be the best organised, ever. So it will be a celebration for the Oranese region, it will also be a celebration for Algeria,” he said.

Famed for its spectacular sunsets, throughout the month of Ramadan Oran's streets come alive. During the evening, shops and terraces stay open until late. It's that electric atmosphere combined with the prospect of hosting such a large sporting event that's got locals excited. 

"It's going to be a real bonus, it will allow the whole world to discover Oran. It’s a very pleasant city and open to all,” one man said. 

"We're all looking forward to these Games and it's a pleasure, it's an honour for Oran to be in the spotlight of the whole Mediterranean basin,“ said another local. 

The first edition of the Mediterranean Games took place in 1951, in Alexandria, Egypt: since