Happy TravellerWelcome to Bab Ezzouar, a bustling suburb of Algiers located in northern Algeria. Despite its status as a suburb, Bab Ezzouar has quickly become one of Algiers’ fastest-growing municipalities, with an abundance of hotels and commercial malls dotting the landscape. At the heart of Bab Ezzouar lies the University of Science and Technology of Houari Boumediene (USTHB), one of the most prominent technological universities in the country.
Geographically, Bab Ezzouar is situated 12 km (7.5 mi) southeast of Algiers city, just south of Bordj El Kiffan. The community is easily accessible by the N11 highway from Algiers, which passes through the north of the commune and continues east to join the A1 highway just beyond the commune. The area is fully urbanized in nature, with several local roads connecting the community to surrounding districts.
Transportation in Bab Ezzouar is well-developed, with the Algiers tramway serving the commune and several local roads providing easy access to neighboring towns and villages. Notably, the Yahia Boushaki tram stop is a popular and convenient way to get around the community.
Bab Ezzouar is a city composed of commuter towns built in a succession since the late 1970s on an ancient marshy plain. Although the area lacks a true downtown, it is home to several prominent administrative buildings. In total, the commune consists of eight different cities, including the Cité Ismail Yefsah, the Cité Soummam, and the Cité du 8 Mai 1945. Additionally, several housing estates, including the Boushaki Housing Estates and the Douzi Housing Estates, offer a range of affordable housing options to residents.
The area that is now Bab Ezzouar was once known as Retour de la Chasse (Return from Hunting) during French colonial times. At that time, there were two hamlets in the area: one French and another named Sid Mhamed off the motorway behind the current Cité du 8 Mai 1945. The commune was officially established in 1984 and has since undergone significant growth and development.
Today, Bab Ezzouar is a thriving community, home to the University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), the National Veterinary College (ENSV), and three other university campuses. The community is also home to several schools, including the Lebdjaoui Mohamed School, the El Djorf School, and the Mostapha Lachraf School.
Businesses are also flourishing in Bab Ezzouar, with several multinational corporations, including Mobilis, Algérie Poste, CMA CGM, and Air Algerie, setting up operations in the area. The community is also home to a large shopping center that extends over three floors and includes two office towers. Additionally, Algérie Poste is headquartered in Bab Ezzouar, and Ooredoos operations in Algeria are based in the town near the Mercer Hotel.
Bab Ezzouar has produced several notable people, including the late Ismail Yafsah, after whom one of the cities in the commune is named. The singer Zaho was born and raised in the commune, specifically in Cité Tahar Rabia building No. 13, while the footballer Rafik Saifi was born and raised in the commune, specifically in the Cité du 8 Mai 1945 building No. 5.
In conclusion, Bab Ezzouar is a vibrant and growing community that offers a range of amenities and attractions for tourists and residents alike. With its prime location in northern Algeria, easy access to transportation, and proximity to major businesses and educational institutions, Bab Ezzouar is a city on the rise and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Algiers or northern Algeria.
