Hassi Messaoud - The Oil-Rich Center of Saharan-Algeria

Hassi Messaoud is not only a town but also a watering hole and a major oilfield in southeast Algeria. While it has only really gained significance in more recent years due to the large oil reservoirs in the area, the town has been around for many, many years.

In the Arab language "Hassi Messaoud" means "blessed well". It is easy to understand why a simple watering spot could gain such a favorable name when one considers the dry sandy deserts that surround it. Hassi Messaoud probably started life as a small village that sprang up around this important watering hole. As travelers and traders made their way across the hot and barren Sahara desert they would need, not only a place to water their animals and quench their thirsts, but a place where they could replenish their supplies, enjoy good company and rest their heads for the night. Hassi Messaoud became that place and, as a result, numerous traders passed through on a regular basis. What was first a watering hole and then a settlement soon became a small town.

However life in the town changed quite dramatically in 1956 when oil was discovered here. By 1979, the oil refining industry had expanded dramatically and a refinery was built in the town. Not much later, half of the country's total oil production came from this one oil reservoir. The refinery at Hassi Messaoud now pipes oil through a large pipeline network to Skikda, Algiers, Bejaia and Arzew.

User Comments & Reviews

Team Algeria.com
2010-07-22 15:07:51

Where can I stay if I visit?
Dear Chris Cachia, You may find it helpful to visit the Hotels page of Algeria.com when looking for accommodation.

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chris cachia
2010-07-22 12:52:59

Hi : I live Here since 1990 ( 20years ) welcome for every one who's wants to participate in constraction of our county spicialy HMD
Where can I stay if I visit?

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chris cachia
2010-07-22 12:45:23

there will be the Hassi Messaoud Industries trade fare soon, is it worth visiting it ?
When will this take place and where please?

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Rekia S
2010-07-21 09:25:19

Hi : I live Here since 1990 ( 20years ) welcome for every one who's wants to participate in constraction of our county spicialy HMD

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rimbu
2010-07-12 09:57:30

how i can buy algeria ring in Hassi Messaoud ? thanks

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yacine
2010-06-04 11:17:57

I work at Hassi MESSOUD, this is really lacking means of entertainment and relaxation, besides the basics of life companies (Sonatrach), which are mostly well equipped. but this problem is normally solved by the state which intends to build a city worthy of a paradise of oil that lies between ouergla Touggourt and hassi MESSOUD

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Frank
2010-01-27 14:02:16

there will be the Hassi Messaoud Industries trade fare soon, is it worth visiting it ?

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Misbaul HAQUE
2010-01-24 11:41:21

Hi, Guys i am visiting frequently to Hassi Messaoud but not able to get any good hotel & restaurant to stay for a week. Please help me & provide the detail. Thanks every body

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Cherif
2010-01-23 23:34:11

to aboualla, if you search more you will find REDMED Hôtel, Compotel Hotel or alpha catering, high services ..and otrhers. mr kumara, about the food, i don't think that you will find the kind of your specialities, but there are somme asians here in Hassi Messaoud and you can find them by emails or phone. and if you don't, i can help you! Mr Baghdad bey Ahmed, all the Algeriens peapole like to have a relations with the others and since 1996 i think that you know that we like Irakien eapole. Mr Radwa, it's time to visite Hassi M industry exebition.

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aboualaa
2010-01-19 21:38:52

Baghdad, I can't find any accomodation fi Hassi, Do you know a place where to stay for week please?

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