Mrs El Abida has held posts within the Ministry of Education since 1996. Prior to her position as Secretary of State, she was Secretary General of the Department of National Education, and Director of the Human Resources Department.

Before moving to the Ministry of Education, Mrs El Abida was with the Ministry of Finance for more than a decade, as Inspector of Finance. She started her career as a French teacher.

Mrs El ABida is President of the Zghira Association for development for the Ouzzane – Tangiers – Tetouan region, and holds a number of other roles including President of the Moroccan Association of Educational Support.