Morocco has inaugurated the Mohammed VI Tower, a $700 million, 55-storey skyscraper that now rises prominently above the historic skyline of the capital region, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push to expand its global influence.
The 820-foot structure, the tallest in Morocco and among the tallest in Africa, stands in Salé, the twin city of Rabat. Named after King Mohammed VI, the tower draws architectural inspiration from a rocket poised for launch, symbolising ambition and forward momentum.
Designed as a mixed-use development, the skyscraper will house a luxury Waldorf Astoria, alongside offices, retail outlets, restaurants and high-end residential apartments. The project is expected to create approximately 450 direct jobs and 3,500 indirect employment opportunities, according to officials from the development company.
Construction of the tower spanned eight years and involved more than 2,500 workers drawn from over a dozen countries, reflecting the scale and international collaboration behind the project. The structure has already gained symbolic prominence, appearing on Morocco’s 200-dirham banknote.
Strategically located near the Grand Theatre of Rabat a landmark designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid the tower offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Rabat-Salé metropolitan area.
Authorities say the project is part of a broader effort to reposition Rabat and Salé often overshadowed by cities like Marrakech and Casablanca on the global tourism map. As Africa’s most visited country, Morocco is seeking to deepen its appeal to international travellers, particularly as shifting global dynamics steer tourists toward destinations perceived as stable.
The initiative also aligns with preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host, further boosting its global visibility.
Beyond tourism, the Mohammed VI Tower is seen by its promoters as a symbol of Morocco’s expanding soft power across Africa and the Middle East, reinforcing its ambition to emerge as a key regional hub through large-scale, high-profile infrastructure projects.
However, the development has not been without criticism. Some observers argue that investment remains concentrated along the Atlantic corridor, leaving other parts of the country underdeveloped. Recent youth-led protests have also highlighted concerns around unemployment and the quality of public services.
The vision for the skyscraper is credited to Othmane Benjelloun, a 93-year-old billionaire and owner of Bank of Africa. According to project details, the concept was inspired by a visit he made to the NASA in 1969, where he participated in a spaceflight simulation ahead of the Apollo 12 mission.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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