Morocco opens $700m Mohammed VI Tower in bid to boost global profile
Morocco opens $700m Mohammed VI Tower in bid to boost global profile
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Morocco has inaugurated a $700 million skyscraper in its capital region, marking a high-profile addition to its urban skyline as the country seeks to strengthen its international standing and expand its tourism and economic appeal.
The 55-storey Mohammed VI Tower, named after King Mohammed VI, officially opened this week in Salé, the twin city of Rabat. Rising to around 820 feet, it is among the tallest buildings in Africa and was designed to resemble a rocket on a launchpad.
The tower includes a luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel, offices, retail space, restaurants, and high-end apartments. Developers say it is expected to create around 450 direct jobs and 3,500 indirect jobs.
Morocco, already Africa’s most visited country, is increasingly relying on tourism as a key economic sector. Authorities are seeking to attract more international visitors amid global travel shifts influenced by regional instability and perceptions of safety. The country is also preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The project was conceived by billionaire banker Othmane Benjelloun, owner of Bank of Africa. According to project statements, the idea was inspired after he was invited by NASA in 1969 to a spaceflight simulation ahead of the Apollo 12 mission.
