Moroccan Capital Welcomes New $700 Million Skyscraper
A $700 million, 55-story skyscraper has opened in Morocco’s capital city, marking the country’s expanding global ambitions. Named after King Mohammed VI and inspired by a rocket on its launchpad, the 820-foot-high Mohammed VI Tower will house a luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel, offices, shops, restaurants, and upscale apartments.
The tower is expected to generate 450 direct jobs and 3,500 indirect ones, according to Leila Haddaoui, director of development company O Tower. Built over eight years with the involvement of more than 2,500 workers from over a dozen countries, it stands near the Grand Theatre of Rabat and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Morocco’s tourism sector is crucial for its economy, and the country aims to attract more visitors as regional conflicts push travelers toward safer destinations. The tower symbolizes Morocco’s growing soft power in Africa and the Middle East, reflecting the country’s ambition to position itself as a leading regional player through high-profile development projects.
Critics argue that development is concentrated along Morocco’s Atlantic corridor, while other areas remain underdeveloped. Despite this, the skyscraper highlights the nation’s economic influence and its efforts to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.