In a landmark moment for modern Morocco, the country’s tallest skyscraper, the King Mohammed VI Tower, has officially opened in the outskirts of Rabat, according to Bloomberg.
Valued at nearly $700 million, the ambitious project took almost eight years to complete and now dominates the Bouregreg Valley, which separates the capital city of Rabat from neighboring Salé. Rising 250 meters (820 feet) with 55 floors, the tower is far more than just an office building. It represents a bold mixed-use development designed to become Morocco’s new hub for business, culture, and luxury.
The project was envisioned by Moroccan billionaire and financier Othman Benjelloun, who reportedly drew inspiration from the shape of the Saturn V rocket used in the Apollo space program. This sleek, tapering silhouette became the defining feature of the skyscraper’s striking design, developed by Rafael de La-Hoz Arquitectos and Hakim Benjelloun Architects.
At the base of the tower, the luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel has already opened with just 55 rooms, making it the brand’s smallest property worldwide. Higher levels include premium office spaces, an art gallery, and 30 upscale residential apartments, many of which are already on the market. A large portion of the office space is expected to house companies linked to Benjelloun’s business empire.
The development is managed by O Tower, supported by financial institutions connected to the entrepreneur, including Bank of Africa and insurance giant RMA.
Authorities are also planning major expansion around the surrounding district. The tower’s observation deck on the 55th floor offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rabat and Salé, including the nearby Grand Theatre of Rabat, designed by the late world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid.
Moroccan officials see the tower as part of a broader national strategy to transform Rabat from a quiet administrative capital into a thriving cultural and economic powerhouse filled with museums, galleries, and large-scale infrastructure.
This vision aligns with Morocco’s rapidly growing tourism industry. The country recently became Africa’s most visited destination, attracting approximately 19.8 million tourists last year, with expectations rising even further ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.