Mohammed VI Tower has officially opened as Morocco's tallest building, reaching 250 meters and marking a significant milestone in African architecture. Designed by Rafael de La-Hoz and Hakim Benjelloun, the skyscraper is now the third tallest in Africa. This architectural marvel, named after King Mohammed VI, is strategically located along the Bou Regreg river, bridging the Moroccan capital Rabat and the historic city of Salé.
What Happened
The Mohammed VI Tower, featuring a distinctive rocket-like shape, stands 55 storeys tall. It houses a mix of offices, apartments, exhibition spaces, an observatory, and a Waldorf Astoria hotel. The tower's base includes a reception lobby, restaurants, additional exhibition space, and a bank branch. Construction of this iconic building began in 2017, spearheaded by Moroccan billionaire and Bank of Africa CEO Othman Benjelloun. The project was developed by O Tower, an offshoot of Benjelloun's holding company, O Capital Group. The design draws inspiration from a NASA flight simulation visit by Benjelloun in 1969.
Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
The completion of Mohammed VI Tower highlights Morocco's growing presence in the global architectural landscape. For the AECM industry, this project underscores the potential for high-profile developments in Africa, offering new opportunities in construction, engineering, and architectural innovation. The integration of mixed-use spaces within such a towering structure presents design and engineering challenges that push the boundaries of conventional building practices. As Africa experiences a mini-boom in skyscraper construction, the successful realization of this project sets a precedent in terms of technical execution and architectural ambition.
What's Next
With the Mohammed VI Tower now complete, industry professionals should watch for its influence on future African developments. The tower could inspire further investment in similar projects, potentially leading to more skyscrapers across the continent. Additionally, the successful completion of this project may prompt other developers to explore innovative design concepts and sustainable construction methods suitable for the African market.
Source: https://www.dezeen.com/2026/05/06/mohammed-vi-tower-morocco-tallest-building-rafael-de-la%e2%80%91hoz-hakim-benjelloun/. Read the original story ->
