The Grand Opening of the Mohammed VI Tower
After eight years of dedicated effort and a total investment of 6.5 billion dirhams, the Mohammed VI Tower in Rabat-Salé has officially opened to media, unveiling its status as Morocco's tallest building and a significant architectural achievement on the African continent. The tower was inaugurated on April 13 by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, marking the culmination of a vision that has been in the making for over fifty years. This ambitious project represents not only a striking addition to the skyline but also a symbol of Morocco's aspirations and capabilities in modern architecture.
A Unique Architectural Journey
The inception of the Mohammed VI Tower is as fascinating as its design. Othman Benjelloun, the financier behind O Capital Group, credits the tower's conceptual beginnings to a visit to NASA in 1969, where he was inspired by the shape of a rocket during a simulation for the Apollo 12 mission. This inspiration directly influenced the tower's silhouette. The architectural design was entrusted to renowned Spanish architect Rafael de la Hoz, known for his expertise in high-rise buildings, in collaboration with Moroccan architect Hakim Benjelloun and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The construction was executed by the Belgian firm Besix, a company also recognized for its work on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, in partnership with Moroccan contractor TGCC.
The tower features a vertically layered structure, with the lower levels comprising 26 office plateaus and 30 residential apartments. Notably, floors 29 to 49 are home to the Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé, which proudly stands as the brand's first hotel in Africa, featuring 55 rooms, including 38 luxurious suites, with rates starting at 9,000 dirhams per night. The hotel also boasts a restaurant, Aldabaran, a signature creation by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, alongside a grand ballroom spanning 1,401 square meters and a Peacock Alley lounge located on the 30th floor.
The top two floors are designed for public access, with the 50th level offering an augmented-reality experience that highlights the historical landmarks of Rabat and Salé. The 51st floor, dubbed the “Cockpit,” houses a permanent exhibition titled “The Sky Speaks Arabic,” which celebrates the astronomical achievements of the Arab-Andalusian golden age, all within a 22-meter panoramic space that provides breathtaking 360-degree views. Public entry fees are set at 250 dirhams for adults and 80 dirhams for those under 18, with reservations already fully booked until at least June.
The journey to the tower’s completion was fraught with challenges, including a budget that escalated from an initial estimate of 4 billion dirhams to 6.5 billion dirhams due to the need for exceptionally deep foundations—extending 60 meters underground—delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant inflation in construction materials, particularly aluminum. Approximately 2,500 workers and managers from 15 different nationalities played a vital role in bringing this ambitious project to fruition. Ownership of the tower is shared among Bank of Africa (48%), RMA (37%), and O Capital Group (15%), with plans for office and residential commercialization anticipated to launch soon.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
