$700 million rocket-inspired tower opens in Morocco as new symbol of national ambition

A new architectural landmark has officially opened on the outskirts of Rabat, as Morocco unveils its tallest skyscraper — the King Mohammed VI Tower — a $700 million project now seen as a defining symbol of the country’s modern economic and political ambitions, according to Bloomberg.

Rising 250 metres across 55 floors, the tower dominates the Bouregreg Valley between Rabat and the neighbouring city of Salé. Far more than an office building, it is designed as a mixed-use hub combining business, hospitality, and cultural spaces, positioning itself as a new centre of gravity for the capital.

The project was conceived by Moroccan financier and billionaire Othmane Benjelloun, who reportedly drew inspiration from the Saturn V rocket used in NASA’s Apollo missions. That influence is reflected in the building’s tapering, upward-sweeping silhouette, which has become its defining architectural feature. The tower was designed by Rafael de La-Hoz Arquitectos and Hakim Benjelloun.

At ground level, the building already houses a 55-room Waldorf Astoria hotel — described as the brand’s smallest property worldwide. Above it are office floors, a contemporary art gallery, and 30 luxury apartments, many of which have already been placed on the market. A significant portion of the office space is expected to be occupied by firms linked to the project’s developer.

The development is managed through O Tower, a structure controlled by financial groups associated with Bank of Africa and the insurance company RMA.

Despite standing relatively isolated for now, the tower is intended to anchor a broader urban expansion of the area. Its 55th-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of Rabat and Salé, including the nearby Royal Theatre designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid.

Authorities view the tower as part of a long-term strategy to reposition Rabat from a quiet administrative capital into a cultural and financial hub, with increased investment in museums, galleries, and infrastructure.

The project also reflects Morocco’s broader economic momentum. The country is already Africa’s most visited destination, welcoming around 19.8 million tourists last year, with further growth expected ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Construction spanned major global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout from the war in Ukraine, with developers estimating cost overruns of nearly 40% compared to the original budget.

Even so, the King Mohammed VI Tower is already being described not just as a skyscraper, but as a statement of intent — Morocco’s bid to fuse finance, architecture, and technological symbolism into a single vertical landmark.