Quick answer: the Mohammed VI Tower is Morocco’s tallest building: 250 metres and 55 floors in Salé, on the Bouregreg River opposite Rabat. It was inaugurated on 13 April 2026. It houses the Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé hotel, offices, luxury residences and an observation deck open to the public Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm, by advance booking.
Summary in 30 seconds
- Height: 250 metres. Floors: 55. Floor area: around 102,800 m².
- Location: right bank of the Bouregreg valley in Salé, between Rabat and Salé.
- Architects: Spain’s Rafael de La-Hoz and Morocco’s Hakim Benjelloun.
- Developer: O Tower, part of Othman Benjelloun’s O Capital group (Bank of Africa).
- Construction: July 2017 to 2025. Official opening: 13 April 2026, led by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan.
- Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé, opened in May 2026, with 55 rooms and suites.
- Observation deck (Heritage Observatory): Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm. Moroccan media reported prices of 250 MAD for adults and 80 MAD for under-18s in April 2026.
- The deck visit takes about an hour and is booked online.
What is the Mohammed VI Tower?
The Mohammed VI Tower is the new symbol of Morocco’s capital. It rises on the Salé bank of the Bouregreg River, directly opposite Rabat. At 250 metres, it can be seen from almost anywhere in both cities and from the sea.
It is far more than an office block. Inside are a luxury hotel, offices, upscale apartments, retail space and a panoramic deck at the top. That is why it has quickly become a stop for anyone exploring Rabat.
The tower is also a cornerstone of the Bouregreg valley regeneration. Within a few kilometres you now find the Grand Theatre of Rabat, the marina, the tramway, the Salé medina and the Kasbah of the Udayas. In short, it is the capital’s new showcase.
If you are planning a route through the imperial cities, see our guide to the cities in Morocco.
Rabat and Salé: twin cities across the river
Rabat has been Morocco’s political and administrative capital since 1912. It is home to the Royal Palace, Parliament, ministries and embassies. Across the Bouregreg lies Salé, an old city with its own identity, famous in the 17th and 18th centuries for its corsairs.
For centuries the two cities turned their backs on each other, divided by the river. Today bridges, the tram and new districts link them. The tower stands right at that meeting point, like a lighthouse between the two banks.
To understand why the capital is not Marrakech, read our article on Marrakech and Morocco’s capitals.
The corsairs of Salé: the story behind the riverbank
Long before the tower, the Bouregreg was famous for something very different. In the 17th century, Moriscos expelled from Spain, many from the town of Hornachos in Extremadura, settled at the river mouth. Together with local sailors, they founded what became known as the Republic of Bou Regreg, a semi-independent corsair state that lasted from 1627 to 1668.
The “Salé Rovers” raided shipping across the Atlantic and attacked coasts as far away as Ireland and even Iceland. One of their best-known captains was the Dutch renegade Jan Janszoon, known as Murat Reis, who served as an admiral of the republic.
Today, little of that turbulent past is visible, but the Kasbah of the Udayas still watches over the river mouth where the corsair ships once sheltered. From the top of the Mohammed VI Tower, you look down on the same estuary, a striking link between the pirates of the past and the skyline of the future.
If history fascinates you, a local guide in Rabat and Salé can bring these stories to life as you walk the ramparts and the old medina lanes.
The Bouregreg valley: Rabat-Salé’s great makeover
The tower is not a stand-alone project. It is part of the Bouregreg valley transformation, which has reshaped the capital over the past two decades.
- The Rabat-Salé tram: links both banks and makes getting around easy without a car.
- The marina: a promenade with restaurants and views of the Kasbah.
- The Grand Theatre: a curving cultural landmark designed by Zaha Hadid.
- New districts: offices, homes and green spaces along the river.
- The tower: the vertical symbol of the whole scheme.
For travellers, this means a capital that is more comfortable, cleaner and easier to explore. Rabat also remains calm, with far less tourist pressure than Marrakech or Fes.
Where the tower ranks among Africa’s skyscrapers
At 250 metres, the Mohammed VI Tower is Morocco’s tallest building and one of the tallest skyscrapers on the African continent. Africa’s tallest is the Iconic Tower in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, at around 394 metres.
Exact rankings vary by source and by whether spires and antennas are counted. That is why some outlets place it third and others fourth. Either way, the tower has put Rabat on the map of Africa’s great skylines.
The Mohammed VI Tower in numbers
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Height | 250 m |
| Floors | 55 |
| Floor area | Around 102,800 m² |
| Lifts | Around 40 |
| Construction start | July 2017 |
| Inauguration | 13 April 2026 |
| Reported investment | Around 3.5 billion MAD |
| Architects | Rafael de La-Hoz and Hakim Benjelloun |
| Contractors | TGCC, BESIX and others |
| Hotel | Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé (55 rooms and suites) |
Sources: Moroccan press (April-May 2026) and public project data. Figures may vary slightly by source.
History: from idea to inauguration
An Othman Benjelloun project
The tower began as an initiative of businessman Othman Benjelloun, chairman of Bank of Africa, through the company O Tower. The aim was to give the capital an iconic building to rival the great skyscrapers of other world cities.
Eight years of construction
Work began in July 2017. For almost eight years, Moroccan and international contractors built the foundations, structure and façades. They included Morocco’s TGCC and Belgium’s BESIX, known for its role in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
The April 2026 opening
On 13 April 2026, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan officially inaugurated the tower on behalf of King Mohammed VI. A week later, on 20 April, the building opened its spaces to national and international press. In early May, the Waldorf Astoria, its flagship tenant, opened its doors.
Learn more about the monarchy’s role in the country’s major projects in our guide to the Royal Family in Morocco.
Architecture: a rocket taking off
The shape
The design is inspired by a rocket at lift-off. The base is wider and the tower narrows as it rises. According to the developer, it symbolises Morocco’s economic momentum. The shape also recalls Othman Benjelloun’s experience at Cape Canaveral in 1969.
Rafael de La-Hoz and Hakim Benjelloun
The project was designed by the Madrid studio of Rafael de La-Hoz, working with Moroccan architect Hakim Benjelloun.
A “tube-in-tube” structure
The tower uses a tube-in-tube system: a central concrete core and an outer steel frame. As a result, the floors are almost free of internal columns and the views open up in nearly every direction.
Deep foundations
The riverside ground required very deep foundations, with piles reaching more than 60 metres below ground. They keep the tower stable against Atlantic winds and possible seismic activity.
Energy and sustainability
The south façade integrates photovoltaic panels into the design, with more panels on the podium roof. The building also harvests rainwater and recovers heat through its ventilation. These measures aim to cut the energy use of a building of this size.
Mohammed VI Tower observation deck: tickets, hours and booking
For travellers, the highlight is the observation deck, called the Heritage Observatory. From the top you can see the Salé medina, the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, the mouth of the Bouregreg on the Atlantic and, on clear days, a long stretch of coast.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm. Closed on Mondays. |
| Reported price (April 2026) | 250 MAD adults · 80 MAD under-18s |
| Booking | Online on the official ticketing platform; on-site by card only if slots remain |
| Duration | About 1 hour |
| Arrival | 15 minutes before your time slot |
| Minimum age | None |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access by lift; pushchairs not allowed |
| Cancellation | Confirmed tickets are non-refundable |
| Facilities | Café on the deck |
Sources: official ticketing FAQ and Moroccan press (Bladi, 21 April 2026). Check the price when booking, as it may change.
What you see from the top
- West: the mouth of the Bouregreg, the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Atlantic Ocean.
- South: the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Rabat medina.
- North: the Salé medina, its Great Mosque and ramparts.
- East: the Bouregreg valley, the Grand Theatre and the new districts.
Tips for your visit
- Book for sunset: golden light over the Kasbah and the ocean is spectacular.
- Avoid foggy days: the Atlantic coast has morning mist at times.
- Tickets are non-refundable: choose your date carefully.
- Pair it with the Salé medina: it is close by and sees few tourists.
Since 20 September 2026, Morocco has used permanent GMT. So in autumn and winter the sun sets earlier on the clock. If you want sunset from the deck, book an earlier slot than in summer.
Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé: the hotel in the tower
The tower’s flagship tenant is the Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé, part of Hilton. It opened in May 2026 and is now one of Morocco’s most exclusive hotels.
- Rooms: 55 rooms and suites, each with a personal concierge.
- Peacock Alley: the brand’s signature lounge for afternoon tea, coffee and cocktails.
- Aldabaran: a restaurant by chef Alain Ducasse with seasonal cooking.
- Brasserie Magnolia: Mediterranean cuisine by chef Lahcen Hafid.
- Spa: on the 31st and 32nd floors with Atlantic views, hammam, indoor pool, sauna and gym.
- Art: more than 7,000 works across rooms and public spaces, one of North Africa’s largest private collections.
Source: Euronews, 7 May 2026. Some venues were opening in phases, so check what is available on your dates. Even if you are not staying, you can book a table or afternoon tea and enjoy the view.
What to see near the Mohammed VI Tower
Kasbah of the Udayas
A fortress at the mouth of the Bouregreg, with white-and-blue lanes, an Andalusian garden and an ocean viewpoint. It is one of Rabat’s loveliest spots.
Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The unfinished 12th-century Hassan minaret stands beside the mausoleum of King Mohammed V and his sons. From the Mohammed VI Tower you see both across the river: old and new face to face.
Grand Theatre of Rabat
Designed by Zaha Hadid, its white curves contrast with the tower’s verticality.
Salé medina
Very close to the tower, the Salé medina receives few tourists. Its Great Mosque and Marinid madrasa, with carved stucco and wood, are real gems.
Chellah necropolis
Roman ruins and a Marinid necropolis surrounded by gardens and storks, in southern Rabat.
Bouregreg marina
A riverside walk with restaurants and views of the Kasbah, ideal for dinner after the deck.
The Rabat medina, the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City, inscribed in 2012.
A short timeline of Rabat-Salé and the tower
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 12th century | The Almohads build the Kasbah of the Udayas and begin the Hassan Tower |
| 14th century | The Marinids build the Salé madrasa and the Chellah necropolis |
| 17th-18th centuries | Salé becomes famous for its corsairs |
| 1912 | Rabat becomes the capital |
| 2012 | UNESCO lists Rabat as World Heritage |
| 2017 | Construction of the Mohammed VI Tower begins |
| 2026 | Tower inaugurated (13 April); Waldorf Astoria opens (May) |
| 2030 | Rabat hosts FIFA World Cup matches |
Morocco’s tallest buildings compared
| Building | City | Approx. height |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammed VI Tower | Salé (Rabat) | 250 m |
| Hassan II Mosque minaret | Casablanca | About 210 m |
| CFC Tower | Casablanca | About 122 m |
| Twin Center | Casablanca | About 115 m |
The tower beats the Hassan II Mosque minaret, for decades the country’s tallest structure, by about 40 metres.
Rabat-Salé in one day with the Mohammed VI Tower
- 9:30 – Kasbah of the Udayas and its Andalusian garden.
- 11:30 – Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
- 13:00 – Lunch at the Bouregreg marina.
- 15:00 – Salé medina and its Marinid madrasa.
- 17:00 – Mohammed VI Tower deck at sunset.
- 19:00 – Tea or dinner at the Waldorf Astoria or the marina.
In summer, end the day at nearby Blue Flag beaches such as Sable d’Or or Contrebandiers. See our guide to the beaches in Morocco.
More things to do in Rabat
- Cross the Bouregreg by rowing boat: traditional boatmen still ferry passengers between Rabat and Salé.
- Jardin d’Essais Botaniques: a large historic garden in the city centre.
- Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: the country’s leading art museum.
- Rabat medina souk: calmer than Marrakech or Fes.
- Surfing at Rabat beach: beginner schools next to the Kasbah.
- Avenue Mohammed V: protectorate-era architecture and cafés.
How to get to the Mohammed VI Tower
| From | Transport | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Central Rabat | Tram or taxi | 10-20 min |
| Salé medina | On foot or taxi | 10-15 min |
| Rabat-Salé airport | Taxi | About 20 min |
| Casablanca | Train or car | About 1 h |
| Tangier | Al Boraq high-speed train | About 1 h 20 to Rabat |
| Fes | Train or car | 2 h 30 – 3 h |
Rabat or Casablanca: which should you visit?
| Criterion | Rabat-Salé | Casablanca |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Calm, administrative, green | Big economic metropolis |
| Monuments | Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, Chellah, Salé medina | Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco architecture |
| Modern icon | Mohammed VI Tower | Corniche and Casablanca Finance City |
| UNESCO World Heritage | Yes (2012) | No |
| Recommended time | 1-2 days | 1 day |
The two cities are an hour apart. So many travellers visit the Hassan II Mosque in the morning and go up the tower in the afternoon.
Rabat-Salé in two days
Day 1: the historic side
- The Kasbah of the Udayas and its garden.
- The Rabat medina and its souk.
- The Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
- The Chellah necropolis in the late afternoon.
Day 2: the modern side and Salé
- Cross the Bouregreg by traditional rowing boat.
- The Salé medina, Great Mosque and Marinid madrasa.
- Lunch at the marina.
- The Mohammed VI Tower deck at sunset.
- Dinner with a view of the illuminated tower.
Where to eat and stay near the tower
Eat
- Bouregreg marina: terrace restaurants and fresh fish.
- Rabat medina: traditional Moroccan cooking at good prices.
- Waldorf Astoria restaurants: fine dining with a view.
- Kasbah of the Udayas: the café in the Andalusian garden, perfect for tea and pastries.
Do not leave without trying pastilla, harira or Atlantic fish. Discover more in our guide to traditional Moroccan dishes.
Stay
- Luxury: the Waldorf Astoria in the tower itself or high-end hotels in central Rabat.
- Characterful: riads in the Rabat medina or near the Kasbah.
- Practical: hotels in Agdal or Hassan, well served by the tram.
The best spots to photograph the Mohammed VI Tower
- From the Kasbah of the Udayas: the tower silhouetted over the river at sunset.
- From the Hassan Tower esplanade: old and new in one frame.
- From the Hassan II bridge: a head-on view across the Bouregreg.
- From the marina: reflections in the water at blue hour.
- From Rabat beach: the tower behind the river mouth.
At night the tower is lit up and shows another face, so it is worth seeing again after dinner.
Visiting with children
The deck has no minimum age and access is by lift, so it is an easy family visit. However, pushchairs are not allowed, so bring a baby carrier. The café on the deck allows for a break, and the beach and the marina round off the day nicely for little ones.
Rabat through the seasons
- Spring: mild temperatures, gardens in bloom and clear skies. The best time for the deck.
- Summer: cooler than inland thanks to the ocean, though mornings can be misty.
- Autumn: pleasant and quieter. Since 20 September 2026 the sun sets earlier on the clock.
- Winter: mild, with some rainy days. Views after rain are crystal clear.
Budget for your visit
The deck ticket is the main cost: 250 MAD per adult and 80 MAD per under-18, according to the price reported in April 2026. Add transport (tram or taxi), a coffee on the deck or at the marina and, if you like, afternoon tea at the Waldorf Astoria. On the other hand, most nearby sights, such as the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower esplanade and the outside of the mausoleum, are free.
So Rabat is very good value for mid-budget travellers: great views, free monuments and just one significant paid ticket.
Guided or independent?
The deck is visited without a guide, using your booked ticket. For the rest of Rabat and Salé, however, an official guide adds valuable context: the Almohads, the Salé corsairs and the Bouregreg makeover. A private driver also saves you hunting for taxis between the two banks. Compare formats in our guide to private vs group tours in Morocco.
Adding the Mohammed VI Tower to your Morocco trip
- From Casablanca: our 7-day private tour from Casablanca passes through Rabat. See all our tours from Casablanca.
- From Tangier: the Al Boraq train reaches Rabat in just over an hour. See our tours from Tangier.
- Longer trips: our 2 weeks in Morocco itinerary includes Rabat between the north and Casablanca.
- One week: our 7 days in Morocco itinerary also stops in Rabat.
The tower and the 2030 World Cup
Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, and Rabat will be a host city. The Mohammed VI Tower is part of the new image the country wants to show the world: modern, open and connected. Expect strong demand for the deck and nearby hotels during the tournament. Read more in our guide to the Morocco World Cup 2030.
Getting to Rabat from the UK and North America
Rabat-Salé airport has flights from several European cities, and many travellers fly into Casablanca and take the train (about an hour). From the USA and Canada, Royal Air Maroc flies direct to Casablanca. British, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. See our guide to flights to Morocco and our pillar guide to planning a trip to Morocco.
Practical tips
- Book the deck in advance, especially at weekends.
- Bring a card: on-site sales are card-only and subject to availability.
- Carry dirhams for the rest of the day. See our guide to the Moroccan dirham.
- Dress respectfully in the medinas. See what to wear in Morocco.
- Best seasons: spring and autumn, with clearer skies. See the best time to visit Morocco.
- Safety: Rabat is one of the calmest cities in the country. Read whether Morocco is safe.
Common mistakes
- Going on a Monday: the deck is closed.
- Turning up without a booking: slots can sell out in high season.
- Arriving late for your slot: you must be there 15 minutes early.
- Assuming it is in Rabat: technically it is in Salé, across the river.
- Going on a foggy day: views shrink dramatically.
- Skipping the Salé medina: it is right next door and well worth it.
Is the Mohammed VI Tower worth visiting? Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The best panoramic view of Rabat and Salé | Ticket price is high by local standards |
| Open until 9 pm, ideal for sunset | Advance booking needed; tickets non-refundable |
| Café at the top | Closed on Mondays |
| Easy access by tram and taxi | Views shrink on foggy days |
| Combines well with the Salé medina and the Kasbah | No gift shop yet |
Our view: if you are spending a day in Rabat, the deck is worth it, especially at sunset. It helps you understand the layout of both cities in a single glance.
A luxury day around the tower
For travellers who enjoy fine hotels and private experiences, the tower is the perfect anchor for a luxury day in the capital. Start with a private guided walk through the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower, then enjoy lunch at the marina. In the afternoon, head up to the deck before the sunset crowds, and finish with afternoon tea at Peacock Alley or dinner at one of the Waldorf Astoria’s restaurants.
In addition, the hotel’s spa on the 31st and 32nd floors, with its hammam and Atlantic views, makes a memorable way to end a long tour of Morocco. We can build a night at the Waldorf Astoria into a tailor-made private itinerary.
Key takeaways
- The Mohammed VI Tower is Morocco’s tallest building: 250 m and 55 floors.
- It stands in Salé, on the Bouregreg River, opposite Rabat.
- It was inaugurated on 13 April 2026 and designed by Rafael de La-Hoz with Hakim Benjelloun.
- The observation deck opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm, by online booking.
- Reported prices in April 2026: 250 MAD adults, 80 MAD under-18s.
- The Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé, with 55 rooms and suites, opened in May 2026.
- The best time to go up is sunset, which comes earlier since Morocco’s return to GMT on 20 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions about the Mohammed VI Tower
How tall is the Mohammed VI Tower?
It is 250 metres tall with 55 floors, making it Morocco’s tallest building.
Where is the Mohammed VI Tower?
In Salé, on the right bank of the Bouregreg River, directly opposite Rabat.
When did the Mohammed VI Tower open?
It was inaugurated on 13 April 2026 in a ceremony led by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan.
Can you go up the Mohammed VI Tower?
Yes. The observation deck opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm, with advance online booking.
How much does the observation deck cost?
Moroccan media reported 250 dirhams for adults and 80 for under-18s in April 2026. Confirm when booking.
Who designed the Mohammed VI Tower?
Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz, working with Moroccan architect Hakim Benjelloun.
Which hotel is in the Mohammed VI Tower?
The Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé, opened in May 2026, with 55 rooms and suites, a spa and restaurants.
Why is it shaped like a rocket?
The design is inspired by a rocket lifting off, as a symbol of Morocco’s economic momentum.
How long does the deck visit take?
About one hour. There is a café at the top.
What is there to see near the Mohammed VI Tower?
The Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Grand Theatre of Rabat, the Salé medina and the Bouregreg marina.
Conclusion: the Mohammed VI Tower, Morocco’s new viewpoint
The Mohammed VI Tower changes the skyline of Rabat and Salé and offers a new way to see the country: from above. Indeed, in a single visit you can take in centuries of history, from the Kasbah of the Udayas to the Hassan Tower, next to a symbol of 21st-century Morocco. Moreover, its closeness to the Salé medina and the coast makes for a very complete day out.
At Favorites Morocco Tours we include Rabat and the Mohammed VI Tower in private imperial-city routes with a driver and local guide. Explore our Morocco tours, learn about us or contact us to plan your trip.