Palm-inspired design and Moroccan craftsmanship define Rabat’s new stadium

Tuesday 23 September 2025 - 15:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Palm-inspired design and Moroccan craftsmanship define Rabat’s new stadium

The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, a 68,700-capacity architectural masterpiece, has become Morocco’s newest beacon of sports and culture. Officially inaugurated on September 5 with a commanding 5-0 victory by the Atlas Lions over Niger in a CAF qualifying match, the stadium is set to host pivotal events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and a semi-final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Design inspired by Moroccan heritage

Designed by the international architecture firm Populous, the stadium’s façade is a tribute to Morocco’s artisanal traditions and natural beauty. Its exterior features a parametrically-designed LED structure with 19,200 champagne-colored aluminum triangles inspired by Rabat’s palm leaves and the intricate "Point de Fez" embroidery. Covering 100,000 m², the façade comes alive at sunset with a dazzling light show powered by 70 km of LED strips.

Populous Senior Principal François Clement lauded the stadium as a “jewel of international football,” combining cutting-edge design with local cultural influences.

Fan-focused and FIFA-certified

The stadium prioritizes fan engagement and atmosphere. Its acoustically optimized bowl design includes a steep, two-tiered 23,000-capacity “Kop” stand, the largest fan section in Africa and Europe. The upper tier’s eight-meter cantilever creates a striking impression of floating over the field, amplifying the energy on match days.

The West Stand houses VVIP and VIP areas, alongside skyboxes and lounges centered around the Royal Box. On the East Stand, three tiers of lounges and skyboxes ensure every fan has an exceptional view. Built to FIFA standards, the stadium is equipped to host matches up to the semi-finals of the 2030 World Cup, with state-of-the-art media and broadcasting infrastructure, a 360° wind-shielding roof, and expanded hospitality areas.

A key venue for AFCON 2025

The stadium will play a central role in the 2025 AFCON, hosting Morocco’s group matches against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia, as well as the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final on January 18, 2026.

Rapid construction and urban impact

The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium rose from the ground in just two years, with construction starting in September 2023. The project, completed in coordination with Société Générale des Travaux du Maroc (SGTM), forms part of Morocco’s ambitious $1 billion sports infrastructure initiative. This program includes upgrades to stadiums in Tangier, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fez, and Al Hoceima between 2023 and 2028.

Situated within Rabat’s green belt, the stadium integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. The eucalyptus forest and golden façade create a striking visual profile, while the venue’s forecourt has been transformed into a vibrant public space for the city.

Transportation infrastructure upgrades

The stadium is just 7 km from Rabat’s city center, with newly expanded roads, highways, and public transport links ensuring accessibility. A new tramway connection directly links Rabat to Casablanca with 23.7 km of tracks planned by 2028 and an additional 21.3 km by 2030. A second train terminal connects the stadium to Rabat-Salé Airport, offering direct routes to Kenitra and Marrakech. The complex also includes a car park for 5,200 vehicles.

A symbol of Morocco’s sports ambitions

Beyond its role as a major sports venue, the stadium is central to Morocco’s vision of modernizing its infrastructure. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, along with other projects, reflects Morocco’s readiness to host world-class events, cementing its status as a leader in African sports development.