Rabat summit attracts $3.5 billion ahead of 2030 World Cup

Morocco’s efforts to strengthen its position as a destination for international investment gained momentum during the GBB Investment Summit in Rabat, where investors expressed interest worth nearly $3.5 billion in tourism, hospitality, and real estate projects linked to the country’s long-term development strategy and preparations for the 2030 World Cup.

The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr, brought together more than 200 delegates from 10 countries. More than 30 investors participated in over 130 pre-arranged meetings designed to facilitate direct discussions between capital providers, developers, operators, project owners, consultants, and advisors.

The summit generated $3.475 billion in investment interest, highlighting growing confidence in Morocco’s economic prospects as the country accelerates infrastructure projects and tourism development ahead of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal.

Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor opened the event by outlining Morocco’s vision for tourism-led growth. She said the country is prepared to welcome investment and emphasized that the goal of attracting 26 million tourists by 2030 represents a firm national commitment rather than a long-term aspiration.

Ravi Kumar Chandran, founder and managing director of GBB, said the summit was designed to create meaningful engagement between investors and decision-makers. He stressed the importance of direct dialogue focused on concrete opportunities and potential partnerships.

Imad Barrakad, chief executive and chairman of the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT), presented Morocco’s investment strategy and highlighted the institutional frameworks supporting tourism expansion. His presentation focused on the initiatives and priorities shaping the country’s tourism roadmap.

Hamid Bentahar, president of the National Tourism Confederation, examined investment opportunities across Morocco’s tourism sector. He highlighted market fundamentals and growth drivers that continue to attract regional and international interest in hospitality and tourism projects.

Legal and regulatory stability was another key theme of the summit. Christophe Bachelet, country managing partner for Morocco at DLA Piper, discussed the legal mechanisms and investor protections that support Morocco’s reputation as a secure destination for foreign capital during periods of global uncertainty.

Delegates also explored regional development opportunities. Loubna Boutaleb, chief executive of Marchica Med SA, presented investment prospects in Marchica, Nador, outlining plans to transform the area into a major Mediterranean tourism and hospitality destination.

A panel discussion titled “Aligning Moroccan Ambition with Global Capital” brought together representatives from public institutions, international finance organizations, and private investment groups. Participants discussed strategies for connecting Morocco’s development objectives with international funding opportunities.

Another session focused on the factors that influence investment decisions in hospitality and real estate projects. Speakers reviewed the criteria investors use when evaluating projects and examined the conditions shaping capital allocation across Morocco’s tourism and property sectors.

The summit concluded with networking events aimed at strengthening relationships between investors and project developers. Organizers said the discussions initiated in Rabat could contribute to future partnerships and investment commitments as Morocco advances major projects linked to its tourism strategy and the 2030 World Cup.