Morocco Launches Ambitious Coastal Tourism Project to Transform Lagouira into Luxury Destination with Emirati Investment Ahead of 2030 World Cup

Morocco is set to redefine its southern Atlantic coastline with a large-scale tourism development in Lagouira, a quiet town near the Mauritanian border. Supported by Emirati investors, the initiative aims to turn the sparsely populated settlement into a modern coastal village offering luxury, leisure, and lifestyle experiences. This project is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to enhance infrastructure and diversify its tourism offerings ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

The plan envisions transforming Lagouira from a remote outpost into a bustling, mixed-use destination. The village will feature a combination of hotels, chalets, villas, guesthouses, and high-end desert tents, designed to attract international travelers, domestic visitors, and adventure-seekers interested in desert and coastal experiences. The development will integrate hospitality, recreation, retail, and maritime facilities within a single, cohesive environment.

A wide range of leisure amenities is planned for the village. Swimming pools, water parks, sports fields, fitness centers, spas, landscaped gardens, and children’s playgrounds will provide diverse recreational options. Dining and retail spaces, including restaurants, cafés, kiosks, and shopping outlets, will complement event and conference halls. Central to the design is a marina, emphasizing Lagouira’s potential as a premier coastal and nautical destination.

Infrastructure is a key focus of the development. The project includes electricity networks, water and sewage systems, internet connectivity, and parking for private and commercial vehicles. Operational elements such as visitor reception areas and security facilities are designed to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning and safety for both tourists and staff.

The development comes amid growing Emirati engagement in Morocco, particularly in the southern regions. The UAE has become one of the country’s largest foreign investors, with capital investments reaching MAD 3.1 billion ($310 million) in 2024, representing nearly 19% of Morocco’s total net foreign direct investment. By mid-2025, Emirati investments in the country totaled approximately $188 million, placing it among the top foreign investors alongside France.

Lagouira is part of a wider strategic framework linking Morocco’s national development priorities with private-sector participation. In May 2025, a consortium of Emirati and Moroccan companies signed a record-setting $14 billion investment agreement with the Moroccan government and the national utility ONEE. The deal focuses on energy and water infrastructure, including a 1,400-kilometre high-voltage transmission line connecting Western Sahara to Casablanca and four seawater desalination plants with a combined capacity of 900 million cubic meters per year. These projects will support both the tourism village and Morocco’s broader infrastructure modernization.

Tourism diversification is a central goal for Morocco. The kingdom welcomed 19.8 million visitors in 2025, a 14% increase from the previous year. Lagouira’s location along the Atlantic coast, adjacent to the Sahara Desert, positions it as a complementary destination to Dakhla, internationally recognized for kitesurfing and wind sports. Expanding tourism along this corridor offers travelers unique desert and coastal experiences while reducing pressure on traditional urban centers such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat.

Regional connectivity improvements are also supporting the southern tourism push. Air services are expanding to better serve visitors, and marketing campaigns are targeting high-value markets, particularly from the Gulf Cooperation Council. These efforts highlight the region’s distinctive climate, landscapes, and recreational opportunities.

The investment environment has been strengthened by recent diplomatic developments. A United Nations Security Council resolution recognized Morocco’s autonomy plan as the exclusive basis for negotiations in the region, increasing international confidence and facilitating capital flows. This has created a stable environment for large-scale development and private-sector investment in Lagouira and surrounding areas.

The tourism village is expected to drive economic growth in southern Morocco by generating employment, encouraging private investment, and creating new revenue streams. Modern utilities, renewable energy solutions, and water desalination systems will support sustainable operations, aligning with Morocco’s commitment to responsible tourism development.

As the 2030 FIFA World Cup approaches, Lagouira represents a strategic expansion of Morocco’s tourism footprint. The village is designed to complement existing destinations while creating a new high-value corridor along the southern coast. By integrating luxury accommodation, leisure facilities, maritime infrastructure, and urban planning, the project aims to establish a world-class coastal tourism hub that meets international standards.

Lagouira is envisioned as more than a tourist destination—it is a catalyst for regional development. Its transformation is expected to attract international visitors, encourage year-round tourism, and position the southern Atlantic coast as a hub for adventure, leisure, and cultural exploration. The project also demonstrates Morocco’s capacity to implement large-scale, integrated developments in previously underdeveloped areas.

In conclusion, the Lagouira initiative marks a bold step in Morocco’s efforts to diversify tourism, stimulate economic activity in remote regions, and enhance the kingdom’s global tourism profile. By combining high-end tourism infrastructure, sustainable planning, and strategic investment, the project is poised to redefine the southern Atlantic coastline and strengthen Morocco’s position as a dynamic and globally competitive travel destination in the lead-up to one of the world’s most significant sporting events.

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