The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat has officially opened as Morocco's new national stadium, marking a significant milestone in the country's preparation for hosting major international sporting events. Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan inaugurated the 68,700-capacity venue on September 4, 2025, following its completion by renowned architecture firm Populous. The stadium was developed under the direction of the National Agency for Public Facilities of Morocco and meets FIFA standards, positioning it to host matches up to the semi-finals of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The project represents a complete redevelopment of the original 1983 stadium, transforming it into Morocco's flagship sports venue. Delivered within an ambitious 24-month timeline, the construction was carried out in collaboration with Moroccan construction company SGTM. Populous coordinated across multiple international offices to ensure seamless design integration with local construction processes, demonstrating the global scope and complexity of the undertaking.
The stadium's design prioritizes creating an intimate and intense atmosphere for both players and spectators. The stands are positioned as close to the pitch as possible to enhance the connection between the field and supporters. At the southern end, a remarkable two-tiered stand accommodates 23,000 spectators, forming one of the largest single fan sections in both Africa and Europe. The upper tier dramatically cantilevers eight meters above the lower level, creating a striking architectural feature designed to intensify the match-day experience.
The venue incorporates state-of-the-art facilities throughout its design. The west side houses the Royal Box along with VVIP and VIP areas, while the east side offers a comprehensive range of lounges and skyboxes. These skyboxes at level two form a continuous U-shaped ring, providing direct views of both the playing field and the impressive south stand, further reinforcing the immersive atmosphere. The stadium also features advanced broadcast facilities and a 360-degree roof that provides shelter from wind while amplifying acoustics inside the bowl.
One of the most striking features of the new stadium is its parametric facade design, which draws inspiration from both Rabat's natural landscape and Morocco's rich cultural heritage. The design incorporates elements inspired by interlaced palm leaves that line the city's boulevards and traditional Moroccan ornamentation such as Fez embroidery. The golden structure comprises an impressive 19,200 champagne-colored aluminum triangles, each uniquely dimensioned and covering a total area of 100,000 square meters.
The facade comes alive at sunset through 70 kilometers of integrated LED strips woven into the geometric pattern, creating a dynamic visual effect as the stadium opens toward the Atlantic Ocean. Rising from Rabat's southern green belt, the shimmering exterior establishes a harmonious relationship between the venue and both its natural landscape and the city's expanding infrastructure network.
Beyond the stadium itself, the development includes significant improvements to the surrounding area. The forecourt has been transformed into a new public space, enhanced by a newly constructed railway station that facilitates access via public transportation. This transportation hub also creates vital connections to the districts of Hay Riad and Akkari, improving regional connectivity and accessibility.
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is set to host several major international tournaments in the coming years. It will serve as the venue for the opening match, semi-finals, and final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in December. The stadium is also scheduled to host matches during the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup later that year. Looking ahead to 2030, Morocco will co-host the FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with this venue playing a crucial role in the tournament.
Populous is simultaneously working on another major project in Morocco. In collaboration with Oualalou + Choi, the firm is designing the Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane, which will feature a capacity of 115,000 seats. This upcoming venue is intended to become the world's largest football stadium and is planned to host either the opening match or final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup tournament.
The completion of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium represents just one element of Populous's extensive global portfolio. The international practice, renowned for its expertise in sports and stadium architecture, has recently revealed projects spanning multiple regions. In Lisbon, the firm is collaborating with Saraiva + Associados to reimagine the master plan for the Estádio da Luz. In Malaysia, Populous has partnered with HIJJAS Architects + Planners to design the new Shah Alam Sports Complex in Selangor. Meanwhile, in Venice, the municipality has announced plans for an 18,500-seat stadium by Populous, planned for the Bosco dello Sport in Tessera and intended to host football, Serie A rugby, and large-scale events such as concerts.
