The Bouregreg Valley has established itself as one of Rabat’s leading destinations for walking, recreation, and leisure. Dominated by the Grand Theatre of Rabat and its expansive landscaped grounds, the site draws growing numbers of visitors each day, attracted by its high-quality public spaces, panoramic river views, and striking contemporary architecture.
Le360 visited the site to capture the defining landscapes of this major urban redevelopment project. Along the promenade, Moroccan and international visitors praised the beauty of the area, the seamless integration of the Grand Theatre into its surroundings, and the extensive green spaces that frame the complex.
“It’s a beautiful place. The architecture is impressive, and the gardens are especially pleasant. It feels like you’re in a major international capital,” one visitor said.
“Everything is designed for walking and relaxation. The spaces are wide, clean, and exceptionally well maintained,” a tourist added.
Designed by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid (1950–2016), a leading figure in contemporary architecture and recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the Grand Theatre of Rabat is one of the flagship projects at the heart of the Bouregreg Valley’s transformation.
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The redevelopment forms part of the Special Development Plan (PAS) for the Bouregreg Valley, implemented by the Bouregreg Valley Development Agency (AAVB). The urban planning framework covers an area of approximately 6,000 hectares stretching nearly 15 kilometers between Rabat and Salé.
The project aims to transform the valley into a leading urban, cultural, tourism, and environmental hub while preserving the site’s ecological balance. To that end, only 15% of the area is designated for urban development. The remainder is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural environment through a “green plan” focused on landscaped and forested areas, and a “blue plan” centered on the rehabilitation and enhancement of the Bouregreg River.
