Morocco has opened the 68,700-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat with a 5-0 win over Niger in a Confederation of African Football qualifying game.
Morocco has opened the 68,700-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat with a 5-0 win over Niger in a Confederation of African Football qualifying game.
The stadium was designed and built in 24 months. It has been designed to meet FIFA specifications until the semi-finals of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by Portugal, Morocco and Spain.
Designed by Orange Atelier and Populous alongside contractor Société Générale des Travaux du Maroc, the stadium has a 360° wind-shielding roof and stands placed as close to the pitch as possible.
A 100,000-sq-m parametrically-designed LED façade is inspired by palm trees that lace Rabat’s streets and also Morocco’s traditional ‘Point de Fez’ embroidery and ornamentation technique.
19,200 champagne-coloured aluminium triangles alongside 70km of LED strips that spiral around the structure give the façade a shimmering effect.
The stadium’s entrance is linked to the Hay Riad (east) and Akkari (west) rail stations.
François Clement, Populous’ senior principal, said: “The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is the new jewel of international football and one of the great stadiums, not just in Morocco, but across all Africa and beyond.
“It delivers a legacy impact of world-class amenities, accessibility improvements for local and international fans, enhanced fan experience and increased revenues.”
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will be joined by the 115,000-seat Hassan II Stadium 1, designed by French architect Oualalou + Choi.
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