Mohammed VI Green City

Mohammed VI Green City, located near Benguerir, Morocco, is a sustainable planned city designed to promote eco-friendly urban living, education, and innovation. Launched in 2009 under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, the city is part of Morocco’s broader push toward green urbanism and economic diversification. It features energy-efficient buildings, smart water management, renewable energy integration, and pedestrian-friendly planning. The city is anchored by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a leading institution focused on research, technology, and sustainable development. Positioned as a model for future Moroccan cities, it aims to attract students, researchers, and businesses while reducing environmental impact. While still in development, it represents Morocco’s ambition to balance growth with ecological responsibility in urban planning.

Strengths:

• Sustainability-Focused Urban Vision – Designed as Morocco’s first "Green City", integrating renewable energy, eco-friendly buildings, and smart infrastructure.
• Education & Research Hub – Home to Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P), a top-tier institution that serves as a key economic and intellectual anchor.
• Some Development Progress – Roads, residential buildings, and key infrastructure have been built, and parts of the city are functional.
• Strategic Location – Situated near Ben Guerir and between Marrakech & Casablanca, the city has the potential to leverage economic corridors.

Challenges:

• Still Largely Empty – Despite high investment, the city lacks significant population growth, making it feel underutilized.
• Weak Economic Anchors Beyond the University – While the university provides some activity, there are few major industries or private-sector drivers bringing in businesses and workers.
• Limited Appeal to Residents & Investors – The city competes with existing urban hubs like Casablanca and Marrakech, making it harder to attract migration and investment.
• Overly Ambitious Vision, Slow Execution – Planned as a model green city, but progress has been slower than expected, and some sustainability features remain incomplete.

Mohammed VI Green City is not a complete ghost city, but it has not yet realized its ambitious vision. It could improve if it attracts industries and residents, but right now, it remains more of an academic and infrastructure project than a truly thriving city.