UAE to transform Morocco’s “Ghost Town” into US$188M Sahara luxury mega-resort

MOROCCO – The United Arab Emirates has unveiled ambitious plans to build one of the world’s largest tourism villages in La Güera, a deserted Atlantic coastal strip in Morocco’s Sahara desert.

The project will transform the so-called “ghost town” into a sprawling luxury destination featuring chalets, villas, hotels, desert tents, water parks, spas, restaurants, and a marina, marking a dramatic escalation of Emirati investment in the North African kingdom.

From Abandoned Outpost to Luxury Oasis

La Güera, located in Morocco’s southernmost reaches, has long been abandoned and largely forgotten.

The proposed mega-development aims to breathe new life into this remote coastline with swimming pools, water parks, spa and fitness centers, sports fields, children’s playgrounds, and diverse dining options. Luxury desert tents will offer authentic Sahara immersion without sacrificing comfort.

The development also includes event and conference halls, comprehensive infrastructure for electricity, sewage, and high-speed internet, plus a marina providing maritime access to what is set to become a premium coastal hub.

Deepening UAE-Morocco Strategic Ties

The project follows steadily improving diplomatic relations since the UAE opened a Laayoune consulate in 2020 and announced plans for a Dakhla embassy.

The UAE is now one of Morocco’s largest foreign investors, with Emirati investments reaching approximately 1.7 billion Moroccan dirhams (US$188 million) by mid-2025, second only to France.

This tourism village follows a US$14 billion infrastructure deal signed in May 2025 between a consortium including Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), Moroccan energy firm Nareva, and the Mohammed VI Investment Fund to address water scarcity and energy needs.

Preparing for the 2030 World Cup Spotlight

The development is closely tied to Morocco’s preparations for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

The country is locked into a massive construction drive, having welcomed a record 20 million tourists in 2025.

The La Güera development forms a critical component of this hospitality expansion strategy, aiming to accommodate millions of international visitors for the global event.

A New Benchmark for Sahara Tourism

For travelers, this project promises an unprecedented blend of Saharan authenticity and Emirati-style luxury.

Set against the dramatic Atlantic coastline, the village will offer experiences ranging from desert adventures to waterfront leisure, positioning Morocco’s southern provinces as a must-visit destination for global tourists while reinforcing the UAE’s role as a strategic partner in Morocco’s economic transformation.

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