Rabat's Commitment to Heritage Preservation
On April 9, 2026, the Rabat-Salé Urban Agency announced the launch of an international call for tenders aimed at developing a comprehensive plan for the preservation and management of the buffer zone surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage site in Rabat. This initiative marks a significant step forward, as the new plan is intended to replace the existing one that has been in effect since its approval in November 2017. The new management and preservation plan (PASP) will cover a substantial area of 496 hectares, incorporating neighborhoods that encircle the UNESCO-listed heritage area, which includes the historic medina, the new city, and the Chellah site.
Addressing Urban Challenges and Protecting Heritage
The neighborhoods included in this plan—such as l’Océan, les Orangers, les Jardins d’Agdal Al Qbibat, Le Riche, and Haut-Hassan—are known for their high-quality architectural heritage, reflecting the modern face of Rabat at the beginning of the 20th century. Given the increasing pressure of real estate speculation and rapid urban expansion, this buffer zone requires enhanced protection to preserve its historical significance. The updated document aims to introduce more flexible regulations to accommodate economic challenges and urban renewal while ensuring stringent guidelines to prevent the irreversible loss of Rabat's historic core.
The primary goal of the forthcoming PASP is to create an effective regulatory tool that balances urban renewal with the protection and revitalization of Rabat's historical, architectural, and urban heritage. Over the next 12 months, the study will include a territorial diagnosis and a heritage inventory, leading to the drafting of regulatory and technical guidelines, followed by consultations with the local technical commission.
This new initiative comes after several years of anticipation, culminating in March 2025 when the Rabat-Salé Urban Agency finally approved the urban planning framework for the city. This plan introduced various innovative projects focused on enhancing the green spaces in the capital and included six transformative urban projects, such as the northern corniche of Rabat and the development of major infrastructural facilities.
As reported by medias24.com.
