Fez – In a move aimed at strengthening regional economic ties, the Arab Union of Construction and Real Estate Development has launched its Maghreb regional office in Casablanca, positioning Morocco as a strategic hub for investment and cooperation between Arab and African markets.
According to Moroccan state media, the new office was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of Moroccan, diplomatic, and international figures, alongside institutional representatives and private sector actors.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to deepen cooperation between Arab countries and the African continent, particularly in construction and real estate development.
The Maghreb office is expected to serve as a regional platform to promote investment, support sustainable urban development, and facilitate cross-border real estate projects.
It will also focus on strengthening public-private partnerships and encouraging high-value projects that can contribute to local economic growth.
Officials said the choice of Morocco was driven by its strategic geographic position and its growing role as a gateway to African markets.
The office aims to bring together expertise from across the Arab world and Africa, while promoting innovation and knowledge exchange in the sector.
As part of the launch, Mohamed Rachid Tadlaoui was appointed Regional Director for the Maghreb, alongside a team representing several countries in the region.
This new structure will also provide legal and financial support to investors and work toward setting common standards in urban planning, construction, and digitalisation, the union pledged.
Speaking at the event, CREDA Union President Laheq Al Otibi described the opening as a key step in strengthening regional cooperation in real estate development.
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He expressed hope that the office would act as a catalyst for partnerships and sector growth across the Arab world.
For his part, Tadlaoui said the office would focus on attracting investment, particularly in sustainable development projects, and on reinforcing Morocco’s role as a bridge between Arab and African economies.
The Secretary-General of the union, Salah Eddine Elbadry, noted that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand the organisation’s presence in the region.
He also announced plans to establish another regional office in Laâyoune to enhance engagement with southern provinces and African markets.
The launch ceremony was marked by the signing of several partnership agreements in construction and real estate, highlighting growing interest in cross-regional collaboration.
Participants from Africa welcomed the initiative, pointing to urgent housing needs across the continent. Representatives noted that sub-Saharan Africa faces a significant housing deficit, underlining the importance of coordinated efforts to support sustainable urban development.
The new office is expected to play a central role in addressing these challenges by fostering cooperation, mobilising investment, and aligning development strategies across regions.
