A bold new chapter is unfolding just outside Essaouira, where a groundbreaking development is set to transform Douar Laârab. Spanning 22 hectares, this future Economic Activity Zone (EAZ) is more than just another industrial site—it represents a forward-thinking approach to growth, aimed at fostering sustainable employment, bolstering the local economy, and guiding industrialization with care.
What’s taking shape here is a vision of responsible development that aligns with today’s pressing priorities: regional competitiveness, ecological balance, and innovation-led industry. The Douar Laârab EAZ is designed to be much more than a cluster of factory plots. It’s poised to become a model hub, rooted in Morocco’s broader goals of advanced regionalization and guided by the pillars of the New Development Model.
One of the project’s core ambitions is sustainability. Drawing from the region’s renewable energy potential, this new zone hopes to attract companies seeking to merge profitability with environmental responsibility. With green credentials built into its design, the zone is expected to appeal strongly to investors who prioritize long-term value over short-term gain.
The initiative is already well underway. A recent coordination meeting highlighted major milestones: the project’s blueprint has been finalized, broken down into five core areas—legal, technical, urban planning, operational, and administrative. Specific guidelines are now in place for land allocation, construction standards, development procedures, and the future marketing of lots.
With a detailed timeline in place, the coming weeks will be crucial. Tasks on deck include submitting the land development application, completing advanced technical studies, preparing bid documents for contractors, and signing key agreements to ensure access to the zone. The ultimate goal is to break ground by June.
But the ambition goes beyond infrastructure. The zone is designed to be fully integrated into the surrounding area, with plans for local facilities and forest monitoring stations that reinforce both safety and sustainability. Urban modernity here won’t come at the expense of local character—it’s about striking a balance between economic dynamism and environmental stewardship.
Technology will also play a major role. Advanced tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) will be used to streamline planning and manage land use efficiently. This smart approach is expected to give the project both clarity and resilience, ensuring it meets the needs of tomorrow as well as today.
A key part of the project is its dedication to preserving and promoting local craftsmanship. Out of the 150 lots to be developed, 25 will be set aside for artisanal work—with a special focus on thuya wood, a traditional craft that’s part of Essaouira’s cultural DNA. In blending innovation with heritage, the project aims to build an economy that’s not only productive but also rooted in identity.
Backed by a broad network of partners and managed by a dedicated local company, this initiative represents a new philosophy in territorial development: decentralized, inclusive, deeply connected to its region, and ready to meet the challenges of the future. With 13 large-scale plots among the 150 total, and a green corridor running through the site, the Douar Laârab EAZ promises to weave together urban comfort, environmental awareness, and economic vitality in a way that sets a new standard for regional planning.
