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Doha – The city of Tangier is intensifying its preparations for upcoming major sporting events, with municipal authorities announcing comprehensive plans focusing on transportation and urban development initiatives, according to Mayor Mounir Laymouri.
“The commune of Tangier will spare no effort, within its prerogatives, to contribute to the success of upcoming international events, particularly the 2025 African Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, in partnership with all stakeholders, led by the Regional Wilaya and other participants, including citizens,” Laymouri told MAP in an interview.
The mayor acknowledged that FIFA’s recent report highlighted specific challenges in transportation and accommodation that need addressing.
In response, the city has launched several key initiatives, including a significant investment in public transportation infrastructure.
A major development includes the tender launch by Tanja Mobilité, the local development company, for the acquisition of new high-quality buses with an investment of MAD 1.124 billion ($112.4 million).
Additionally, the city has initiated studies for implementing its first high-quality urban bus transit line (BRT).
To address traffic congestion, the municipality has implemented an intelligent road signaling system at major avenues and roundabouts.
“The expected results of this system will be felt gradually, as it complements major projects currently being implemented, such as the development of the urban transport network and the improvement of transport-related infrastructure,” Laymouri explained.
The city is also focusing on accommodation capacity. According to Laymouri, the municipality is working within an integrated system of institutional stakeholders through the Regional Investment Center, offering facilities and incentives to investors while expediting the processing of investment files to accelerate project completion.
In terms of urban development, Tangier is actively expanding its green spaces, which currently cover approximately 460 hectares.
The municipal council allocated MAD 79 million ($7.9 million) to green spaces in 2023, aiming to increase the current ratio of 3.15 square meters per inhabitant to meet the recommended global average of 10 square meters per person.
Looking ahead to infrastructure management, Laymouri, who also chairs the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Territorial Collectivities Group, announced that a new regional multiservice company will progressively replace current utility service providers starting June 1, overseeing water, electricity, and liquid sanitation services across 171 territorial collectivities in the region.
These developments build upon Tangier’s significant progress over the past two decades, including the Tangier-Metropolis program and the rehabilitation of the old Medina, positioning the city to meet the demands of hosting major international sporting events in the coming years.
The FIFA evaluation report, released in early December 2024, revealed concerning scores for Tangier. The city received a low rating of 2.2 out of 5 for accommodation and 2.6 for transportation, placing it behind other host cities in these crucial infrastructure categories.
While Tangier’s Ibn Battouta Stadium, which was renovated to accommodate 65,000 spectators for the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup, demonstrates the city’s potential to host major events, the infrastructure gaps pose considerable hurdles.
In response to these findings, Mayor Laymouri had previously emphasized the municipality’s commitment to addressing FIFA’s observations.
In particular, the mayor pledged comprehensive improvements to public transport and hotel capacity through accelerated development programs and investment incentives.
Read also: 2030 World Cup: Morocco Unveils Plan to Upgrade Fez’s Infrastructure
