At the intersection of technological innovation and heritage promotion, a new immersive tourism experience is emerging in Rabat. The concept invites visitors to rediscover the Moroccan capital as it existed during the Almohad era, blending real-world travel with virtual reconstruction in a way that reshapes cultural exploration.
Designed by Rabat-born entrepreneur Oussama Dghoughi, the experience transforms a simple boat crossing on the Bouregreg River into a journey through time, reconnecting Rabat and Salé through history as well as geography.
An Immersive Journey Between Rabat and Salé
Equipped with a virtual reality headset, participants board a traditional boat and follow the real river route while discovering digitally reconstructed scenes from medieval Morocco. Architecture, daily life, and landscapes from the Almohad period unfold before their eyes, aligned with the physical movement of the boat.
The originality of the experience lies in this dual immersion: a real journey enhanced by a historical narrative, offering a new way to engage with Morocco’s past. A video shared by Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, highlighted the multidisciplinary team behind the project and revealed the involvement of 72 local boatmen, now fully integrated into the initiative.
Innovation Serving a Booming Tourism Sector
This immersive concept arrives at a time of strong momentum for Moroccan tourism. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social Economy, the Kingdom welcomed 18 million tourists in the first eleven months of 2025, already surpassing the total recorded in 2024. The impact of Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has further boosted visitor numbers, particularly in host cities.
Supported through the ministry’s 2023–2026 incubation program, this project reflects Morocco’s evolving tourism strategy—one that places innovation, cultural depth, and immersive experiences at the heart of destination development.
