Jemaa el-Fna: up to 160 million DH for a result already drawing criticism

In November 2025, the first deputy mayor of the Marrakech Municipal Council indicated that 68 million dirhams had been allocated to the redevelopment project for the famous square.

On Bladi.net : Marrakech’s Iconic Jemaa El Fna Square to Undergo $10 Million Renovation

But the main contract awarded by Al Omrane Marrakech-Safi alone amounts to 114 million dirhams. Other presentations of the overall Jemaa el-Fna transformation program have put the total budget at 160 million.

These amounts do not necessarily cover exactly the same work. The 160 million dirhams may notably include broader improvements than the new paving alone. Their succession nevertheless raises questions about the operation’s actual cost and the allocation of the expenditure.

The controversy comes as the new face of Jemaa el-Fna had already drawn considerable criticism from the earliest improvements.

A new surface already under scrutiny

The new natural-stone paving, presented as suitable for the square’s heavy footfall, was quickly criticized for its dull and deteriorated appearance in some areas.

Cleaning and maintenance operations have since been observed in the square, reviving questions about the choice of material and its suitability for Jemaa el-Fna’s activities, particularly the numerous food stalls.

The project does not, moreover, concern only the ground. New kiosks are still due to replace some stands, while the program also covers walkways, horse-drawn carriages, public toilets and several facilities intended for visitors.

On Bladi.net : Marrakech’s Iconic Jemaa El Fna Square Gets 119 Million Dirham Makeover and High-Tech Security Upgrade

The criticism now concerns both the maintenance required after the work and the increase in the amounts associated with the redevelopment.