Moroccan entrepreneur transforms desert with luxury hotel and oasis plans

In Morocco, Mohamed Sbai, an entrepreneur from a semi-nomadic family in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, has made significant strides in the luxury tourism industry. Once a camel tender, he ventured into hunting meteorites and earned millions, which he reinvested into developing tourism infrastructure in his hometown. His most notable project is the Sbai Palace, a luxury hotel boasting European-style comforts, gardens, and amenities atypical of the surrounding desert landscape. As he continues constructing the palace, he has also initiated the concept of a luxury camping experience to cater to tourists seeking adventure in the Sahara. The hotel emphasizes local culture with its design, resisting French influences to focus on Moroccan artisanship and hospitality. With a commitment to community, Sbai employs local villagers at his hotel and actively trains them in hospitality, compensating for the lack of formal tourism education nearby. His dedication is seen in the hands-on approach he takes, often teaching essential skills to ensure guests receive quality service. The palace and the immersive desert experiences attract visitors not only for relaxation but also for adventures in the surrounding sandy terrain, promoting the unique experience M'Hamid El Ghizlane offers. Beyond the hotel, Sbai plans to plant about a thousand desert palm trees around a new luxury camp, enhancing the oasis experience for guests. This initiative marks a significant investment in the region's tourism appeal and aims to create a sustainable environment to attract tourists seeking serenity amidst harsh desert conditions. By bridging traditional nomadic practices with modern luxury, he hopes to put this remote area on the map as a destination for both relaxation and exploration. Each aspect of the palace and the adventure tourism reflects Sbai's vision of showcasing the beauty and culture of Moroccan desert life. Overall, the establishment of the Sbai Palace represents a larger narrative of entrepreneurship rooted in local heritage and the desire to uplift and educate the surrounding community while promoting tourism as a sustainable economic driver. His projects highlight a blend of ambition and respect for the local context, defining a new chapter for M'Hamid El Ghizlane as a unique tourist destination.