From a young age, Boubker Benjelloun stood out not only as a talented swimmer but also as a visionary dreamer. Representing his country on the national swimming team, he dedicated countless hours to the sport. He vividly recalls his mother, a constant pillar of support, sitting by the poolside for hours on end, cheering him on as he perfected his strokes.
But Benjelloun's time in the water was more than just about athletic excellence. As he glided through the water for countless hours, his mind was abuzz with ideas, sketching in his imagination the most exquisite urban landscapes and architectural marvels. This unique blend of physical discipline and creative ingenuity set the stage for what would become a distinguished career in urban design, architecture and real estate development.
Recollecting those early days of childhood, Boubker says: "During those countless hours spent slicing through the water, where the world seemed to quiet except for the rhythm of my strokes, my mind was always racing, constructing and deconstructing what could become the perfect urban landscape or architecture. Each lap was more than just training for competitions; it was a creative session, where I pieced together my dreams of designing spaces that could inspire and connect people."
Despite his passion for swimming and architecture, Boubker Benjelloun initially pursued a career in the dental sector, primarily to please his family. He established one of the most successful clinics in Paris, but his thoughts constantly drifted back to his true passions: architecture and urban development.
The turning point came when Boubker stumbled upon a real estate opportunity that beckoned him back to Morocco. With a bit of luck, his first project in Casablanca involved purchasing a villa in a neighborhood that soon transformed into a commercial hub for high-end and top brands. This fortunate turn of events allowed him to sell the villa and reinvest the money into several very successful projects. Despite these achievements, Boubker still felt unfulfilled, as his ultimate dream was to design and revolutionize the real estate industry.
Boubker's early days in Morocco were fraught with challenges. Operating without a comprehensive support team led to significant business setbacks. These experiences were harsh but invaluable, teaching him the critical importance of legal and financial oversight in large-scale projects.
At the age of 40, determined to pursue even bigger projects, Boubker moved to Dubai, a city synonymous with architectural ambition and innovation. Here, he met with some of the most influential real estate magnates and billionaires, who quickly recognized his exceptional talent. They were struck by Boubker's clear vision and his unique ability to visualize the final project even before the first sketch. Impressed by his foresight and creativity, these industry leaders decided to invest in him. This pivotal moment sparked a series of projects that spanned the globe, from India to Singapore, the Middle East, the USA, and Europe. The success story was launched, becoming an unstoppable force in the world of property development. Boubker finally fulfilled his dream of designing and masterminding some of the most extraordinary property developments worldwide.
Boubker’s structural designs are not ‘academic’ but are ‘free and independent’. They have an inherent appeal that is difficult to describe but all too apparent to the eye. Perhaps the best example of Boubker’s remarkable architectural design is the Como Tower in Palm Jumeirah destined to become a landmark in the architecturally rich city of Dubai.
During the design process, Boubker faced significant opposition from some of the most renowned engineers in the world. The challenge arose from his ambitious concept of incorporating a massive arch at the base of the building—a design element that posed a considerable challenge to the balance and stability of the structure. Despite the skepticism, Benjelloun passionately defended his vision and managed to convince everyone of its feasibility. Ultimately, his bold idea was successfully realized, cementing his reputation as a visionary architect. The market acknowledged the extravagance and beauty of the Como Tower, leading to the sale of the world's most expensive front beach penthouse within this iconic building for approximately USD 150 million.
Boubker elaborates on the Como Towers and states, “It was just instinct that made me design the Como Tower the way it ultimately ended up looking. Sometimes, you have a deep feeling of doing right when designing a project. And I always had that feeling when it came to the Como Tower.”
Boubker's previous experiences in Morocco made him realise that conducting a sustainable and successful business requires a strong structure and the support of the best teams. Now, he leads a conglomerate with companies active in several sectors, including architecture, design, engineering, and media, employing more than 300 people.
This determined businessman has no intention of stopping. A visit to one of his Dubai offices, surrounded by lush vegetation and plants, reveals multiple projects in the pipeline, each more extravagant and ambitious than the last. Alongside his business partner, Ben Piper, they aspire to become the architects for humanity. Looking ahead, Benjelloun Piper Architecture (https://benjellounpiperarchitecture.com/) plans are as ambitious as they are inspiring. Projects like the Museum of Humanity and the largest football stadium in the world are underway, poised to redefine not just architectural standards but also the role such structures play in community and cultural engagement. These projects are designed to be more than landmarks; they are meant to be hubs of human connection and cultural exchange.
“Every corner of my office is a testament to the lessons from my father—a talented landscaper who knew every plant like an old friend. As a child, I would hold up a plant from our garden, and he would always, without fail, tell me its name. This deep-rooted connection to nature profoundly shapes my approach to architecture, where the integration of vegetation isn't just an aesthetic choice but a homage to those cherished moments with my father."
Beyond the UAE, Boubker's projects have spanned the globe, from Europe to the USA, and Asia, each marked by his signature blend of innovation and utility. Parallel to his architectural career, Boubker has nurtured a deep commitment to philanthropy
The creation of his Family Foundation, B. Foundation is a testament to Boubker’s expansive vision transcending the realms of architecture and venturing deeply into humanitarian efforts. This foundation is not merely an extension of his business; it is the heart of his legacy. Dedicated to improving the lives of the underprivileged, the foundation strategically focuses on long-term solutions such as education and community development, moving beyond the mere provision of temporary relief.
The inaugural chapter of the B Foundation has begun in Ethiopia, where the focus is on empowering local communities to rise above poverty through sustainable initiatives. This is just the starting point; Boubker plans to expand these efforts, spreading the foundation’s influence and programs across other regions in need. His vision includes assembling a global network of talented individuals, including Nobel laureates, to drive these initiatives forward, ensuring that each project has a profound and lasting impact.
Boubker’s commitment to the foundation is profound and personal. He has pledged to allocate a significant portion of the profits from his diverse business ventures to fuel this ambitious project. His goal is clear: to leave a legacy that continues to give and grow, long after the buildings have been erected. For Boubker, the ultimate reward comes from the profound sense of joy and fulfillment he receives when witnessing the tangible effects of his contributions—the smiles of gratitude and the hopeful eyes of those whose lives are being transformed by the foundation.
His guiding philosophy—"The true measure of a man is not in what he keeps, but in what he gives"—echoes through every facet of his work. In Boubker’s vision, true happiness and success are found in the impact one can make on the world, and in the legacy of positive change one leaves behind. This philosophy shapes every decision and project, making the B Foundation not just an act of charity, but a beacon of hope and a model of sustainable philanthropy.
As Boubker Benjelloun continues to build and innovate, his most enduring designs are perhaps those that lie within the evolving landscape of human potential. Through the B Foundation, he is not only constructing buildings but also building futures, proving that the greatest structures we can create are the communities we uplift and the lives we change.
Boubker says : “ It's a childhood dream, a dream that has grown with me, a dream that accompanies me every day, every moment, occupying my mind entirely. It's about helping the most deprived, the most disadvantaged, those whom life has not spared. Indeed, this foundation is beginning to create movements across Africa. Currently, we are working on an extraordinary application and the establishment of a board composed of former Nobel laureates and influential figures so that in the years to come, these initiatives can be replicated and thus reach the poorest places in the world. And in my opinion, this is the extraordinary achievement and incredible happiness that everyone should aspire to."
As Boubker Benjelloun continues to push the boundaries of architecture and philanthropy, his journey from a disciplined swimmer to a visionary architect encapsulates a narrative of relentless pursuit of passion and purpose. His impact extends beyond the skyline; it reaches into the heart of communities, fostering change and inspiring future generations. In a world where architecture and philanthropy intersect, Boubker stands as a testament to the power of visionary thinking and enduring human spirit.
