Moroccan Opposition Journalist Dounia Filali Reveals: The King’s Adviser’s Son and His Zionist Partner — The Business Empire of “El Himma Jr.” and the Commerce of Normalisation
In an investigative report that has generated widespread attention, Moroccan opposition journalist Dounia Filali examines business interests linked to the son of royal adviser Fouad Ali El Himma, describing commercial partnerships with Zionist businessmen and arguing that Morocco’s normalisation agreements have created significant economic opportunities for politically connected networks.
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — In an investigative report that has generated widespread attention, Moroccan opposition journalist Dounia Filali examines what she describes as the intersection of political influence and economic interests at the highest levels of power in Morocco. The investigation focuses on the growing business empire of Abdelouali Ali El Himma, son of Fouad Ali El Himma—adviser to King Mohammed VI, the monarch’s childhood friend and founder of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM)—while exploring business partnerships with Zionist economic actors. The report presents these developments as illustrating how Morocco’s normalisation agreements have benefited politically connected business networks at the expense of the national economy and Moroccan consumers’ purchasing power.
The documents and information presented by Filali trace the transformation of normalisation and international relations into a gateway for the rapid accumulation of family wealth, while ordinary Moroccans continue to bear the burden of drought, inflation and deteriorating living conditions.
The Father’s Influence and Control over Consultancy and Public Contracts
Filali begins her investigation by examining the influence exercised by royal adviser Fouad Ali El Himma within Morocco’s state institutions, highlighting a conflict between political authority and economic interests.
She notes that El Himma owns Mena Media Consulting, a media consultancy which, according to the report, secured major contracts with Morocco’s Interior Ministry—where he previously served as Minister Delegate—particularly in the fields of monitoring and tracking social media platforms.
The investigation also describes him as playing a central role in restructuring Morocco’s public media landscape, directing state support towards selected media outlets, while identifying him as one of the principal architects of the Abraham Accords and Morocco’s rapprochement with Israel.
The Business Empire of “El Himma Jr.” and the Exploitation of Normalisation
Filali examines the rapid financial rise of Abdelouali Ali El Himma, who, while still in his early thirties, moved from a banking career to become a principal partner in the investment fund Capital 54, which has expanded into several of Morocco’s most strategic economic sectors.
According to the investigation, one of the fund’s subsidiaries, Agri 54, has invested in large-scale avocado and citrus production projects targeting European export markets through partnerships and business links with major Zionist companies, including Global Farming Morocco.
The report notes that these water-intensive agricultural projects have expanded at a time when Morocco is facing severe drought and declining water resources, circumstances that have led to restrictions affecting ordinary citizens.
Partnership with a Zionist Business Figure
The investigation also presents documentary evidence of a direct business connection between Abdelouali Ali El Himma and Michael Baz, brother of Zionist businessman Yariv Baz, through their joint membership on the board of Skylift Holding, a company operating in the lifts and infrastructure sector.
Filali describes Yariv Baz as a key intermediary between Rabat, Tel Aviv and Washington, while noting that the investment group’s activities have expanded into additional sectors, including coffee and tea imports through Roaster 54, as well as contracts involving lifts and infrastructure for hospitals, hotels and projects linked to preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Oil and Gas Projects
The investigation also examines energy projects, stating that more than 33,000 square metres of offshore exploration areas were awarded to NewMed Energy and Adarco Energy, the latter described as being owned by Yariv Baz.
According to the report, the arrangement granted the companies a 75% stake in an oil and gas project in occupied Boujdour, while the Moroccan state retained the remaining 25%.
The Investigation’s Conclusions
The investigative report concludes by presenting a stark reality facing Moroccan society: that the normalisation agreements have delivered little to ordinary citizens beyond rising living costs and deepening water shortages, while providing the family of the King’s adviser and its network of Zionist business associates with a commercially advantageous framework for expanding market access and consolidating control over strategic sectors of the economy. According to the report, this dynamic lays bare the convergence of political power and economic interests, reducing the country’s national wealth to the preserve of entrenched centres of influence.
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