At least 50 Moroccan companies and hundreds of workers have not received payment for renovation and maintenance work totaling approximately $5 million at a palace in Tangier owned by Saudi Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). ([hrw.org](https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/02/11/workers-unpaid-for-renovating-saudi-princes-tangier-palace?utm_source=openai))
In 2023, the prince’s office contracted two Saudi firms, Modern Building Leaders (MBL) and Innovative Facility Management and Services (IFAS), to oversee the palace’s renovation. These companies subcontracted at least 50 Moroccan firms for various services. However, payments for labor, materials, and services reportedly ceased in October 2024, leaving outstanding dues of at least $5 million. Partial payments were made to some subcontractors in early 2025, but significant amounts remain unpaid. ([hrw.org](https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/02/11/workers-unpaid-for-renovating-saudi-princes-tangier-palace?utm_source=openai))
The non-payment has had severe consequences for the Moroccan subcontractors. At least 11 companies are facing bankruptcy, and hundreds of workers have lost their jobs. Some subcontractors have been unable to pay suppliers, leading to legal issues over bounced checks. Others have sold personal assets to cover debts. ([hrw.org](https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/02/11/workers-unpaid-for-renovating-saudi-princes-tangier-palace?utm_source=openai))
The responsibility for the non-payment remains unclear. Palace representatives claim they have fully paid MBL and IFAS, while the Saudi companies assert they have not received the necessary funds. HRW has sought clarification from the prince’s office and the Saudi contractors but has not received responses. ([hrw.org](https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/02/11/workers-unpaid-for-renovating-saudi-princes-tangier-palace?utm_source=openai))
This situation is not isolated. In September 2025, HRW reported that hundreds of migrant workers employed by Sendan International in Saudi Arabia had not received their salaries for up to eight months, including those working on projects for state-owned oil company Aramco. ([hrw.org](https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/09/10/saudi-arabia-migrant-workers-unpaid-for-months?utm_source=openai))
HRW emphasizes that companies have a responsibility to avoid practices that contribute to labor abuses, including delayed or unpaid wages. The organization calls on Saudi and Moroccan authorities to collaborate to ensure that all outstanding payments are made in full. ([hrw.org](https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/02/11/workers-unpaid-for-renovating-saudi-princes-tangier-palace?utm_source=openai))