Somalia–UAE relations have grown into a strong and multifaceted partnership.
Rooted in shared history and reinforced by mutual interests, this alliance touches on diplomacy, development, trade, and security.
As both countries navigate a shifting regional landscape, their cooperation is helping to shape the future of the Horn of Africa.
Historical Ties and Diplomatic Foundations
Somalia and the UAE enjoy historical ties that date back centuries.
Trade routes across the Red Sea once connected Somali coastal cities with Arabian ports.
In today’s era, both countries maintain embassies in each other’s capitals—Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi—reflecting sustained diplomatic engagement.
Over the years, the UAE has supported Somalia’s federal government through aid, infrastructure projects, and security assistance.
High-level visits and bilateral meetings continue to strengthen Somalia–UAE relations.
In March 2025, UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan visited Mogadishu and met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to reaffirm their shared goals and deepen collaboration.
Somalia–UAE Relations Support Infrastructure Development
The UAE has emerged as one of Somalia’s key development partners.
It has invested significantly in rebuilding infrastructure in Somalia’s most underserved regions.
Emirati-funded projects have included hospitals, water wells, and schools—many of which were launched in regions recently liberated from Al-Shabaab.
In a recent example, Somalia’s government and the UAE launched a joint water wells project to bring clean water to drought-hit communities in southern and central Somalia.
This came just days after UAE officials met Somali disaster management leaders in Mogadishu on July 8, 2025, to plan the fast delivery of humanitarian aid to struggling communities.
The initiative is expected to benefit over 200,000 people.
UAE-Backed Companies Investments in Somalia’s Strategic Ports and Fisheries
Meanwhile, UAE-backed companies are investing in Somalia’s strategic ports and fisheries.
In early 2025, the Ministry of Fisheries signed an agreement with AD Ports Group, an Abu Dhabi-based logistics firm, to develop port infrastructure for Somalia’s blue economy.
This includes plans for cold storage, fisheries processing, and modern cargo handling in coastal cities.
Somalia–UAE Relations Focus on Countering Terrorism
Security is a pillar of Somalia–UAE relations.
The UAE has long supported the Somali armed forces through training, equipment, and funding.
Elite units, such as the Danab Brigade, have received direct support from Emirati trainers and logistical teams.
UAE assistance has also included salaries, vehicles, and communications tools.
Security Challenges
However, Somalia–UAE relations have faced challenges.
In February 2024, a suicide bomber from Al-Shabaab has attacked a Somali military base in Mogadishu, killing three UAE military officers and one Bahraini officer.
They were in Somalia to train local forces.
This incident marked one of the most serious attacks on Emirati personnel abroad, but it did not derail the relationship.
In response, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to continue joint counterterrorism efforts.
Somali officials stressed the importance of UAE support, while the Emiratis reiterated their dedication to stabilizing Somalia.
Trade and Economic Ties
Trade between Somalia and the UAE continues to flourish.
The UAE is one of Somalia’s top trading partners and a key destination for Somali exports such as livestock, hides, fish, and agricultural products.
Dubai is a major export hub for Somali livestock, with camels, goats, and sheep heading to Gulf markets throughout the year.
Somali Entrepreneurs in the UAE
Additionally, thousands of Somali entrepreneurs live and work in the UAE, especially in Dubai.
They send millions of dollars in remittances to families and invest in small businesses across Somalia. Somali leaders acknowledge that many of the country’s largest business operations are connected to Emirati capital and markets.
In 2025, the UAE also agreed to cancel a portion of Somalia’s national debt, unlocking funds for development and federal integration.
As the Somali economy recovers, both countries are exploring new opportunities in agriculture, shipping, and fisheries.
Regional Politics and Power Dynamics
While the UAE supports Somalia’s federal government, it also maintains strong ties with regional states such as Puntland and Somaliland.
These decentralized relationships have led to investments in local ports, like Berbera and Bosaso, often without federal approval.
For example, DP World, a UAE state-owned ports operator, manages Berbera port in Somaliland and has expanded Bosaso port in Puntland.
While these projects have brought infrastructure growth, they’ve also created political friction with Mogadishu.
Somali leaders argue that all foreign deals must go through the federal government.
Read also: Somali President Meets El-Sisi at El Alamein to Deepen Cooperation
Commitment to the Somali-Emirati Partnership
In February 2025, controversy erupted when Somaliland’s president was invited to speak at a UAE-hosted summit.
The Somali government strongly condemned the move and warned the UAE not to recognize Somaliland separately, reaffirming that “Somaliland is part and parcel of Somalia.”
Despite this tension, Somalia’s federal officials continue to express commitment to the UAE partnership, emphasizing the need for coordinated investment strategies that respect national sovereignty.
Somalia–UAE Relations: Recent Developments – July 2025
This week, Somalia and the UAE reaffirmed their cooperation with a key meeting on July 8, 2025.
Somali Disaster Management Commissioner Mohamud Moalim met UAE Ambassador Ahmed Al-Rumaithi to discuss accelerating emergency aid shipments.
The UAE promised to deliver urgent food and water supplies to drought-affected areas, with both sides agreeing to expand the existing water wells project.
This visit comes amid broader cooperation on rebuilding Somalia’s infrastructure and preparing the country for further federalization and economic revival.
The UAE’s consistent involvement in Somali affairs—both through development and diplomacy—demonstrates its long-term interest in regional stability.
Somalia–UAE Relations: Challenges and the Road Ahead
While Somalia–UAE relations have seen impressive growth, challenges remain. Political disputes, attacks on foreign personnel, and decentralization issues have all tested the partnership. Still, both countries appear committed to maintaining a balanced, forward-looking relationship.
Somalia is seeking more structured investments, transparency in agreements, and enhanced cooperation on job creation, trade, and security. The UAE, meanwhile, views Somalia as a key gateway to Africa—strategically located along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade routes.
With proper coordination, Somalia–UAE relations have the potential to become a model of strategic diplomacy and regional cooperation in East Africa.
