RH: The relationship between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Somaliland has grown into a diverse partnership, encompassing diplomatic, economic, and military dimensions.
Diplomatic Relations
In March 2021, the UAE became the first Arab nation to appoint a diplomat to Hargeisa, with Abdulla Al-Naqbi serving as its ambassador. This landmark move significantly strengthened bilateral ties. Somaliland, in turn, maintains a representative office in the UAE, which plays a key role in fostering diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
This week, Somaliland’s newly elected president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillaahi (Irro), appointed Masoud Abdi Ali Hassan as the new representative to lead Somaliland's diplomatic office in the UAE. This appointment reflects Somaliland's commitment to deepening its ties with the UAE.
Economic Collaboration
The UAE has emerged as a key economic partner for Somaliland, with notable investments in infrastructure. In 2016, DP World, a Dubai-based global logistics company, secured a 30-year concession to manage and develop the Port of Berbera. The project aims to transform Berbera into a major regional trade hub, fostering economic growth and expanding trade opportunities for Somaliland.
Military Cooperation
In 2017, Somaliland’s parliament approved the establishment of a UAE military base in Berbera, alongside the redevelopment of Berbera Airport. This strategic move highlights Somaliland’s geopolitical importance and reflects the UAE’s interest in enhancing its military presence in the Horn of Africa.
Travel and Connectivity
The partnership between the UAE and Somaliland extends to travel and mobility. Holders of the Somaliland passport can travel to the UAE, highlighting the strengthened ties between the two regions. Additionally, two major airlines—Flydubai and Air Arabia—operate multiple weekly flights to Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, providing vital connectivity for trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagements.
Development Assistance
The UAE has extended both financial and project-based assistance to Somaliland, targeting key sectors such as education, civil service reform, transport, health, judiciary, defense, and police. These contributions have played a vital role in advancing Somaliland’s development objectives, addressing critical infrastructure and capacity-building needs.
Regional Dynamics
The UAE’s engagement with Somaliland carries significant implications for regional geopolitics. While the Federal Government of Somalia continues to assert its territorial integrity, the UAE’s direct dealings with Somaliland have been viewed by some as a challenge to Somali sovereignty. Furthermore, the UAE’s presence in Somaliland has the potential to intensify rivalries with other regional players, including Turkey and Qatar, who also have vested interests in the Horn of Africa.
This evolving partnership between the UAE and Somaliland underscores the growing importance of Somaliland as a strategic and economic partner in the region, despite its contested international status.
This report was prepared by
Mohamed-Amiin Siyad Abdi,
Editor at Radio Hormuud Denmark.