HARGEISA — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro departed Thursday on a working visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he plans to engage in several days of talks with Emirati officials .
Irro is leading a high-level delegation to attend the annual World Governments Summit in Dubai, a trip initiated by a formal invitation from the UAE government. During the summit, the President is expected to present Somaliland’s achievements in state-building, democratic processes, and stability relative to the broader Horn of Africa region .
This marks one of multiple trips Irro has undertaken to the Gulf nation since assuming office, with his previous visit in October 2025 including participation in the Africa Debate Conference in Dubai and meetings with Somaliland business leaders based in the UAE to scale up key sectors such as energy, logistics, and infrastructure .
Strategic Economic Ties with UAE
In addition to multilateral summit participation, the delegation will engage in high-level bilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi focused on trade relations and investment opportunities, domains where the UAE remains a pivotal partner . The Emirati logistics giant DP World has invested approximately $442 million in the development of the Berbera Port and has unveiled a new maritime corridor connecting the UAE’s Jebel Ali Port with Berbera Port, positioning Berbera as a central gateway for regional commerce .
DP World has confirmed that its operations at the Berbera Port will continue under existing agreements, defying the Somali government’s move to nullify all pacts with the UAE. The company emphasized its commitment to the facility’s safe and efficient operation, highlighting its role in providing economic advantages for Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa .
Diplomatic Rift Between Somalia and UAE
Irro’s journey occurs amid continuing tensions between the UAE and Somalia’s central government, which have escalated dramatically in recent months . On January 12, 2026, Somalia’s Council of Ministers officially announced the termination of all bilateral agreements with the UAE, nullifying defense, security, and port cooperation pacts, citing “strong evidence” of actions detrimental to Somalia’s national unity .
The current crisis was ignited on December 26, 2025, when Israel became the first UN member state to officially recognize the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign state. Although the UAE formally rejected Israel’s move during an emergency Arab League summit, Somali officials remain deeply skeptical, pointing to the UAE’s long-term investment in the Port of Berbera and deep political ties with Hargeisa as the true catalyst for Israel’s decision .
Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi defended Mogadishu’s decision to suspend all agreements with Abu Dhabi, describing the move as a necessary response to “violations that directly affected the country’s sovereignty”. He stressed that all military bases operating in Somalia must be under the direct authority of the Federal Government .
UAE Suspends Security Support
Despite Mogadishu’s directive for the UAE to remove all military equipment from Somalia, Abu Dhabi maintains a presence in the breakaway region. Somalia’s Foreign Minister confirmed that the UAE has suspended security aid to Somalia following Mogadishu’s formal withdrawal from bilateral agreements, noting that the bulk of Emirati assistance had been targeted at bolstering Somalia’s military and security institutions .
Tensions between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi have been further underscored when Somalia notably excluded the UAE from its initial diplomatic statement condemning Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf nations, only issuing a separate statement addressing Iran’s attacks on the UAE several hours later .
Personal and Political Realignments
The rift has manifested in significant policy shifts and symbolic personal actions. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud quietly moved his family from the UAE to Egypt in late December, signaling a personal and political break from Abu Dhabi. The UAE has reportedly begun accepting Somaliland passports while imposing severe restrictions on Somali passport holders .
While most Somali states condemned the Somaliland recognition, Puntland and Jubaland — both recipients of Emirati support — have notably refrained from doing so . On January 4, 2026, Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali met with Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh, securing a “firm commitment” to Somalia’s territorial integrity .
Emerging “Stability Bloc”
As Somalia moves away from the UAE’s orbit, it is cementing a new alliance with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt — a “Stability Bloc” aimed at countering the fragmentation of the Horn of Africa . Turkey has reaffirmed that Somalia’s integrity is “non-negotiable,” while Egypt has increased military deliveries to Mogadishu following a 2024 defense pact .
Parallel Diplomatic Outreach to Israel
The president’s departure coincided with a statement from Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs extending “heartfelt congratulations” to Israel on the occasion of its Independence Day, emphasizing Somaliland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation . This diplomatic message accompanies the broader strategic picture of Somaliland deepening ties with the UAE and Israel .
Outlook
The continuing rift between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi represents a significant shift in regional dynamics, with Somalia pivoting toward Saudi Arabia and Turkey while distancing itself from the UAE . For Somaliland, the deepening relationship with the UAE and Israel represents a strategic asset in its long-standing quest for international legitimacy and economic development .
As Somaliland continues to strengthen its ties with the UAE and Israel, the Federal Government of Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national unity and opposing any measures that threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Somali Republic .
