The UAE ambassador’s sudden departure from Somalia following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has fueled assessments that Abu Dhabi quietly supports the move.
The ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Somalia reportedly left Mogadishu just hours after Israel officially recognized Somaliland, a move that immediately reverberated across the Horn of Africa.
Notably, the UAE has refrained from issuing any public condemnation of Israel’s recognition — a sharp contrast to reactions from Somalia and several other regional actors. According to diplomatic and regional assessments, this silence is not accidental. Behind the scenes, the UAE is widely understood to be supportive of Somaliland and of Israel’s decision to extend recognition.
The Emirates maintain a significant military and economic footprint in Somaliland, including strategic infrastructure, security cooperation, and investments tied to Red Sea and Gulf of Aden trade routes. These interests align closely with Israel’s growing strategic outreach in the region, particularly in countering hostile actors, securing maritime corridors, and reshaping regional alliances.
