Inside Somaliland: How Berbera Port is central to the Red Sea's power struggle

Somaliland's Berbera Port plays a pivotal role in the multifaceted power struggle surrounding the Red Sea. While DP World's $45 million investment in the port has transformed it into a thriving business hub, employing 1,350 people, regional politics has hampered its progress. The UAE, a major player in the region, is increasing its military presence in Berbera, positioning itself as a significant player in the area's geopolitical landscape.

This strategic move comes as the Houthis in Yemen and Somalia, which has recently received new arms from Turkey, vie for control over the port. For Ahmed, the commercial director of DP World in the Horn of Africa, Berbera represents an opportunity for Somaliland to create jobs and showcase its newfound professional capabilities.

The port's recent modernization, including the introduction of ship-to-shore gantries and improved infrastructure, has brought about a marked shift from manual labor to advanced software systems. The UAE's influence in the region extends beyond Berbera, as evidenced by the construction of a board school and a bypass around Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland's Somali region.

With its strategic location, Berbera Port serves as a gateway for trade between Africa and the East, making it a crucial asset for the UAE's expansion across East Africa.