Saudi Arabia is reassessing its approach to the Horn of Africa as developments in Somalia highlight a growing alignment between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, reshaping regional dynamics along one of the world’s most strategically vital maritime corridors.

Diplomatic and security activity in Somalia has accelerated in recent months, with the UAE deepening its economic and port investments while expanding security cooperation in key coastal areas.

Israel, which has broadened its diplomatic and security partnerships across parts of Africa in recent years, has also sought closer ties in the region, particularly in maritime security and counterterrorism cooperation.

For Riyadh, the Horn of Africa holds significant strategic importance.

The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes are critical to Saudi Arabia’s energy exports and trade flows.

Stability along these routes forms a central pillar of the kingdom’s national security and economic diversification strategy.

Saudi officials have intensified diplomatic engagement with Somali authorities and neighbouring states, emphasising development partnerships, humanitarian assistance and maritime security coordination.

Observers say the kingdom is seeking to reinforce its longstanding relationships while ensuring that evolving regional alignments do not marginalise its influence.

The UAE has invested heavily in port infrastructure and logistics projects across the Horn of Africa, positioning itself as a major commercial and security actor.

Its activities in Somalia have included support for port operations and training programmes.

Israel’s expanding regional outreach has focused on security collaboration and intelligence-sharing in areas facing extremist threats.

Analysts note that Somalia’s internal political complexity and security challenges make it a focal point for external powers seeking both economic opportunity and strategic footholds.

The federal government in Mogadishu continues to balance relationships with multiple partners while confronting persistent militant threats and state-building challenges.

Saudi Arabia’s response reflects a broader recalibration of Gulf competition in East Africa, where infrastructure investment, maritime access and political partnerships intersect.

As regional powers seek influence along key trade routes, Somalia has emerged as a significant arena for diplomatic manoeuvring.

The coming months are expected to test how these overlapping partnerships evolve, particularly as maritime security and infrastructure development remain central to economic and geopolitical calculations across the Red Sea basin.