By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Saudi Arabia, 3 July 2026 – Somalia held its first Independence Day celebration in Saudi Arabia in 35 years as the embassy in Riyadh hosted the 66th anniversary event.
According to Somalia’s embassy in Saudi Arabia, the event marked the first official July 1 celebration hosted in Riyadh since the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991.
Somalia’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Amin Sheikh Osman, welcomed Saudi officials, diplomats, business leaders, media representatives and members of the Somali community.
Among the attendees were Riyadh Mayor Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf and officials from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ambassador said July 1 symbolizes Somalia’s independence, unity and statehood.
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Osman said Somalia is making progress in peacebuilding efforts and highlighted investment opportunities in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, mining, ports and the blue economy.
The ambassador noted that Somalia and Saudi Arabia share a longstanding relationship built on brotherhood, cooperation and mutual respect.
Riyadh Mayor Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf congratulated Somalia’s government and people on the occasion and expressed hopes for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Somalia.
Officials said the event reflects Somalia’s diplomatic recovery and the strengthening of ties with Saudi Arabia.