Friday November 7, 2025
Riyadh (HOL) — Somalia and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to strengthen cooperation in sports
infrastructure and youth development, marking a major step in Somalia’s
post-conflict recovery and regional partnership efforts.
The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Somali Minister of
Youth and Sports Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali and Saudi Minister of Youth and Sports
H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal during a high-level ceremony.
Under the new accord, Saudi Arabia will support the
reconstruction of sports stadiums across Somalia, helping revive the country’s
long-neglected athletic facilities. The MoU also includes joint programs
focused on youth skills development, employment opportunities, and
institutional capacity building—key priorities for Somalia’s ongoing social and
economic recovery.
Minister Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali is also scheduled to hold a
series of follow-up meetings with ministers from other Arab League nations to
explore broader regional cooperation in youth empowerment and sports
development.
The signing came on the same day Mogadishu witnessed a
moment of national pride and unity, as Howlwadaag district’s football team
claimed the Banadir Regional Football Tournament title after defeating
Warsheikh district 2–1 in a closely contested final at Mogadishu Stadium.
Hundreds of fans packed the stands for the match, a scene
that Somali leaders described as a reflection of the capital’s growing sense of
peace and stability—an environment the new Saudi-Somali partnership aims to
further nurture through sports and youth engagement initiatives.