The Gulf states, led by the UAE, have significantly increased investment in infrastructure, real estate, hospitality, transport and telecommunications in the Horn of Africa (Abdi, 2017). DP World, the UAE’s multinational logistics company based in Dubai, has won concessions to manage several ports in the hands of national and sub-national governments, including Somaliland (Berbera naval base), Djibouti, Bosaso (Puntland), Kismayo (Jubaland Interim Authority) and most recently Barawe (Southern Somalia, South Western State). Thus, the UAE pursued a ‘One Belt, One Road strategy’ in the Horn of Africa, similar to China's Belt and Road initiative. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development also provided loans and grants to finance infrastructure projects in Somalia and Kenya.