RIYADH- Somtuna, the largest tuna factory in the Horn of Africa, based in Berbera, Somaliland, and majority-invested by Dahabshiil, is making waves at the Saudi Food Show in Riyadh. The event, which commenced on May 12 and runs until May 14, 2025, at the Riyadh Convention Exhibition & Conference Center, has provided a platform for Somtuna to showcase its high-quality, halal-certified seafood products, receiving outstanding feedback and promising opportunities for expansion in the Gulf market.
Somtuna’s presence at the Saudi Food Show underscores the growing economic ties between the Horn of Africa and the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia. The company’s exhibition aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes food security, economic diversification, and sustainability. “We are thrilled to be part of this prestigious event, which not only highlights our commitment to quality and innovation but also strengthens our position in the global seafood market,” said a Somtuna representative.
The Saudi Food Show, the largest F&B sourcing event in the region, has attracted a diverse array of international exhibitors and industry professionals. Somtuna’s participation is part of a broader strategy to tap into the burgeoning demand for premium seafood in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The company’s products, including canned tuna and fish meal, are processed using advanced technology, ensuring high standards of quality and nutritional value.
Parallel to the food show, the Saudi-US Investment Forum, held on May 13, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, further highlighted the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States. During the forum, former President Donald Trump, attending as a guest, praised Saudi Arabia as “a great place” and reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This endorsement comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is actively seeking to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment, with the U.S. playing a significant role as a major investor.
Dahabshiil, a prominent Somali funds transfer company and Somtuna’s majority investor, has a history of facilitating economic development in the region. Dahabshiil continues to play a pivotal role in fostering trade and investment opportunities. The company’s involvement in Somtuna exemplifies its commitment to leveraging its resources for regional growth and international market penetration.
The synergy between Somtuna’s exhibition and the high-level discussions at the investment forum illustrates the interconnectedness of economic, political, and cultural ties in the region. As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its Vision 2030 goals, initiatives like Somtuna’s expansion into the Gulf market are expected to contribute significantly to the kingdom’s food security objectives and economic diversification efforts.
Industry experts at the Saudi Food Show have noted the potential for increased collaboration between African and Gulf nations in the seafood sector. “The demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood is on the rise, and Somtuna’s presence here is a testament to the untapped potential of the Horn of Africa in meeting this demand,” said an analyst at the event.
As the Saudi Food Show continues, Somtuna’s participation is not just a showcase of its products but also a symbol of the evolving economic landscape in the region. With strong backing from Dahabshiil and strategic alignments with global partners, Somtuna is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of seafood trade between the Horn of Africa and the Gulf.
For more information, visit www.somtunafishing.com and www.thesaudifoodshow.com.
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