Young Somali Woman Promotes Mogadishu's Hidden Beauty

Sucdi Abdul Fattah Abdul Khader, a 23-year-old Somali woman, is changing the way people view Mogadishu by offering guided tours that showcase the city's beauty, history and culture. Her tours take visitors to Jazeera beach, where they can enjoy the sea and nearby sand dunes, as well as the fish market, where they can sample local seafood. This initiative aims to challenge the common perception of Mogadishu as a city plagued by insecurity and violence.

Sucdi's passion for tourism was sparked by her father, who worked as a guide for over three decades. She started her job as a hobby but has since become passionate about sharing her city's hidden gems with visitors. Using social media platforms like TikTok, Sucdi shares videos of her tours, offering a glimpse into Mogadishu's lesser-known attractions. She plans to produce content in English to reach a broader audience and promote Somalia's tourism industry.

Somalia has the longest coastline in mainland Africa, stretching over 3,000km along the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. The country's beaches, sand dunes and historic coastal cities, such as Mogadishu, reflect centuries of Indian Ocean trade. Despite its rich cultural heritage, tourism remains a relatively new and small industry in Somalia, with only a handful of guides operating in Mogadishu.

Sucdi's tours provide visitors with an opportunity to experience Mogadishu's vibrant culture and history. Her clients can sample traditional Somali food, including camel meat, samosas and tea, and explore the city's historic sites, which reflect the influences of Ottoman and Italian former rulers. Many visitors are surprised by the city's beauty and the warmth of its people.

According to the country's tourism department, about 10,000 tourists visited Somalia in 2024, a 50% increase from the previous year. However, security concerns remain a significant challenge for the industry. Sucdi says many visitors ask about their safety before traveling and often encounter security checkpoints around the city. Despite these concerns, she believes that her tours can help change perceptions of Mogadishu.

Some tourists, such as American travel content creator Chris Reese, have had positive experiences in Mogadishu. Chris visited Mogadishu twice, first solo and then with a group of friends. He was impressed by the city's coastal setting, food and atmosphere, describing it as a beautiful tropical place with a unique vibe.

Other visitors, like Romanian tourist Mihaela Patap, have also fallen in love with Somalia's natural beauty. Mihaela visited Mogadishu's sand dunes and Indian Ocean coastline, praising the country's desert landscapes. As more tourists discover Mogadishu's hidden gems, Sucdi remains committed to promoting the city's beauty and challenging negative perceptions.

Key points

• Sucdi Abdul Fattah Abdul Khader offers guided tours to showcase Mogadishu's culture, history and natural beauty.
• Somalia's tourism industry is growing, with 10,000 tourists visiting in 2024, a 50% increase from the previous year.
• Visitors to Mogadishu often have their perceptions of the city challenged, discovering a vibrant culture and warm hospitality.