Ismail daad

On the 18th of November 2024, I embarked on a spiritual journey that marked one of the most significant milestones in my life, my first Umrah, Leaving my hometown of Mogadishu, I arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude and spiritual fulfillment. It felt as if I had entered a realm of unparalleled blessings, surrounded by the baraka (divine grace) of the holiest places on Earth. A Visit to Medina Munawara My first destination was Medina, the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Visiting Masjid Nabawi for the first time was an emotional experience. As I stood before the Rawda (the Prophet’s grave), I felt an indescribable peace. I also visited the graves of Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) beside the Prophet, reflecting on their immense contributions to Islam. In Medina, I explored significant historical sites, including Jannatul Baqi , where many of the Prophet’s family members and companions are bur...

In Somalia, women have long been at the forefront of entrepreneurship, often playing critical roles in supporting their families and communities. However, despite their resilience the majority of Somali women’s businesses face significant hurdles to growth. While many women own small businesses, few achieve large-scale success or wealth. This article delves into the reasons why Somali women’s businesses do not often grow into big, prosperous enterprises and explores the systemic barriers that limit their progress. Cultural and Societal Norms Somalia is a predominantly patriarchal society, where traditional gender roles often dictate the paths available to women. Historically, Somali culture places women in roles related to caregiving and household responsibilities. These societal expectations limit women’s time and resources for engaging fully in business activities. Moreover, business in Somalia is often perceived as a male-d...

  For decades, Mogadishu was a city synonymous with conflict, destruction and despair, once a vibrant and bustling capital the city was devastated by civil war leaving it in ruins and plunging its people into unimaginable hardship. However, after 30 years of turmoil and instability, Mogadishu is now experiencing a remarkable recovery and rebirth. This article explores the incredible journey of the city’s transformation, driven by the resilience of its people, the commitment of local leaders and the support of the international community. The Dark Days of Conflict Mogadishu's descent into chaos began in the early 1990s when civil war erupted tearing apart the social and economic fabric of the city. What was once a thriving hub of commerce and culture was reduced to rubble. The civil war saw the destruction of critical infrastructure, the collapse of public services and the division of the city into territories controlled by rival factions. Schools, hospitals and businesses were ...

  The remote work revolution accelerated by the global pandemic in 2020, has since evolved from a temporary solution to a permanent fixture in the modern workplace. As we move through 2024 companies worldwide are continuing to adapt to this new reality, refining their strategies to meet the demands of a workforce that increasingly values flexibility and work-life balance. This article explores how organizations are navigating the challenges and opportunities of remote work the hybrid models emerging and the technologies driving this transformation. The Shift to Hybrid Work Models In 2024 the concept of hybrid work models where employees split their time between the office and remote locations has become the dominant approach. Companies have recognized that a one size fits all model no longer works in today’s diverse workforce. Instead, they offer flexible schedules that allow employees to choose the days they work from home and the days they come into the office. This hybrid ...

In the aftermath of decades of conflict and instability Somalia has embarked on a challenging journey toward economic recovery, Central to this process has been the Somali diaspora whose contributions have become a cornerstone of the nation’s resurgence, spread across the globe the Somali diaspora has played a critical role in revitalizing the country’s economy through remittances, investments and the transfer of skills and knowledge. This article explores the multifaceted ways in which the diaspora has become a driving force in Somalia’s economic recovery and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Remittances: A Lifeline for Millions One of the most significant contributions of the Somali diaspora to the country’s economy is through remittances, according to the World Bank remittances to Somalia are estimated to exceed $1.6 billion annually, accounting for nearly 30% of the country’s GDP. These funds are vital for the livelihoods of millions of Somalis particularly in a ...

Somalia long known for its rich history and strategic location is now drawing global attention for another reason its untapped oil and gas reserves. Located in the Horn of Africa, with access to the Indian Ocean, Somalia is believed to sit atop significant hydrocarbon resources that could transform its economy and improve the livelihoods of its people. However, the path to realizing this potential is fraught with challenges from political instability and security concerns to environmental and social risks. This article explores the opportunities and challenges facing Somalia's oil and gas sector and outlines a strategic path forward. The Promise of Somalia’s Hydrocarbons Somalia's oil and gas potential is primarily concentrated in offshore and onshore basins, with recent surveys indicating substantial reserves. The country's offshore blocks in the Indian Ocean have attracted interest from major international oil companies, driven by promising seismic data that suggests ...

In the world of business longevity is often seen as a hallmark of success, stability and resilience. Companies that endure for decades or even centuries are typically those that have weathered economic downturns, adapted to changing markets and maintained strong leadership. However, in Somalia few businesses manage to survive beyond a few decades with many closing their doors long before reaching the 30-year mark. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon is crucial for addressing the challenges that Somali enterprises face and for fostering a more sustainable business environment in the country. 1. Political Instability and Insecurity Political instability is arguably the most significant factor contributing to the short lifespan of Somali businesses. Since the collapse of the central government in 1991 Somalia has been plagued by civil war, terrorism and clan conflicts. These issues create a volatile environment where businesses struggle to operate safely and predictably. ...