PM Abiy Ahmed Arrives in Dire Dawa City

Addis Ababa, March 8, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew arrived in Dire Dawa this afternoon, the Office of the Prime Minister disclosed.

Upon arrival at Dire Dawa International Airport, the Prime Minister and his high-level delegation were warmly welcomed by local government officials and residents of the city.

The Prime Minister is expected to visit various development projects and services.

Often referred to as the “Queen of the Desert,” Dire Dawa is one of Ethiopia’s two chartered city administrations, alongside the capital Addis Ababa.

Located in the eastern part of the country, the city has long served as a major commercial and transportation hub linking Ethiopia to neighboring Djibouti through the key Addis Ababa–Djibouti trade corridor.

The city also holds growing economic significance, hosting one of Ethiopia’s largest industrial parks and serving as an important center for manufacturing, logistics, and cross-border trade.