Adado ( Somali: Cadaado,

Arabic Arabic (, , or , ) is a Central Semitic languages, Central Semitic language of the Afroasiatic languages, Afroasiatic language family spoken primarily in the Arab world. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assigns lang ...

: عدادو,

Italian Italian(s) may refer to: * Anything of, from, or related to the people of Italy over the centuries ** Italians, a Romance ethnic group related to or simply a citizen of the Italian Republic or Italian Kingdom ** Italian language, a Romance languag ...

: Adado) or “Blue City” is situated in the Galgadud region of

Somalia Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is the easternmost country in continental Africa. The country is located in the Horn of Africa and is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, Kenya to the southwest, th ...

. It served as the capital city of the Heman and Heeb State from 2008 to 2015. Adado is renowned for its stunning beauty and is widely regarded as the most populated city in the region. The city is a crucial trade route that connects the southern and northern regions of

, making it a hub of economic activity.

Etymology

Adado City is named after the 'Cadaad' tree that grows in the valleys of

Mudug Mudug () is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in north-central Somalia. The population of Mudug is 131,455 as of 2005. Overview Physiographically, Mudug is bordered to the west by Ethiopia, to the north and south by the Somali regions of Nu ...

and

Galgaduud Galguduud (, , or ''Ghelgudud'') is an administrative region ('' gobol'') of Galmudug state in central Somalia. Its administrative capital is Dusmareb. The largest town in the region is El Buur, which lies at the centre of the region. Galgudu ...

regions of

History

Adado has a rich history that dates back to its founding in the 1950s. The city was established by notable figures such as

Sheikh Mohamud Hassan Sharmake Sheikh ( , , , , ''shuyūkh'' ) is an honorific title in the Arabic language, literally meaning " elder". It commonly designates a tribal chief or a Muslim scholar. Though this title generally refers to men, there are also a small number of ...

Sheikh Hassan Ali Dhore Sheikh ( , , , , ''shuyūkh'' ) is an honorific title in the Arabic language, literally meaning " elder". It commonly designates a tribal chief or a Muslim scholar. Though this title generally refers to men, there are also a small number of ...

Isse Eid Isse or ISSE may refer to: Places * Isse, village and commune in north-eastern France * Issé, village and commune in north-western France Computing * Information Systems Security Engineering * Internet Streaming SIMD Extensions, an SIMD instructi ...

, and others who played significant roles in its early development. In 1978, Adado was officially recognized as a full district by President

Mohamed Siad Barre Mohammed Siad Barre (, Osmanya script: , ''Muhammad Ziād Barīy''; 6 October 1919 – 2 January 1995) was a Somali military officer, politician, and revolutionary who served as the third president of Somalia from 21 October 1969 to 26 Ja ...

, highlighting its growing importance within the region. Following Somalia's Civil War, Adado emerged as a key destination for people fleeing conflict in both southern and northern regions of the country. The city's strategic location and relative stability made it a natural choice for those seeking refuge. In 2008, Adado was designated as the capital city of the newly established Himan and Heeb State, further solidifying its position as a center of governance and administration. In 2015, Adado played a crucial role in the formation of the

Galmudug Galmudug (; ), officially Galmudug State of Somalia (), is a States and regions of Somalia, Federal Member State in central Somalia, with its capital at Dhusamareb. It is bordered to the north by the Puntland state of Somalia, to the west by the S ...

State of Somalia, hosting important meetings and negotiations that ultimately led to the establishment of the new state. Throughout its history, Adado has remained a symbol of resilience and perseverance, overcoming challenges and playing a vital role in the social, political, and economic fabric of Somalia.

Transportation

Air transportation in the city is served by Adado International Airport as the largest airport in Galmudug. A major renovation took place in the airport in 2022, a new airport immigration was built in 2013 funded by the former regional state of Himan and Heeb.

Notes

References

Adado, Somalia
Populated places in Galguduud Galmudug {{Somalia-geo-stub