In the administrative divisions of Somaliland, it is a B-class district according to the 2019 Local Government Law.

[1] In the administrative division of Puntland, the district is the capital of the Haylan region.

[5] In February 2020, construction began on the first 1.5 km paved road in the Dhahar district.

[6] In March 2021, Puntland forces used live ammunition against demonstrators supporting the Federal Government of Somalia in Dhahar district.

[9] In October 2022, Puntland's Minister of Rural Development visited Dhahar.