Zanzibar is premier destination for international conference

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Husein Mwinyi has underlined Zanzibar’s growing reputation as a premier destination for international conferences.

Dr Mwinyi said this recently when he attended the international Islamic conference titled “Peace, Respect, Unity: Light Upon Light Global 2024,” where he invited more international conferences and events to the island. ”

Zanzibar is one of the most stable places, and visitors feel comfortable and safe attending meetings, including religious conferences and as tourists,” Dr Mwinyi stated at the new Aman Complex Stadium, where he welcomed renowned Muslim scholars led by Dr Mufti Ismail Menk, a global Islamic scholar and motivational speaker from Zimbabwe.

Dr Mwinyi noted that the wellattended conference attracted Muslim scholars and clerics from 18 countries. He emphasised that Zanzibar promotes “Halal Tourism,” ensuring that all visitors feel included.

Halal tourism caters to Muslim families by offering alcohol-free hotels, separate swimming pools and spa facilities for men and women, halal food options, and prayer facilities both in rooms and communal areas.

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The president said that hosting the international Islamic conference supports the promotion of Halal Tourism, allowing visitors to learn about religious practices, while enjoying Zanzibar’s natural beauty, culture, and hospitality.

“Our aim is to make Zanzibar a place where everyone can enjoy their holiday or conference peacefully, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or background,” he said, noting the economic benefits of tourism for the region.

Dr Mwinyi expressed pride in the global reach of the conference, mentioning that people from various countries followed the event through social media.

He assured the people of Zanzibar and investors that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar would continue to improve the environment for such gatherings, urging private institutions and individuals to promote moral values and maintain peace and security.

The Minister of State in the President’s Office (Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Servants, and Good Governance), Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman, welcomed the religious guests and encouraged them to engage with locals to foster good relations.

During the conference, the Grand Mufti of Zimbabwe, Mufti Ismael Menk, stressed that prosperity cannot be achieved without peace and security. He called on Tanzanians to maintain unity, love, and mutual respect among communities.

“Political and religious differences should not divide us; everyone deserves respect,” he emphasised, praising the significant progress Zanzibar has made over the past decade.

Other scholars, including Sheikh Ali Hamuuda Ali from England, Sheikh Wael Ibrahim from Australia, and Dr Muhammad Salah from Egypt, also urged Tanzanians and Zanzibar residents to embrace peace and security for national prosperity and development.

They encouraged the community to avoid evil deeds and crimes in line with religious teachings to foster a stable society where both Muslims and non-Muslims enjoy freedom, equality, love, and mutual respect.

Sheikh Nadir Mahfoudh, Chairman of the “Light Upon Light” Institute, which organised the event, thanked President Mwinyi and the government for hosting what he described as the first major international religious conference featuring prominent lecturers and scholars from abroad.

Following the conference, the team of Muslim scholars met separately with President Mwinyi at the State House in the Stone Town.

Amana Bank, Tanzania, was among the sponsors of the conference, where the Zanzibar Branch Manager, Mr Suleiman Shaaban, expressed happiness in facilitating such an important event, inviting both Muslims and non-Muslims to access their services, including takaful insurance.

Takaful is an Islamic insurance model where members contribute to a pool system to protect one another against loss or damage, adhering to sharia or Islamic law, which emphasises cooperation and mutual support.