Zanzibar President Dr. Husein Mwinyi has highlighted the island’s growing reputation as a prime destination for international conferences, with a focus on promoting peaceful, inclusive, and religious events. Speaking at the international Islamic conference “Peace, Respect, Unity: Light Upon Light Global 2024,” Dr. Mwinyi extended an invitation for more international events to be held on the island.
Addressing the attendees at the Aman Complex Stadium, Dr. Mwinyi emphasized Zanzibar’s stability and safety, which makes it an ideal location for hosting conferences and attracting tourists. The conference, attended by renowned Muslim scholars, including Dr. Mufti Ismail Menk from Zimbabwe, drew participants from 18 countries. Dr. Mwinyi also noted Zanzibar’s commitment to promoting “Halal Tourism,” ensuring that Muslim visitors feel welcomed, with alcohol-free hotels, halal food, and separate facilities for men and women.
Dr. Mwinyi explained that hosting international events like this Islamic conference helps promote Zanzibar’s natural beauty, culture, and hospitality, while showcasing its values of inclusivity and peace. He also emphasized the economic benefits of tourism, adding that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar would continue to improve the environment for such gatherings, encouraging private sectors to promote moral values and maintain peace.
The conference was followed by global audiences on social media, reflecting the far-reaching impact of the event. Religious leaders, including Grand Mufti of Zimbabwe Mufti Ismail Menk, called for unity, peace, and mutual respect among communities, urging Tanzanians to rise above political and religious differences.
Other notable scholars, such as Sheikh Ali Hamuuda from England, Sheikh Wael Ibrahim from Australia, and Dr. Muhammad Salah from Egypt, echoed these sentiments, encouraging Zanzibar residents to maintain peace for national development.
The event, organized by the “Light Upon Light” Institute, marked a significant milestone for Zanzibar, further establishing it as a center for global religious dialogue. Following the conference, the scholars met with President Mwinyi at the State House in Stone Town to discuss future collaborations.
Amana Bank, Tanzania, one of the event sponsors, supported the conference, with its Zanzibar Branch Manager, Mr. Suleiman Shaaban, promoting the bank’s services, including Takaful insurance, an Islamic insurance model based on mutual cooperation.