The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has thanked the Government of Saudi Arabia for continuing to maintain and strengthen the brotherly and strategic cooperation between the two countries, noting that the cooperation is built on the principles of mutual respect, solidarity and common interests.
President, Dr. Mwinyi said on January 19, 2026, at the State House in Zanzibar, when he met with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, who arrived to meet him accompanied by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Tanzania, Hon. Yahya bin Ahmed Okeish.
During the talks, President Dr. Mwinyi requested the Government of Saudi Arabia to continue supporting the Zanzibar Haj Fund to strengthen the preparations and environment for Zanzibar pilgrims, as well as to develop cooperation in Islamic education by increasing study opportunities for Zanzibar students in Saudi Arabia.
He also advised Saudi Arabia to look into the possibility of increasing flights between Saudi Arabia and Zanzibar, especially during the Hajj period.
Mr. Al-Rabiah commended Zanzibar for its infrastructure reforms, including airports and roads, noting that the move has stimulated an increase in tourism and economic growth, and assured Zanzibar of continuing to strengthen cooperation in various fields.
