ZANZIBAR and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to open joint accounts to coordinate Hajj activities, in particular organising the annual pilgrimage.

President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi unveiled this move yesterday when addressing the Eid assembly at Micheweni in Unguja North Region, saying that the two accounts will be operated by the Tanzania Hajj Mission office.

Saudi Airlines will next year commence direct flights from the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA), to provide pilgrims with an opportunity to travel easily and at lower cost, he said.

The moves takes up government interest to initiate a Hajj Fund to enable more Zanzibaris to travel for Hajj, he said, noting that a special committee had already presented an operational format for the fund, and the two accounts.

The government will soon start putting into effect the committee’s recommendations, focusing on the establishment and management of the Hajj fund, managing zakat funds, visits to Islamic heritage sites and related places as  Islamic tourism, he said.

“The Hajj is an obligation for those who are able to perform it. Hajj is like an institution for education and knowledge for Muslims. The visit to Mecca is training that has an important contribution to refrain from all evil actions,” he stated.

Zanzibaris need to promote peace and unity in the community as this helps to optimise cooperation in achieving community objectives. “Unity and solidarity in the community enhance blessings, charity and compassion by thinking of people in need with a view to helping them. With this we will have a peaceful he society,” he further noted.

He said that as Muslims celebrate Eid el Hajj, it is important to encourage each other to work to maintain good care of children, protecting them from harm.

Zanzibaris were celebrating the important day while the government works to implement various development projects in education, health and other social services, he stated.

“The government has invested heavily in construction of modern storey schools at Maziwa Ng’ombe, Kojani, Konde, Utaani and Kifundi. This goes along with the construction of teachers’ houses and other supporting infrastructure,” he said

Building various roads at tarmac level to facilitate smooth transport services was taking place in many areas, he added.