He noted that Zanzibar has been the first country in the East African region to endorse the Islamic New Year, as public holiday, and that the changes would be in many Islamic countries. The Islamic New Year – 1445 was opened on Friday by the Zanzibar Mufti- Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaab at Mapinduzi Square, Michenzi, followed by national prayers yesterday that were graced by the Second Vice-President, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla. Sheikh Khalid Mfaume thanked organisers of the activities to celebrate the Day, mentioning some of the sponsors as the People’s Bank of Zanzibar (PZB) and the CRDB, while reminding Zanzibaris and other Tanzanians to keep praying for the country and national leaders.