Oman-Zanzibar: A bond rooted in history, purpose

Observer

8 hours ago

The relationship between Oman and East Africa dates back centuries, shrouded in the mists of time. While the precise origins remain elusive, we know that during the early Islamic period — specifically in the 7th century — Omani princes Suleiman and Said, sons of Abbad bin Abd bin Al Julanda, sought refuge along the East African coast following the Umayyad conquest of Oman.
Yet this article does not seek to recount history already well-trodden by scholars, journalists and explorers. Indeed, libraries and online archives brim with pages detailing Oman's ties with East Africa. Instead, I wish to explore what this relationship could and should look like today — particularly with Zanzibar, now a semi-autonomous region of the United Republic of Tanzania, to which many Omanis remain connected through cultural, familial and economic ties.
It is important at the outset to affirm a simple but essential point: Zanzibar is an integral part of Tanzania. Any engagement must respect this political reality, lest ambiguities undermine Oman's constructive relations with the Tanzanian state as a whole.
Historically, relations between nations have rested on three pillars: mutual interests (by far the most common), ideological alignment (as during the Cold War), or shared moral and human values — such as the promotion of peace, justice and human rights. In today's complex world, especially in the post-Trump era, these foundations are being re-evaluated. For Oman's part, I believe our relationship with Zanzibar and Tanzania should be built on two complementary principles: ethical responsibility and mutual interest — in equal measure.
This is not to suggest idealism for its own sake. Oman is among the few countries that still attaches real weight to moral and humanitarian values in its foreign policy. This tradition of diplomacy grounded in principle should be at the forefront of our engagement with Tanzania — not only because it is consistent with our national ethos, but also because it is politically and diplomatically sound.
Some may argue that pragmatism demands interests come first. But Oman's connection with Zanzibar is not an ordinary one. It is underpinned by a unique historical legacy — one that calls not only for investment but also for stewardship. To understand why, we must revisit a formative episode in our shared past.
In the 1830s, Sultan Said bin Sultan shifted his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar, largely for economic reasons. Under his rule, trade between Oman and East Africa flourished. Zanzibar became a hub of commerce, and Oman's revenues — from customs duties and agricultural exports — soared. Though Muscat, Gwadar and Bandar Abbas also contributed to the national economy, it was East Africa, and Zanzibar in particular, that underpinned Oman's prosperity during this period.
When the Sultan died, internal disputes among his heirs over succession led to the fragmentation of the empire. Oman's revenues fell sharply, and this economic downturn destabilised the political and social fabric of the country.
Eventually, Sultan Said's sons reached a settlement to divide the empire. As part of the agreement, Zanzibar committed to an annual financial grant of 40,000 Maria Theresa thalers to Oman — a gesture known historically as the 'Zanzibar Subsidy". This subsidy continued for many years and was funded not through external income, but through Zanzibar's own domestic revenues — customs duties, local taxation, and low-wage labour in plantations and ports.
This history matters. It is a powerful reminder that Oman's legacy in Zanzibar is not one of exploitation, but of deep economic and human engagement. For that reason, any modern relationship must be rooted in the values of fairness, historical responsibility and shared prosperity.
The second pillar, of course, is mutual interest. Oman has already invested significantly in preserving Zanzibar's heritage and supporting its infrastructure. Omani citizens continue to maintain economic ties with the region — in real estate, tourism and other sectors. These efforts should be scaled up and supported by encouraging private investment and charitable engagement through Omani civil society and philanthropic foundations.
A deeper, more structured partnership with Zanzibar would also serve to guard against attempts by others to sideline Oman's historical role in the region. To achieve this, Oman should consider launching a long-term, well-governed development initiative with clearly defined short-, medium- and long-term goals. The focus should be on areas that make a tangible difference: basic and vocational education, primary healthcare and public health, affordable housing and critical infrastructure — especially roads, which require urgent improvement in both urban and rural areas.
Understandably, concerns may arise regarding Zanzibar's institutional capacity to manage such a programme. These concerns are legitimate and should be addressed through close coordination with the Zanzibar's government. Oman should retain an active management role, working in partnership to set priorities and ensure resources are used effectively.
Ultimately, the scale or format of such a programme matters less than the principle behind it. Politically and diplomatically, it is in Oman's interest to take the lead in fostering sustainable development in Zanzibar. We must not allow this region — so closely tied to Oman by blood, history and mutual reliance — to become a space where past grievances fester or future rivalries take root.
In a world increasingly shaped by transactional diplomacy, Oman's enduring connection with Zanzibar stands as a reminder that international relations can still be guided by history, honour and humanity.