Zamzam Water Regulation in UAE Emirates

Ban on Zamzam Water Sales in Two UAE Emirates

Two emirates in the United Arab Emirates – Ajman and Sharjah – have taken a decisive step to protect the public from the distribution of counterfeit Zamzam water. Authorities have officially prohibited commercial establishments from selling, displaying, or distributing Zamzam water, emphasizing that authentic water can only be sourced from authorized outlets in Saudi Arabia.

What is Zamzam Water?

Zamzam water comes from the Zamzam well located in Mecca, near the Kaaba within the Masjid al-Haram area. The Muslim community has revered this water for centuries, using it for spiritual and healing purposes. During pilgrimages (Hajj and Umrah), many believers take a bottle home with them due to its symbolic and personal significance.

Where Can You Legally Obtain Zamzam Water?

Authentic Zamzam water is only accessible through the following official distribution points in Saudi Arabia:

Zamzam Water Supply Project – Mecca

King Abdulaziz International Airport – Jeddah

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport – Medina

Taif International Airport

Nusuk online platform – available to participants of official Hajj/Umrah campaigns

Pilgrims can only acquire authentic, flight-approved, sealed bottles from these locations. It's crucial that Zamzam water is transported in a designated delivery box and cannot be placed in personal luggage. A passenger can bring a maximum of a 5-liter bottle, and its transportation is free of charge if they possess a valid Umrah visa or a Nusuk permit.

Why Was the Sale Banned in the UAE?

The purpose of the ban is to protect consumers and reduce fraud. Due to the nature of Zamzam water, it cannot be easily distinguished from regular drinking water, which makes it prone to counterfeit sales under the Zamzam name.

For instance, in the emirate of Sharjah, a raid was recently conducted in an illegally operating bottling plant where a man was filling bottles with simple tank water and labeling them 'Zamzam'. The bottling was done in complete disregard of hygiene standards and sold at premium prices via social media. This incident highlighted the importance of effective action against such frauds.

What Should the Public Be Aware Of?

The Ajman municipality has advised residents not to purchase Zamzam water from stores or traders. They have established a dedicated line (80070) for reporting violations.

Authorities emphasize that unexpected inspections may occur at commercial facilities to prevent illegal sales and abuses.

Summary

The measures in the emirates clarify that authentic Zamzam water is only available through official channels in Saudi Arabia. Buyers should avoid bottles of unknown origin available in stores, as they could be harmful to health. Precaution not only safeguards one's well-being but also preserves the authenticity of the holy source.

(Source of article: Announcement by Ajman Municipality.)