What is Zamzam water: Why shops in Sharjah and Ajman are now banned from selling it
Each pilgrim is allowed to bring home one 5-litre bottle of Zamzam water, shipped free from Saudi Arabia's official distribution points/ Image X:Alharamain.sa
In an official announcement, Ajman Municipality stated that it is prohibited for commercial establishments to distribute, display, or sell Zamzam water. The municipality urged the public not to purchase Zamzam from shops under any circumstances.
Residents are encouraged to report violations by contacting the designated number: 80070.
Sharjah Leads the Way With Earlier Ban
The ban in Ajman follows an earlier decision by Sharjah Municipality, which also banned all shops from selling Zamzam water. Officials there have signalled strict enforcement, with surprise inspections planned to detect any violations or fraudulent sales, especially given the difficulty in distinguishing Zamzam water from regular bottled water.
The measure comes in response to growing concerns over counterfeit Zamzam being sold in local markets.
Fake Zamzam Operation Busted in Sharjah
Just weeks prior to the bans, a man in Sharjah was arrested for operating a fraudulent Zamzam water bottling facility out of a residential property. According to Sharjah authorities:
Authorities observed vehicles loading bottled water from a house, prompting a raid on the premises. During the raid, officials caught the person inside the premises.
Upon inspection, officials discovered that ordinary tank water was being bottled and labelled as Zamzam water. The makeshift facility was found operating under unhygienic conditions, and the water was being sold at a premium price through social media promotions.
Authorities seized cartons and plastic bottles falsely labelled as Zamzam. Sharjah Municipality immediately initiated legal and administrative procedures following the incident.
Why Zamzam Water Is Sacred and How to Obtain It Legally
Zamzam water is sourced from the Zamzam well, located within the Grand Mosque in Makkah, near the Kaaba. It is revered by Muslims globally as a symbol of purity, sustenance, and healing.
Muslims often bring Zamzam water home after performing Hajj or Umrah, and approved channels for distribution in Saudi Arabia include:
Zamzam Water Supply Project – Makkah
King Abdulaziz International Airport – Jeddah
Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport – Madinah
Taif International Airport
Nusuk Platform (online portal) for Hajj campaigns
According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, each pilgrim is allowed to ship one bottle (maximum 5 litres) of Zamzam water free of charge, but it must be packed in designated shipping boxes separate from personal luggage.
The bottle must also be sealed and approved for air transport.
To access the water, pilgrims are required to present a valid Umrah visa or a permit via the Nusuk app.
Authorities Call for Caution
Both Ajman and Sharjah municipalities have taken a proactive stance, urging the public to be vigilant and avoid purchasing Zamzam water from unauthorised sources. The focus remains on consumer safety, religious respect, and crackdown on fraudulent practices.
Authorities emphasize that Zamzam should only be acquired through official Saudi channels, especially given its spiritual significance and susceptibility to forgery.
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