Sharjah Bans Sale of Zamzam Water to Combat Fraud: Authorities Step Up Inspections Across UAE
In a significant development, Sharjah City Municipality has officially banned the sale of Zamzam water across all commercial establishments in the emirate, regardless of the nature of their business. This bold move comes as part of a broader initiative to curb fraudulent practices and ensure consumer safety across Sharjah, Dubai, and beyond.
The ban specifically aims to prevent the misuse and illegal sale of Zamzam water — a sacred commodity imported from Saudi Arabia — which has been increasingly targeted by counterfeiters. According to municipal officials, the decision will help minimize health risks, deceptive trade practices, and product manipulation, while ensuring that only certified and safe products reach consumers.
As part of its enforcement strategy, the Sharjah Municipality has intensified inspections across the city and surrounding areas. These efforts mirror similar campaigns seen in Dubai and other emirates, where authorities have ramped up food safety monitoring, especially for items with high religious and cultural significance.
The issue gained public attention after a shocking incident involving the arrest of a man who was caught operating an illegal water bottling setup from a residential property in Sharjah. He had been filling regular tank water into bottles falsely labeled as Zamzam, which were then sold at inflated prices through social media platforms. Vehicles were seen loading cartons from the residence, prompting a swift and coordinated raid by local authorities.
The bottles, branded as Zamzam water from Saudi Arabia, were found to be filled under unsanitary conditions and stored without any official authorization. As a result, legal and administrative actions were immediately taken against the individual.
This incident serves as a warning not only for residents of Sharjah and Dubai, but also for the broader Gulf and South Asian communities, including many from Pakistan, where demand for authentic Zamzam water remains high during religious occasions such as Ramadan and Hajj.
The municipality has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to food or beverage sales by calling the Sharjah Municipality hotline at 993. Authorities also emphasized that residents should avoid purchasing any food or water products through social media or unverified sellers, particularly those not licensed by official agencies in the UAE.
The ban and subsequent crackdown underscore the UAE’s commitment to protecting consumers and preserving the sanctity of religious products like Zamzam water. With Dubai and Sharjah being key hubs for residents and expatriates from Pakistan, India, and across the Middle East, such regulatory measures are essential to maintain trust and public health standards.
