Sharjah Municipality bans Zamzam Water sale and trade

The municipality called on all establishments, regardless of their activity, to refrain from displaying or selling Zamzam water in local markets. It also urged consumers to refrain from purchasing it from any unofficial source and to report any violations via the 993 call centre.

Public health, a priority

The move aims to limit commercial fraud, product tampering, and public deception. This is in line with its goal of making public health a priority and providing safe and healthy food to the public in accordance with applicable health requirements and standards.

Combating fraud

In this context, Khalid Al Hammadi, Head of the Food Control Section, confirmed that the Municipality is closely monitoring markets and conducting periodic and surprise inspection campaigns to detect any food products that do not meet health requirements and standards. The campaign aims to curb fraud and public deception, particularly in certain products such as Zamzam water, which can be difficult to distinguish from other waters. Therefore, the Municipality is constantly updating requirements and permits in line with its objectives and strategy for regulating commercial and food establishments.

Al Hammadi explained that the Municipality has begun circulating circulars to commercial establishments prohibiting the sale, trade, and display of Zamzam water, especially after inspection teams succeeded in apprehending an individual who had used deception and commercial fraud to make illicit gain. He had converted a house into a site for filling water tanks in plastic containers with labels indicating that the water was Zamzam water. He then sold and promoted the containers on social media, selling them for large sums of money.

Public cooperation is key

Al Hammadi pointed out that the municipality urges the public to cooperate with it by refraining from purchasing Zamzam water from local markets. In the event of any violation, report it to the call centre on 993, and refrain from dealing with any unlicensed food establishments or purchasing any products through social media sites unless they have verified their source and have been licensed by the relevant authorities in the emirate.