Sharjah City Municipality has banned the sale, display, and circulation of Zamzam water in all commercial establishments in the emirate. This decision aims to protect consumer rights and public health. It also helps combat commercial fraud and promotes transparency in product sourcing. The municipality wants only safe, licensed consumables available in the market.
Why Zamzam Water Is Banned
Zamzam water holds deep religious and spiritual value, especially among Muslims. Unfortunately, counterfeiters exploit its demand. They bottle ordinary water and sell it as Zamzam water, deceiving customers, especially through digital platforms. Sharjah Municipality found it hard to verify the authenticity of Zamzam water sold locally. To prevent consumer fraud, product mislabeling, and health risks, the municipality issued this ban. The move aligns with Sharjah’s goal to enforce strict health and safety standards.
Enhanced Inspections and Market Surveillance
Sharjah Municipality has increased inspections, conducting both routine and surprise checks in supermarkets, mini-marts, grocery stores, and online sellers. Khalid Al Hammadi, Head of Food Control Section, said field teams regularly monitor compliance and detect violations. These teams verify food product authenticity, especially for religiously sensitive items. The municipality wants to stop fraudulent practices and protect public health.
Fraud Case Spurs Action
Sharjah Municipality uncovered a fraud involving fake Zamzam water. A suspect filled plastic bottles with regular water from his home tanks. He attached counterfeit Zamzam labels and marketed the products on social media. The scam generated significant illegal profits. Authorities said the fraud played on religious sentiments and deceived buyers into paying high prices. After receiving reports, the municipality seized the products and arrested the suspect. This case triggered the full enforcement of the Zamzam water sales ban.
Official Circulars to Commercial Establishments
Following the fraud, Sharjah Municipality sent official circulars to all food and commercial businesses. These orders instruct establishments to stop selling, displaying, or promoting Zamzam water immediately. The municipality targeted grocery stores, supermarkets, food distributors, and registered online vendors. Violators face fines, business closures, and legal action. This swift response shows Sharjah’s commitment to strict regulations and consumer protection.
Public Cooperation and Awareness
The municipality urges the public to remain vigilant and report violations via its 24/7 call center at 993. Khalid Al Hammadi advises residents to avoid unlicensed sellers and not to buy Zamzam water from unverified sources. Consumers should only purchase from sellers licensed by the municipality and approved by the UAE health authorities. The municipality warns against buying food or beverages from unregistered online vendors, as they may sell unsafe or mislabeled products.
Regulatory Updates for Compliance and Safety
Sharjah Municipality continuously updates food safety protocols. It requires food and beverage outlets to maintain high hygiene, quality, and ethical standards. The Food Control Section has introduced stricter licensing rules aligned with international health standards. These updates target misrepresentation of religious products and fraudulent activities. Khalid Al Hammadi said the municipality will keep evolving its strategy to tackle new market challenges.
The Significance of Zamzam Water
Zamzam water comes from a sacred well in Mecca and holds spiritual importance in Islam. Millions of pilgrims consume it during Hajj and Umrah. It is often given as a sacred gift. This reverence unfortunately, makes Zamzam water a target for unethical profiteering. Sharjah’s ban protects consumers’ health and finances while preserving Zamzam water’s religious and cultural sanctity.
Social Media and Food Fraud Challenges
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp pose challenges to enforcement. Sellers use these channels to market unauthenticated food products, often without licenses or regulatory oversight. The Sharjah fraudster operated mainly online, exploiting religious messaging to gain trust. Sharjah Municipality is collaborating with digital platforms to regulate online food sales. It also aims to strengthen cyber monitoring to catch violators early.
Legal Consequences for Violators
Sharjah City Municipality enforces a zero-tolerance policy against Zamzam water sales violations. Offenders face product confiscation, fines, license suspension, and criminal charges if needed. Repeat or intentional fraudsters risk permanent closure and delisting from future operations. The municipality has clearly warned businesses to comply.
Commitment to Public Health and Ethical Commerce
The Zamzam water ban is part of Sharjah’s broader mission to ensure ethical, transparent, and safe food commerce. The municipality invests in public education, regulatory innovation, and market monitoring. Sharjah continues to lead in food safety and consumer protection across the UAE. This proactive governance prevents fraud before it spreads widely. More awareness campaigns and regulatory reforms are planned to sustain lawful food distribution in the emirate.
