Sharjah: Authorities in Sharjah have dismantled an illegal operation where ordinary water was being bottled and falsely marketed as sacred Zamzam water. The bust was carried out at a residential property that had been converted into a makeshift factory, leading to the arrest of the individual behind the fraudulent scheme.
According to officials, the accused was filling regular water into attractive bottles labeled as Zamzam and selling them to unsuspecting consumers, primarily through online platforms. The investigation revealed that the individual was also using the name of a licensed water trading company to lend legitimacy to the operation and carry out financial fraud.
During the raid, municipal inspectors confiscated dozens of counterfeit Zamzam-labeled bottles, cartons, and packaging materials used in the scam. Authorities confirmed that the suspect’s actions were intended to mislead the public by exploiting the religious significance of Zamzam water, which originates from the holy city of Makkah and holds deep spiritual importance in Islam.
The license of the misused water trading company has since been revoked, and the case has been handed over to Sharjah Police for further legal action. Charges related to fraud, impersonation, and endangering public health are expected to be filed.
Sharjah Municipality has urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing religious or consumable items, especially through social media or unverified vendors. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity by contacting the municipal call center at 993.
Saudi Arabia Reiterates Hajj Permit Rules
In a related development, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has renewed its call for strict adherence to Hajj regulations, warning that individuals attempting to perform the pilgrimage without a valid permit will face immediate deportation and a 10-year ban from entering the Kingdom.
The announcement comes as part of the Kingdom’s “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign, aimed at ensuring safety, proper organization, and respect for the pilgrimage process. The ministry emphasized that permits are mandatory for all intending pilgrims, and any violation will be treated as a serious offense.
Residents in Saudi Arabia are advised to report violations or illegal pilgrim transport attempts by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, or 999 in other regions of the country.
Kingdom Affirms Commitment to Pilgrims’ Welfare
Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting pilgrims through a fully integrated system designed to enhance their safety and spiritual experience. He noted that the campaign aligns with the leadership’s vision under Vision 2030, which seeks to modernize and streamline pilgrimage management.
“We remain fully committed to ensuring that all pilgrims are able to perform Hajj in a secure and well-regulated environment,” Al-Dossary said. “The permit system is not only a legal requirement, but a necessary measure to protect the sanctity of Hajj and the well-being of all participants.”
This coordinated effort by authorities in both Sharjah and Saudi Arabia highlights ongoing vigilance against fraudulent religious practices and unauthorized pilgrimage activities, reinforcing the importance of trust, authenticity, and legal compliance in matters of faith.
