Man arrested for selling tank water as Zamzam in Sharjah

Sharjah: Sharjah City Municipality teams, through joint cooperation and coordination between the Inspection Department and the Health Control and Safety Department, have successfully apprehended a residence in one of the city’s areas that had been converted by its tenant into a facility for filling plastic bottles with tank water. These bottles were falsely marketed as Zamzam water and sold at high prices through deceptive means, in clear violation of laws and regulations. The Municipality immediately initiated the necessary legal and administrative procedures.

Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director General of Sharjah City Municipality, emphasised that the Municipality operates around the clock to monitor harmful behaviors and practices that endanger individual and public health. Legal and administrative measures are taken against anyone attempting to deceive the public or cause harm — whether physical or moral — through illegal activities, violations of regulations and traditions, or by seeking illicit financial gain.

Al Tunaiji explained that the operation was part of routine inspection tours conducted across various areas of the city. Authorities observed vehicles loading large quantities of bottled water from a residence, prompting the concerned teams to coordinate and raid the site. The individual present was apprehended, and upon inspection, large quantities of cartons and plastic bottles labelled as Zamzam water were discovered. These were being filled in unsanitary conditions and promoted for sale through social media platforms.

He further revealed that financial invoices from a licensed company, R.T. Mineral Water Trading, were also found at the site. The individual had been misusing the name of this legitimate business to deceive customers — selling tank water as Zamzam and issuing fake invoices under the registered company's name. The Municipality promptly alerted the Department of Economic Development, which proceeded to shut down the operation. In coordination with Sharjah Police, the suspect was referred for investigation and legal action.

Al Tunaiji added that the inspection teams deployed the necessary personnel, tools, and vehicles to confiscate all seized items and handle them in accordance with official protocols. The residence was also sealed following standard procedures.

Sharjah City Municipality urges the public not to engage with any unlicensed food or beverage establishments and to refrain from purchasing products via social media unless the source and licensing are verified by the relevant authorities in the Emirate. For complaints or reports, the public is advised to contact the Call Center at 993.