Watch: How did Sharjah bust a fake Zamzam water factory in a quiet residential area?
Illegally bottled water was being sold at inflated prices through social media
SHARJAH Municipality has uncovered an illegal water bottling operation where ordinary tank water was fraudulently marketed and sold as Zamzam water.
The setup, discovered in a residential area of the city, was sealed following a joint effort by the Control and Inspection Department and the Health and Safety Department.
The villa had been converted into a makeshift facility where plastic containers were filled with tank water, labelled as Zamzam, and sold to the public at premium rates.
The operation violated multiple municipal regulations and laws, prompting authorities to immediately begin legal and administrative proceedings.
@travelsdubai Sharjah man arrested for selling tap water as Zamzam #sharjah #zamzamwater #uae #fyp #foryou #travelsdubai ♬ original sound - Travels Dubai | ترافيلس دبي
How was the scam uncovered?
According to Obaid Saeed Al-Tunji, Director General of Sharjah Municipality, the discovery was made during routine inspection rounds. Municipal teams noticed vehicles transporting large volumes of bottled water from a residential property – an activity considered suspicious in the context of municipal zoning laws.
Upon raiding the property, officials found large stocks of plastic containers and cartons, all bearing counterfeit labels claiming the contents were Zamzam water.
Investigations revealed that the water had been bottled under unhygienic conditions.
The fraudulent product was then promoted and sold through social media platforms.
Who was behind the operation?
During the raid, authorities apprehended the individual behind the scheme. He had been using the credentials of R.T. Mineral Water Trading, a licensed company registered in his name, to issue financial invoices and lend legitimacy to the illegal business.
Al-Tunji confirmed that the municipality coordinated with the Department of Economic Development, which promptly shut down the business. The matter was also referred to the Sharjah Police General Command, where the suspect now faces legal action for fraud and public endangerment.
What actions were taken?
Municipal teams deployed specialised equipment, personnel, and transport vehicles to confiscate the goods and dispose of them according to established safety protocols. The residential property was sealed, and all materials used in the operation were removed.
Al-Tunji reiterated the municipality’s commitment to round-the-clock monitoring of activities that could compromise public health or safety. “We take strict legal measures against any individual or entity attempting to deceive or harm the public,” he said.
What should the public do?
Sharjah Municipality has issued a strong advisory urging residents to avoid purchasing food or drink products via social media unless the seller’s licence and source have been verified through official channels.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activity by contacting the municipality’s call centre at 993.