https://theislamicinformation.com/news/ ... ajj-visas/
Zamzam Water is Now Only Available to Those Holding Umrah or Hajj Visas
WARDA SHAHID
JANUARY 4, 2023
In an internal circular distributed to airport and airline authorities, Nour instructed that “only one of the regular bottles (5 liters) designated for air transport, which is produced from the project of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Zamzam Water” should be allowed to be brought onto international flights by those with the appropriate visas.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising it as a way to conserve the holy water and protect it from exploitation. In contrast, others have criticized it as an inconvenience for those who rely on the water for its alleged health benefits.
Zamzam water, which many Muslims believe has unique healing properties, is drawn from a well in Mecca and has long been a popular souvenir for those visiting Saudi Arabia on religious pilgrimages. However, in recent years, there have been concerns that the water was being over-exploited and commercialized, leading the Saudi authorities to take action to protect it.
It remains to be seen how the new restrictions will impact the availability of Zamzam water and the experiences of those visiting Saudi Arabia for religious pilgrimages.