Official Company to Sell, Export Zamzam

ABHA, 14 March 2004 — Saudi officials are studying the prospect of officially entrusting the selling of Zamzam water inside and outside the country and its export to a company that would use the profits to maintain and develop well. This is seen as an alternative to the selling of diluted Zamzam water which is common in some areas of the Kingdom. The Ministry of the Interior has taken strong action to end the sale of Zamzam water without permits. As a result, both the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and that of Municipal Affairs have been urged to take quick action in intensifying inspection tours designed to apprehend illegal water sellers.