Saudi Arabia has introduced guidelines for worshippers visiting the holiest sites in Islam, Mecca and Medina, to access and drink Zamzam water. The guidelines, released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, emphasize consideration for fellow worshippers, giving priority to the elderly, and disposing of cups in designated areas to maintain cleanliness. Sterilized Zamzam water containers are provided at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, which are frequented by pilgrims from around the world. This initiative coincides with the ongoing Umrah season, a lesser pilgrimage, in Saudi Arabia, and Zamzam water is particularly popular among overseas pilgrims who often take it home as a gift for family and friends.

The Umrah season commenced with the New Islamic Hijri year, following the annual Hajj pilgrimage attended by 1.8 million Muslims after pandemic-related restrictions were lifted. Saudi Arabia has been introducing various facilities to facilitate Umrah for overseas Muslims, including extending the Umrah visa duration to 90 days, allowing entry via all travel modes, and removing the requirement for women pilgrims to be escorted by male guardians. Additionally, expatriates in Gulf Cooperation Council countries can now apply for tourist visas to perform Umrah, regardless of their profession, making it more accessible for a broader range of worshippers.