You should not drink municipal tap water in Makkah or Madinah. Tap water in Saudi Arabia is primarily desalinated water used for washing, bathing, and ablution (Wudu), rather than direct drinking. Pilgrims should strictly consume bottled water or blessed Zamzam water.
Safe Drinking Water Sources
- Blessed Zamzam Water: Free, chilled, and non-chilled Zamzam water dispensers are situated throughout the interior and courtyards of both Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi. If you’d like to bring some home, our guide on taking Zamzam water back to the UK covers the official rules.
- Sealed Bottled Water: Widely available at low cost across all grocery stores, hotels, and restaurants in Saudi Arabia.
- Personal Water Bottles: Fill personal reusable flasks from official Zamzam containers inside the Mosques to stay hydrated during daily prayers worth adding to your list in our guide on what to pack for Umrah from the UK.
Why Safe Water Choices Matter
- Preventing Stomach Illness: Avoiding unboiled municipal tap water prevents digestive discomfort and travelers’ diarrhea during your pilgrimage. See our guide on what happens if you get sick during Umrah for what to do if this happens anyway.
- Optimal Hydration: Drinking ample Zamzam water provides physical refreshment and spiritual blessing during long hours of worship.
Health and Travel Safety with Hajj Umrah Travels
At Hajj Umrah Travels, we prioritize pilgrim well-being by selecting hotels that supply complimentary bottled water daily and providing thorough health briefings.
Ensure a Safe and Comfortable Umrah
Speak with our experienced travel team today to book your protected Umrah itinerary. Contact our team to discuss your health and travel needs, or if you already have a quote from another agency, Beat My Quote and we’ll see if we can offer better value.
