Zohan was loosely based on Nezi Arbib, a hairstylist and former Israeli soldier in Solana Beach, California. Arbib taught Adam Sandler and the film crew different hairstyling techniques, while Sandler learned Arbib's mannerisms.
Filmmakers planned on painting fake abs onto Adam Sandler, but Sandler insisted on working out with a trainer to achieve actual toned abs.
Co-writer Robert Smigel revealed that the script was mostly written in 2000, but was delayed after the 9/11 attacks due to the terrorist themes in the film.
Throughout the film, Zohan and other Israeli characters use various Hebrew words and phrases, including: Abba (father), Ema (Mother), B'seder (okay), and Yiddish words, including: faygelah (homosexual), tuches (butt).
Zohan is turned down by several salons in New York City - including Vidal Sassoon's, which is ironic. Sassoon was an elite fighter with the Israeli Haganah during the Arab-Israel war of 1948.
Sadie Sandler, Jackie Sandler: (at around 1h 40 mins) Adam Sandler's daughter Sadie is seen taking a "goat ride", while his wife Jackie holds onto her.