With the conclusion of the Hajj, the Umrah season has resumed, and pilgrimage packages are now being offered at significantly reduced rates due to lower demand. Umrah packages are nearly 25% cheaper than during the cooler months.
Authorities had temporarily halted the Umrah pilgrimage from May 23 to June 6 to accommodate the Hajj pilgrims. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Umrah agents attributed the price reduction to the extreme summer temperatures, which have deterred many pilgrims. “The decrease in demand for Umrah pilgrimage during the summer months has led to a reduction in package prices by approximately 25%,” said Qaiser Mahmood of ASAA Tourism in Abu Hail.
Postponed Pilgrimage
Some UAE residents are choosing to postpone their Umrah pilgrimage to September, hoping for cooler temperatures. Arif Hussain, a 48-year-old resident of Deira, initially planned to perform Umrah in July but postponed his trip due to the intense heat and the deaths reported during this year’s Hajj. “I planned to do the pilgrimage with my children and my mother, but the weather is currently not favorable. It will be difficult for us,” said Hussain.
This year’s Hajj saw 1,301 pilgrims die due to the severe heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 50℃. Pilgrims were exposed to extreme heat for extended periods without adequate shelter or rest.
Affordable Rates
Umrah package rates during cooler months start at Dh 3,200 by air and Dh1,600 by bus. “Currently, the Umrah package for four days by air starts at Dh2,500 and Dh1,100 by bus,” said Mahmood. Shihab Parwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism mentioned that during the last ten days of Ramadan, Umrah packages rose to nearly three times their usual price, reaching Dh6,000 by air and Dh2,500 by bus. Despite reduced prices, some agents continue to charge Dh2,200, offering enhanced facilities such as better food and accommodation closer to the holy sites.
Umrah Visas
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has started issuing Umrah visas, and pilgrims must pay an additional Dh200 for a single entry visa. The new Umrah season coincides with the month of Muharram 1445 AH (July 19). Pilgrims can apply for electronic visas through the Nusuk application.
According to Parwad, UAE residents traveling to Madinah should expect large crowds. “While most Hajj pilgrims are now returning home, many are still in Madinah spending their time in devotion,” he said. Despite the summer heat, there are always devoted pilgrims, and we strive to provide them with the best facilities and services possible,” added Parwad.
Visiting Madinah is not a required rite of Hajj or Umrah; however, the special significance of the Prophet’s city, his mosque, and his sacred tomb encourages many pilgrims to visit. Umrah agents also noted that UAE residents can now travel to any airport in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, whereas previously, access was restricted to only four airports in Saudi Arabia.
