Travel operators confirm that Umrah group trips are proceeding as scheduled, with Jeddah and Madinah serving as the primary entry points for pilgrims.
UAE residents can continue travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah by air or road, despite disruptions affecting some Saudi airports following recent Houthi attacks.
Travel agencies across the UAE have confirmed that their scheduled pilgrimage groups are operating as planned, with Jeddah and Madinah emerging as the main arrival points for Umrah travellers.
Although new enquiries and reservations have declined in recent days, residents are still booking both flight and bus packages to undertake the pilgrimage.
Saudia and flydubai Among Main Airlines for Umrah Travel
According to travel operators, Saudia and flydubai are currently the primary airlines used for Umrah packages departing from the UAE.
Pilgrims can fly directly to Jeddah before continuing to Makkah or begin their pilgrimage in Madinah and travel onwards to Makkah.
Jaseem, representing Al Shammar Haj and Umrah Service, confirmed that the ongoing disruptions have not affected the company’s scheduled groups or prevented new reservations.
“Umrah flights are operating as planned. Our passengers are travelling through Jeddah and Madinah, and we are mainly using Saudia and flydubai flights for these packages,” he said.
Flight Packages Start at Dh2,700
Umrah packages by air currently begin at approximately Dh2,700, with most itineraries lasting four to five days.
These packages generally cover visa processing, return flights, hotel accommodation, meals, ziyarat visits and local transportation.
Jaseem explained that pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia can travel between Madinah and Makkah by bus or train, depending on their preferences and the arrangements included in their package.
“After landing, passengers can travel between Madinah and Makkah either by bus or train,” he said. “It depends on what they prefer and the arrangement made in their package.”
He added that residents booking through a travel operator do not need to organise their visas, pilgrimage transportation or local travel arrangements separately.
Umrah Bus Services Continue from the UAE
For residents seeking a more affordable alternative, travel agencies are continuing to organise Umrah journeys by road.
Shihab Perwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tours and Travels said the company is preparing another bus group scheduled to depart next week.
The journey will begin in Sharjah, with passengers also boarding in Abu Dhabi, before the bus enters Saudi Arabia through the Al Ghuwaifat–Al Batha border crossing.
The group will travel to Makkah, continue to Madinah and then return to the UAE.
“Our scheduled bus trips as going as planned,” Perwad said. “The bus will start from Sharjah, collect passengers from Abu Dhabi and then travel to Saudi Arabia through the Al Ghuwaifat–Al Batha border.”
Road Journey Takes Around 36 Hours Each Way
According to Perwad, the journey from the UAE to Saudi Arabia takes approximately 36 hours in each direction.
A standard Umrah bus package lasts around 10 days, including travel time, approximately four days in Madinah and three days in Makkah.
He explained that border formalities generally do not cause significant delays and that the package covers the essential arrangements required for the pilgrimage.
Bus Umrah Packages Available from Dh1,100
Road-based Umrah packages currently start at Dh1,100, with the final price depending on the accommodation selected.
The package includes visa arrangements, meals, hotel stays, ziyarat, transportation, border fees and Nusuk-related arrangements.
Perwad said these prices are lower than those offered during the same period last year, when October bus packages typically ranged from Dh1,300 to Dh1,400.
However, prices generally increase during the busy winter travel season, potentially reaching Dh1,700 to Dh2,000 depending on demand and hotel availability.
“Last October, the regular package price was around Dh1,300 to Dh1,400,” Perwad said. “During winter, it can go up to Dh1,700 or even Dh2,000 because of higher demand.”
Flight or Bus: Which Umrah Option Suits UAE Residents?
For UAE residents planning an Umrah pilgrimage, the decision largely depends on their available time and travel budget.
Air packages offer a quicker option, allowing pilgrims to complete their journey in approximately four to five days, with prices beginning at Dh2,700.
Bus packages, meanwhile, provide a more economical alternative starting at Dh1,100, although the overall trip takes approximately 10 days.
Despite the regional travel disruptions, operators say both options remain available, giving residents flexibility when planning their pilgrimage.
Travellers should confirm current flight operations, border requirements and package availability with their chosen operator before departure.
