The surge in bookings follows Saudi Arabia recording a historic 904,000 Umrah pilgrims in a single day earlier this Ramadan.
Travel agents in the UAE are reporting a significant surge in Umrah bookings this Ramadan, with residents obtaining visas within days and quickly confirming travel plans amid rising demand for pilgrimage trips.
Operators note that many travelers are finalizing bookings as soon as their visas are approved, with flights to Saudi Arabia operating near full capacity and airfares continuing to climb during the holy month.
The surge in demand comes as Saudi Arabia recorded a historic 904,000 Umrah pilgrims in a single day earlier this Ramadan — the highest number ever reported at the Grand Mosque in Makkah — with UAE residents among the vast influx of worshippers.
Tourist Visas Driving Demand
Shihab Perwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism said many UAE residents are now opting to travel on Saudi tourist visas, which are being approved significantly faster than traditional Umrah visas.
UAE Pilgrims Rush for Umrah as Saudi Arabia Sees Record Ramadan Crowds
Travel agents in the UAE are witnessing a sharp surge in Umrah bookings this Ramadan, with residents securing visas within days and rushing to confirm travel plans amid high demand for pilgrimage trips.
The growing rush follows Saudi Arabia recording a historic 904,000 Umrah pilgrims in a single day earlier this Ramadan — the highest number ever reported at the Grand Mosque in Makkah — with UAE residents forming part of the massive influx of worshippers.
Tourist Visas Driving Demand
Shihab Perwad, from Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism, said many UAE residents are now travelling on Saudi tourist visas, which are being approved much faster than traditional Umrah visas. “Demand for Umrah travel remains very high, but we are seeing more residents opting for tourist visas,” he explained. “These visas are usually approved within two days when processed through authorised travel agencies.”
He noted that online applications submitted independently often face delays or rejection due to incomplete or incorrectly submitted documents. “It is advisable to apply through travel agencies because documentation requirements must be precise. Many self-applications are getting delayed or rejected,” Perwad said.
The single-entry tourist visa is valid for one month and allows a stay of up to 30 days, although most UAE residents are opting for shorter pilgrimage trips lasting about a week.
Flights Nearly Full, Short Packages Popular
Travel agencies reported that four-day Umrah packages, typically two days in Makkah and two days in Madinah, are among the most popular options this Ramadan. “With flights almost full, pilgrims are booking tickets immediately once visas are issued,” said Perwad, noting that airfares have risen significantly due to strong demand.
While bus travel remains available, journey times have increased because of heavy traffic at land borders. As a result, many residents are choosing to drive to Saudi Arabia, which travel agents said has become one of the easier options this year. “There are currently no restrictions preventing pilgrims from performing Umrah on a tourist visa, and those travelling by private vehicle find the process more flexible,” he added.
Planning Multiple Trips
Qaisar Mahmood, manager at Asaa Travel and Tourism, said enquiries for Umrah began well before Ramadan, with residents requesting agencies to prepare visas in advance to avoid last-minute complications. “Many residents approached us before the holy month and shared their preferred travel dates. We processed the visas early, and once approvals came through — usually within two days — they immediately booked flights,” Mahmood said.
He added that some residents are planning multiple Umrah visits during Ramadan. “In several cases, pilgrims complete Umrah early in the month and return again during the last ten nights, which is further increasing demand,” he said.
Travel agents expect bookings to remain strong in the coming weeks as pilgrims seek to perform Umrah during Ramadan’s most spiritually significant period, with flights reaching full capacity pushing travellers to finalise plans early.
