UAE residents are rushing to Makkah this Ramadan in record numbers. Flights are nearly full, prices are climbing, and tourist visas are the fast-track option. Book now or risk missing out on the holy month's most sought-after travel.
As the holy month of Ramadan 2026 progresses, an increasing number of residents in the United Arab Emirates are making plans to perform Umrah the minor pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia. Travel agencies across the UAE are reporting a surge in demand for Umrah visas and pilgrimage packages, with many travellers finalising arrangements as soon as their documents are approved. Flights to Saudi Arabia are filling up fast, and sky-high airfares in the peak period are compelling many to secure travel plans early.
This spike in interest comes amid a remarkable period for Umrah travel overall Saudi authorities recently reported that 904,000 pilgrimsvisited the Grand Mosque in a single day earlier this Ramadan, setting a record for the number of worshippers performing Umrah in one day. A significant proportion of these were believed to be international visitors, including many residents of the UAE.
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Traditionally, pilgrims go through the formal Umrah visa application process to travel to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. However, this year travel agents say many UAE residents are taking advantage of tourist visas, which are being approved much more quickly and provide a flexible alternative. According to travel experts, these tourist visas are often granted within two working days when submitted through authorised agencies, compared with a slower turnaround for traditional Umrah visas.
“Demand for Umrah travel remains extremely high,” said Shihab Perwadof Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism. “There has been a noticeable shift with many pilgrims now choosing to apply for a Saudi tourist visa because it’s processed so quickly. That’s helping them secure travel dates and booking flights earlier.”
He added that individuals who attempt to apply independently online often face delays or rejection because of incomplete documentation or errors in submissions making travel agency assistance more reliable, particularly in peak season.
Travel agencies also highlight that air travel capacity to Saudi Arabia is under strong pressure this Ramadan, with flights departing from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah nearing full occupancy. The intense demand has pushed airfares higher than usual for this time of year.
For many pilgrims, even the rise in flight costs has not dampened enthusiasm. A common approach is to book the earliest available flights upon receiving visa approvals, as seats are quickly snapped up.
In addition to air travel, residents also have the option to travel overland by bus or private vehicle, but heavy traffic at border crossings has led many to prefer flying, particularly when the time window for Umrah visas is limited and journey times by road can be longer due to congestion.
Short-stay Umrah packages typically structured as four-day trips with two nights in Makkah and two nights in Madinah are among the most sought-after. These compact packages cater to residents who want to perform Umrah without spending an extended period away from work or family commitments in the UAE.
Travel agents have also noticed that multiple bookings from the same individuals are increasingly common. Some pilgrims complete their first Umrah early in Ramadan and then make plans to return during the last ten nights of the holy month when many Muslims seek additional spiritual rewards.
The heightened interest this year reflects broader trends in Muslim travel during Ramadan. Many believers view performing Umrah during this sacred month as particularly auspicious and spiritually meritorious. This naturally elevates demand compared with other periods.
With the Saudi authorities completing enhanced preparations in Makkah and Madinah to accommodate the rising number of pilgrims including expanded services, logistics plans and crowd management measures the atmosphere in the holy cities has been described as vibrant but crowded during this part of the year.
Given the strong travel demand and limited availability, Saudi analysts and travel providers recommend that prospective pilgrims begin processing visa applications well ahead of time, especially if they intend to perform Umrah during peak periods like Ramadan’s final ten nights.
In recent years, adjustments to the Umrah visa validity rules such as reducing the period for entry to Saudi Arabia after visa issuance have also encouraged earlier planning so travellers can avoid having to reapply if they miss the entry window.
As interest shows no immediate signs of slowing, many travel agencies in the UAE expect flights and packages to remain in high demand throughout the remainder of Ramadan. Pilgrims making arrangements now are likely to secure better travel options and avoid last-minute hassles as the holy month continues.
Source: Khaleej Times
