Travel & Tourism

Flights Nearly Full as UAE Pilgrims Rush for Umrah Amid Record Ramadan Crowds in Makkah

UAE residents are rushing to perform Umrah this Ramadan, as Saudi Arabia witnesses record-breaking crowds at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The surge in demand follows a historic milestone earlier this month, when 904,000 Umrah pilgrims were recorded in a single day at the Grand Mosque — the highest number ever reported during Ramadan. Travel agents in the UAE say residents are responding swiftly, securing visas within days and finalising bookings almost immediately due to limited flight availability.

Tourist Visas Accelerate Travel Plans

According to travel operators, many residents are increasingly opting for Saudi tourist visas instead of traditional Umrah visas, citing faster approval times.

Shihab Perwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism said tourist visas processed through authorised agencies are typically approved within two days. In contrast, independent online applications often face delays or rejection due to documentation errors.

The single-entry tourist visa, valid for one month with a stay of up to 30 days, has become a preferred option for residents planning short pilgrimage trips. Most travellers are choosing stays of approximately one week.

Flights Operating Near Capacity

Travel agencies report that flights to Saudi Arabia are operating close to full capacity, with airfares rising steadily due to strong demand. Four-day Umrah packages — usually split between two days in Makkah and two days in Madinah — are among the most sought-after options this season.

“With flights nearly full, pilgrims are booking tickets immediately once visas are issued,” Perwad said.

While bus travel remains available, heavy congestion at land borders has increased journey times. As a result, many residents are choosing to drive to Saudi Arabia, citing greater flexibility and fewer logistical constraints.

Early Planning and Multiple Visits

Demand for Umrah travel began building weeks before Ramadan, according to Qaisar Mahmood, manager at Asaa Travel and Tourism. Many residents approached agencies in advance to process visas early and avoid last-minute complications.

In some cases, pilgrims are planning multiple Umrah visits during the holy month — performing the pilgrimage early in Ramadan and returning again during the last ten nights, widely regarded as the most spiritually significant period.

Travel agents expect bookings to remain strong in the coming weeks as residents seek to secure their travel arrangements before flight availability tightens further.