Travel agents in the UAE are witnessing a sharp jump in Umrah bookings this Ramadan, with residents securing visas in days and rushing to confirm travel plans as demand for pilgrimage trips surges.
According to travel operators, many residents are finalising bookings immediately after receiving visa approvals, as flights to Saudi Arabia are operating close to full capacity and airfares continue to climb during the holy month.
The growing rush 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 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.
Ramadan prayer timings
“Demand for Umrah travel remains very high, but we are seeing more residents opting for tourist visas,” he said. “These visas are usually approved within two days when processed through authorised travel agencies.”
He added that applications submitted independently online 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,” said Perwad.
The single-entry tourist visa is valid for one month and allows a stay of up to 30 days, although most UAE residents are choosing short pilgrimage trips lasting about a week. More
