UAE: Umrah packages are 25% cheaper this summer

Umrah Packages Discounted After Haj Season

Following the annual Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, travel agencies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced discounted Umrah packages. Tickets are nearly 25 percent cheaper than those available during cooler months.

Reason for Price Drop

The price drop reflects lower demand after the Haj season. A tourism employee said, “The demand for Umrah travel has decreased during the summer months, so package prices have been reduced by approximately 25% on average.”

Temporary Halt of Umrah Pilgrimage

The UAE authorities halted the Umrah pilgrimage from May 23 to June 6 to pave the way for Haj due to excessive heat in Saudi Arabia. This year’s Haj pilgrimage was particularly challenging, with 1,301 pilgrims losing their lives due to extreme heat, as temperatures exceeded 50 degrees Celsius.

Planning for Cooler Months

Some UAE residents plan to postpone their Umrah trips to September, hoping for a slight decrease in temperatures.

Discounts on Umrah Packages

Typically, Umrah package prices during cooler months start from Dh 3,200 for air travel and Dh 1,600 for bus travel. However, current prices have dropped to Dh 2,500 for a four-day air package and Dh 1,100 for a bus package. Travel agent Shihab Parwad said, “During the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan, Umrah packages rose to nearly three times their usual price. The packages were priced at Dh6,000 by air and Dh2,500 by bus.”

Saudi Arabia Issues Umrah Visas

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has started issuing Umrah visas to streamline arrivals and ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims. The new Umrah season coincides with the start of the new Islamic year on Muharram 1, 1446 AH, which began on July 7. Last year, over 13.5 million Muslims undertook the Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah.

Discounted Umrah packages offer an opportunity for many who were unable to afford the higher prices during peak seasons. With reduced rates and the re-issuance of visas, this is an excellent time for Muslims in the UAE and around the world to plan their Umrah pilgrimage. Lower prices make the pilgrimage more accessible and help manage demand, ensuring pilgrims can have a comfortable experience despite challenging weather conditions.