UAE Umrah operators report sustained bookings via Jeddah and Madinah

UAE residents continue to book Umrah packages by air and road, with operators reporting scheduled groups proceeding as planned through Jeddah and Madinah as primary gateways. Flight packages currently start from Dh2,700 for four to five day trips, while bus services begin at Dh1,100 for ten day journeys, according to operators contacted by Khaleej Times on 24 October 2026.

Flight packages operate through Jeddah and Madinah#

Saudia and flydubai are the main carriers used for Umrah packages from the UAE, with pilgrims flying into Jeddah for onward travel to Makkah or beginning in Madinah before heading to Makkah. Jaseem of Al Shammar Haj and Umrah Service told Khaleej Times that Umrah flights are operating as planned, with passengers travelling through both gateways. Flight packages of Dh2,700 include visa, flights, accommodation, food, ziyarat and local transport for four to five day trips. After landing, passengers travel between Madinah and Makkah by bus or train depending on package arrangements.

Bus services continue from Sharjah via Al Ghuwaifat border#

Bus packages departing from Sharjah collect passengers from Abu Dhabi before crossing into Saudi Arabia through the Al Ghuwaifat–Al Batha border, with the one way journey taking approximately 36 hours. Shihab Perwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tours and Travels told Khaleej Times the company is preparing a bus group for the week beginning 27 October 2026. A typical bus package takes ten days in total, including outward and return journeys, around four days in Madinah and three days in Makkah. Bus packages start from Dh1,100 depending on hotel accommodation selected, including visa, meals, accommodation, ziyarat, transport, border charges and Nusuk arrangements.

Package pricing below October 2025 levels#

Current bus package prices of Dh1,100 are lower than October 2025 rates, when road packages generally cost Dh1,300 to Dh1,400, according to Perwad. During winter periods, prices can reach Dh1,700 to Dh2,000 depending on demand and accommodation. Flight packages allow pilgrims to complete the journey in approximately four days, while road options take longer but cost less than half the flight package rate. Operators reported that while fresh enquiries and bookings have slowed in recent days, residents who want to travel are still booking flight and bus packages.

Winter holiday bookings rise 25 percent year on year#

Separately, UAE travel companies reported at least a 25 percent rise in early winter holiday reservations compared with the same period in 2025, according to Khaleej Times on 23 October 2026. Adil Tanriverdi, CEO of Tripventura, said the company recorded a 25 to 30 percent surge in early bookings, with over 65 percent of clients finalising winter itineraries weeks in advance. Long haul experiential travel increased by 35 percent, with demand for Japan, Finland, Switzerland and Georgia, while short haul family holidays to Oman, Turkey and Azerbaijan account for nearly 40 percent of holiday package volume this season. Rashida Zahid, vice president of operations at musafir.com, said demand increased approximately 43 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2025.