UAE announces 150% increase in Umrah bookings amid growing demand

With travel firms reporting a jump of over 150% over the summer, Umrah bookings from the UAE have seen a startling rise in October and November. Particularly in December, this increase in bookings is projected to keep growing since public holidays at the beginning and end of the month affect the bookings.

Shihab Parwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism pointed out that many inhabitants of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism plan their spiritual travels in response to the coming of cooler temperatures as the summer months usually see less pilgrims. He said that the rising demand for Umrah packages shows in the increasing number of questions and bookings. Even with set pilgrimage timetables, some residents find it impossible to confirm their appointments since they have trouble getting off from work.

Currently planning Umrah journeys for more than 50 pilgrims per month, Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism many of which choose road travel. Starting from Sharjah and Dubai, pilgrims spend three days in Makkah, three in Madinah, and the rest of the journey on the road—about ten days. These bus bundles start at Dh1,500, but given limited seats and availability of accommodation, costs should rise in December. 

Apart from the road plans, Umrah air travel is becoming more and more popular since it provides pilgrims with limited time a faster and more practical substitute. The four-day air travel package is becoming popular, according to Qaiser Mahmood of ASAA Travels; although the present pricing starts at Dh3,000, it is expected that prices would soon climb due of the growing demand and rising lodging costs. 

Many UAE citizens who just finished their Umrah travels have related their transforming experiences. Respected Dubai citizen Syed Basha thought back on his stay in Makkah and the intense feelings he experienced upon first viewing the Kaaba. Though there were lots of people, he valued the mosque's effective administration to make sure pilgrims could easily finish their Tawaf and Sa'i rites. Basha remembered how his encounter was remarkable because of the thankfulness and wonder. 

Traveling to Umrah with his family, Saleh Hammad, also from Dubai, underlined the need of careful preparation. Hammad related how a seven-hour wait for high-speed train tickets caused delays on their journey from Jeddah International Airport to Makkah. Hammad's family wanted the train, which offered a pleasant, smooth, and picturesque trip to Makkah, even though they could have hired a taxi. Hammad and his family proceeded Madinah by train after finishing the Umrah rites; they observed that the three-hour travel took less than six hours by road. 

There is clearly a winter boom in Umrah bookings; numerous pilgrims from all around the world arrive in great numbers to Makkah and Madinah. Many opt to visit Madinah in addition to Makkah, however it is not required for the trip, hence the streets and mosques in these cities are often packed. Many spiritual visitors give Madinah top importance since of its relevance to the Prophet. 

Travel agencies are recommending locals to reserve their vacations early to prevent last-minute price increases as Umrah packages are in more demand during this hectic season. Rising airfares and limited accommodation mean that both bus and plane travel packages should get more expensive once December gets underway. Pilgrims are advised to reserve their seats early to guarantee a seamless and reasonably priced travel at the busiest times.