Book now or pay more: Umrah packages could reach up to Dh8,000 as Ramadan approaches
UAE residents planning to perform Umrah during the cooler months are being urged to book early, as travel operators warn that costs will rise sharply closer to Ramadan, with some packages doubling or even tripling in price.According to Umrah operators, demand typically peaks during Ramadan, when millions of pilgrims travel to Makkah and Madinah — driving up prices for transport, accommodation, and complete Umrah packages.Shihab Perwad, Umrah operator at Rehan al Jazeera Tourism, said prices are already on the way up. “Currently, a bus Umrah package is available at around Dh1,200,” he told Khaleej Times. “But in the next 10 days, this will increase to around Dh1,400. As Ramadan gets closer, the price will go beyond Dh2,000.”Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. He noted that many pilgrims delay bookings in hopes of better deals, but this often works against them during peak seasons like Ramadan. “Seats get filled, hotels become limited, and prices rise very fast. Those who book early always benefit,” Perwad said.Air packages could go up to Dh8,000The rise is even sharper for pilgrims travelling by air. Qaisar Mahmood from Asaa Travels and Tourism said air Umrah packages are expected to see a significant jump during Ramadan. “At present, air Umrah packages start from Dh3,500,” he said. “As Ramadan approaches, prices are expected to start from Dh5,200, and they could go up to Dh8,000, depending on travel dates and hotel location and amenities.”Mahmood added that pricing for the last 10 days of Ramadan is still uncertain. “For now, we do not have a clear itinerary or package pricing for the last 10 days. But one thing is certain — the prices will keep increasing,” he said.According to a Khaleej Times analysis, airfares listed on Bookings.com currently remain stable, starting from around Dh778, with little difference between now and the holy month.However, the spike is seen in accommodation costs, especially hotels located within walking distance of the Haram in Makkah.Analysis shows that while hotel prices may double during Ramadan, they can triple during the last 10 days, particularly for properties closest to the Haram, where demand is at its highest.Umrah operators warn that many pilgrims underestimate the accommodation costs during peak periods, even when flights remain affordable.What else pilgrims need to considerPilgrims also need to consider upcoming visa deadlines linked to Hajj preparations. Mahmood noted that Umrah visa applications will close on March 17, while April 2 is the last date for entry into Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims must return from Makkah or Madinah by April 18, as Hajj preparations begin. "This means pilgrims not only have to think about rising prices but also limited time,” said Mahmood.Operators advise pilgrims to plan early, choose flexible dates, and consider hotel distance carefully to manage costs.“People often focus only on flight prices,” said Mahmood. “But in Ramadan, hotels near the Haram are what push the total cost much higher.”11 Jordanian Umrah pilgrims injured in bus accident in Saudi ArabiaHajj Ministry suspends Umrah firm, overseas agent over accommodation failures
UAE residents planning to perform Umrah during the cooler months are being urged to book early, as travel operators warn that costs will rise sharply closer to Ramadan, with some packages doubling or even tripling in price.
According to Umrah operators, demand typically peaks during Ramadan, when millions of pilgrims travel to Makkah and Madinah — driving up prices for transport, accommodation, and complete Umrah packages.
Shihab Perwad, Umrah operator at Rehan al Jazeera Tourism, said prices are already on the way up. “Currently, a bus Umrah package is available at around Dh1,200,” he told Khaleej Times. “But in the next 10 days, this will increase to around Dh1,400. As Ramadan gets closer, the price will go beyond Dh2,000.”
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
He noted that many pilgrims delay bookings in hopes of better deals, but this often works against them during peak seasons like Ramadan. “Seats get filled, hotels become limited, and prices rise very fast. Those who book early always benefit,” Perwad said.
Air packages could go up to Dh8,000
The rise is even sharper for pilgrims travelling by air. Qaisar Mahmood from Asaa Travels and Tourism said air Umrah packages are expected to see a significant jump during Ramadan. “At present, air Umrah packages start from Dh3,500,” he said. “As Ramadan approaches, prices are expected to start from Dh5,200, and they could go up to Dh8,000, depending on travel dates and hotel location and amenities.”
Mahmood added that pricing for the last 10 days of Ramadan is still uncertain. “For now, we do not have a clear itinerary or package pricing for the last 10 days. But one thing is certain — the prices will keep increasing,” he said.
According to a Khaleej Times analysis, airfares listed on Bookings.com currently remain stable, starting from around Dh778, with little difference between now and the holy month.
However, the spike is seen in accommodation costs, especially hotels located within walking distance of the Haram in Makkah.
Analysis shows that while hotel prices may double during Ramadan, they can triple during the last 10 days, particularly for properties closest to the Haram, where demand is at its highest.
Umrah operators warn that many pilgrims underestimate the accommodation costs during peak periods, even when flights remain affordable.
What else pilgrims need to consider
Pilgrims also need to consider upcoming visa deadlines linked to Hajj preparations. Mahmood noted that Umrah visa applications will close on March 17, while April 2 is the last date for entry into Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims must return from Makkah or Madinah by April 18, as Hajj preparations begin. "This means pilgrims not only have to think about rising prices but also limited time,” said Mahmood.
Operators advise pilgrims to plan early, choose flexible dates, and consider hotel distance carefully to manage costs.
“People often focus only on flight prices,” said Mahmood. “But in Ramadan, hotels near the Haram are what push the total cost much higher.”
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