With Ramadan 1447 AH expected to begin around 19 February 2026, UAE-based travel agencies are reporting a sharp uptick in bookings for Umrah, Saudi Arabia’s ‘minor’ pilgrimage. Premium packages now average AED 8,000—about 25 per cent higher than last year—according to industry estimates published on 18 January. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Several factors are driving the spike: limited hotel inventory in Makkah, higher airfares and pent-up demand from residents seeking the extra spiritual merit of performing Umrah during Ramadan. New Saudi visa rules are also compressing booking windows; the Umrah visa is now valid for only 30 days from issuance, forcing pilgrims to firm up travel dates early or risk re-application.
UAE residents looking to simplify the visa paperwork can turn to VisaHQ, whose platform handles Saudi Umrah applications end-to-end—checking documents, scheduling appointments and providing real-time status updates. The service, available through https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/, helps travellers avoid costly mistakes and keeps itineraries on track during the peak Ramadan rush.
![Umrah Package Prices Climb to AED 8,000 as Ramadan Demand Surges]()
For corporate travel managers the surge has a ripple effect. Airlines are reallocating capacity from business routes to pilgrimage corridors during peak Ramadan weeks, which could squeeze seat availability and raise fares on Dubai–Jeddah and Abu Dhabi–Riyadh services commonly used by project teams. Mobility planners should lock in spring travel now or consider alternative routings via Dammam or Medina.
Travel insurers note that price inflation increases claims exposure for trip-cancellation policies. Advisers recommend ensuring policies cover visa-related delays or hotel overbookings, both more likely in a high-demand season.
Advice for travellers: book at least eight weeks in advance, secure hotel confirmations before applying for the visa through the mandatory Nusuk app, and avoid the final ten days of Ramadan when accommodation premiums can triple.
Several factors are driving the spike: limited hotel inventory in Makkah, higher airfares and pent-up demand from residents seeking the extra spiritual merit of performing Umrah during Ramadan. New Saudi visa rules are also compressing booking windows; the Umrah visa is now valid for only 30 days from issuance, forcing pilgrims to firm up travel dates early or risk re-application.
UAE residents looking to simplify the visa paperwork can turn to VisaHQ, whose platform handles Saudi Umrah applications end-to-end—checking documents, scheduling appointments and providing real-time status updates. The service, available through https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/, helps travellers avoid costly mistakes and keeps itineraries on track during the peak Ramadan rush.
For corporate travel managers the surge has a ripple effect. Airlines are reallocating capacity from business routes to pilgrimage corridors during peak Ramadan weeks, which could squeeze seat availability and raise fares on Dubai–Jeddah and Abu Dhabi–Riyadh services commonly used by project teams. Mobility planners should lock in spring travel now or consider alternative routings via Dammam or Medina.
Travel insurers note that price inflation increases claims exposure for trip-cancellation policies. Advisers recommend ensuring policies cover visa-related delays or hotel overbookings, both more likely in a high-demand season.
Advice for travellers: book at least eight weeks in advance, secure hotel confirmations before applying for the visa through the mandatory Nusuk app, and avoid the final ten days of Ramadan when accommodation premiums can triple.
