As the holy month of Ramadan draws closer, there has been a notable rise in inquiries and bookings for Umrah pilgrimages from the UAE, resulting in airfare hikes of up to 140% compared to last year’s winter months. Many residents are eager to either begin or conclude Ramadan in the sacred city of Makkah, driving a significant surge in travel demand, according to a local Umrah operator.
Some pilgrims aim to arrive in Jeddah before Ramadan starts to perform their first Taraweeh prayers at the Grand Mosque, while others prefer to spend the final days of the holy month in Makkah, either celebrating Eid there or returning home after their last fast. Shihab Perwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism noted, “We’ve seen a sharp increase in travel inquiries for February and early March, aligning with the start of Ramadan. While many residents completed their Umrah in January, demand is expected to grow significantly as Ramadan approaches.”
A review of flight prices reveals that round-trip direct flights between October and December 2024 averaged Dh580. However, current one-way tickets from Dubai to Jeddah are priced at Dh980, with round-trip fares averaging Dh1,400. During the early days of Ramadan, fares rise to Dh1,200, and by the end of the month, prices start at Dh1,600 from Dubai and Dh1,700 from Abu Dhabi.
Unwavering Pilgrimage Plans
Despite the steep rise in airfare, many residents remain determined to fulfill their Umrah plans. Ahmed Khalil, a Dubai-based entrepreneur, initially planned to travel in December but decided to postpone his trip to Ramadan. “In December, a one-way ticket cost around Dh380, and my total expenses, including accommodation and food, would have been under Dh2,200,” he explained. “Now, with Ramadan approaching, one-way tickets cost Dh750, and return fares range from Dh400 to Dh700. Accommodation alone costs Dh2,000 for four days, pushing my total expenses beyond Dh4,000.”
While some are willing to bear the higher costs, others have chosen to delay their pilgrimage. Shaneer Gawaiman, a Deira-based businessman, had hoped to perform Umrah with his family during his parents’ visit to Dubai. However, the sharp increase in airfare led him to postpone the trip. “Booking tickets for my entire family would have been too costly,” he said. “We’ve decided to travel in April instead, when prices are likely to be lower and the weather more favorable.”
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
For those seeking to reduce travel expenses, Perwad suggested an alternative route: flying from the UAE to Riyadh and then taking a bus to Makkah. Although this option is more time-consuming, it could be a more economical choice compared to direct flights. Bus trips for Umrah from the UAE remain relatively stable, starting at Dh1,200 for a 10-day package that includes accommodation and visa fees. However, Perwad warned that prices could rise by 30-40% as Ramadan approaches, with packages potentially reaching Dh1,700 due to increased accommodation costs.
Despite the rising expenses, many pilgrims prioritize their spiritual journey over financial concerns. “During Ramadan, the faithful are less focused on costs,” Perwad noted. “They wait all year for this blessed month and are determined to travel, regardless of the price.”
As Ramadan approaches, airfares are expected to climb even higher. “The demand for Umrah travel is growing, particularly in the days leading up to Ramadan,” Perwad added. “With many residents still finalizing their plans, we anticipate further increases in ticket prices as more bookings come in.”
