UAE Umrah packages for the upcoming National Day break are witnessing an exceptional surge in demand, with most operators reporting that seats are almost fully sold out. Travel agencies across the UAE say residents rushed to secure last-minute bookings as the long weekend—combined with cooler temperatures—created the perfect window for a short, meaningful pilgrimage.
Among those preparing for the journey is Dubai resident Salman Ubaid, a 29-year-old sales executive, who has been waiting more than three years to perform Umrah. “I am going with three of my closest friends,” he said. “We have been planning this for a long time, but work schedules never matched. When the four-day holiday was confirmed, we realised this was our chance. It feels like the right time.”
Salman said he had hoped to travel when his parents performed Umrah earlier, but work commitments made it impossible. When he saw the National Day holidays falling between November 29 and December 2, he booked immediately. “I’m excited and a little emotional because this is my first Umrah,” he added.
He and his friends selected a package that includes two days in Madinah and two days in Makkah, along with travel, visa processing and accommodation within walking distance of the Haram. “Everything is included, so it works perfectly for us,” he said.
UAE Umrah Packages in High Demand Ahead of National Day
According to leading Umrah operators in the UAE, the long weekend has triggered an overwhelming response from both residents and expatriates. Many bachelors and individuals living away from their families choose this period for short spiritual trips that do not require additional leave days.
“This year, the National Day break has created a huge push,” said Shihab Perwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism. “Many solo residents prefer short spiritual trips like this because the leave structure works for them.”
Travel operators noted that package prices—usually around Dh1,400—have risen to approximately Dh1,700 for the National Day week. The increase, they said, was driven primarily by higher hotel rates in the holy cities. “Whenever there is a long weekend or holiday season, hotels near the Haram raise their prices,” he said. “Still, bookings are happening very fast—almost everything is sold out.”
Despite the increase in cost, residents booked confidently. Operators say many packages were snapped up even before the holiday officially began. “People want to make the most of the cooler weather and the long break,” Shihab added.
Cooler Weather Boosts Demand for UAE Umrah Packages
The winter season is widely regarded as the best time for Umrah, with pleasant conditions making the pilgrimage more comfortable. Asim Malik, an Umrah consultant at Hakim Umrah Tours and Travels, said the demand spike was expected.
“Winter is the best season for Umrah,” he said. “The weather in Makkah and Madinah is very pleasant now, so people enjoy walking and performing their rites. This is one more reason why our packages were fully booked.”
Asim noted that his company saw a noticeable increase in bookings from residents living alone. “Many people told us they wanted to spend the National Day long weekend in prayer,” he added.
Several agencies also introduced flight-inclusive packages, offering two days in Madinah and two days in Makkah, with visas, guided tours, breakfast, and 4-star accommodation. “These all-inclusive packages are what people prefer because everything is organized. They just need to pack their ihram and passport,” said Rehan.
Hotels Near the Haram Remain Expensive but in High Demand
Operators said the price jump for hotels close to the Haram was the main factor behind the higher package rates. Rooms within walking distance are the first to get reserved during long weekends.
“Hotels near the Haram become expensive during holidays,” Shihab explained. “But residents still choose to pay more because it saves time—they don’t want to wait for buses or walk long distances.”
As demand continues to rise, agencies expect Umrah bookings for upcoming winter weekends and year-end holidays to follow the same trend.
