Despite disruptions at some Saudi Arabian airports caused by recent Houthi attacks, residents of the United Arab Emirates still have the option to perform the Umrah pilgrimage using both air and land transport.
Tour operators reported that their groups are continuing according to plan, with Jeddah and Medina serving as the main entry points for pilgrims. Although there has been a recent slowdown in new inquiries and bookings, residents wishing to travel continue to purchase flight and bus packages.
For those flying, the main airlines used for Umrah packages from the UAE are Saudia and flydubai. Pilgrims can arrive in Jeddah and then proceed to Mecca, or start their journey in Medina and travel to Mecca from there.
Jassim from Al Shammar Haj and Umrah Service noted that current disruptions have not stopped scheduled groups or new bookings. He emphasized that Umrah flights are running on schedule, and passengers are moving through Jeddah and Medina, primarily using Saudia and flydubai flights.
Air Umrah packages start from approximately 2700 dirhams and are usually designed for four- or five-day trips. These packages include a visa, flights, accommodation, meals, Ziyarat, and local transportation.
Jassim added that after landing, passengers can travel between Medina and Mecca by bus or train, depending on their preference and the conditions set in the package. He also stated that residents do not need to organize the trip, visa, or local transportation independently after purchasing the tour from the operator.
For residents seeking a more budget-friendly option, tour operators also offer land Umrah packages. Shihab Farwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tours and Travels stated that the company is preparing a bus group for next week. The bus will depart from Sharjah to Mecca, then to Medina, and return to the UAE.
Farwad specified that the planned bus trips are running on schedule. The bus will start its journey from Sharjah, pick up passengers in Abu Dhabi, and then head to Saudi Arabia via the Al Guwaifat–Al Batha border crossing. The one-way journey takes about 36 hours.
A typical bus tour lasts about 10 days in total, including round trip, with a stay of about four days in Medina and three days in Mecca. Farwad noted that the border crossing procedure usually does not take much time, and the full package covers all necessary expenses.
Bus packages start from 1100 dirhams, depending on the chosen hotel level. This amount includes the visa, meals, accommodation, Ziyarat, transport, border fees, and Nusuk processing. Farwad also compared current prices with October rates last year, when land tours cost around 1300–1400 dirhams. He warned that prices may increase to 1700–2000 dirhams during the winter period, depending on demand and accommodation.
Ultimately, the choice for residents comes down to balancing time and budget: air packages allow the trip to be completed in about four days, while the land option requires more time but costs less than half the price of the air package.