UAE: Umrah flight tickets hit Dh1,400 as more residents plan pilgrimage during Ramadan
The upcoming holy month of Ramadan caused Umrah bookings and inquiries in the UAE to rise sharply which resulted in a 140 per cent increase in airfare compared to last year's winter months.
An Umrah operator explained that the eagerness of residents to begin and finish Ramadan in Makkah causes significant travel demands.
The devout choose to arrive in Jeddah prior to the start of the holy month so they can attend their initial Taraweeh prayer at the Grand Mosque. Shihab Perwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism explained that some people choose to spend Ramadan's final days in Makkah to celebrate Eid or return home after their last fast.
Travel calls in February and early March show a surge as they coincide with the start of Ramadan. Perwad stated that thousands of residents from the UAE performed Umrah in January with expectations of a significant demand increase in February because of Ramadan's arrival.
During October through December 2024 the average cost for round-trip direct flight tickets was Dh580.
A one-way flight ticket from Dubai to Jeddah costs Dh980 while the average cost for round-trip tickets stands at Dh1,400. From Dubai during the early days of Ramadan flight tickets stand at Dh1,200 while the prices escalate to Dh1,600 by the end of the holy month. From Abu Dhabi, rates start at Dh1,700.
No change in plans
Airfare prices remain high but some residents continue with their plans to perform Umrah. The Dubai clothing business owner Ahmed Khalil altered his original December travel plans to perform Umrah during Ramadan.
Khalil explained that his one-way December airfare cost Dh380 and total expenses including accommodation and food stayed under Dh2,200.
The approaching Ramadan has resulted in a surge of ticket prices to Dh750 for a one-way journey at the start of the month and return fares now range between Dh400 and Dh700. Accommodation remains the highest cost at around Dh2,000 for my four-day stay. My total travel expenses have surpassed Dh4,000.
Some people choose to pay the increased costs while others delay their pilgrimage plans until after Ramadan.Deira-based businessman Shaneer Gawaiman wanted his family to perform Umrah while his parents visited Dubai.
He put his plans on hold because of the substantial increase in airfare prices.
Purchasing tickets for my family members would cause serious financial strain according to Gawaiman. We will travel in April when we expect better weather conditions and much lower prices.
For those looking to save on travel costs, Perwad suggested an alternative route: Travelers can fly from the UAE to Riyadh before taking a bus to Makkah as an alternative transportation method. This travel option requires more time but presents a more affordable solution compared to direct flights.
The current pricing for Umrah bus trips from the UAE stands at Dh1,200 for a 10-day package which covers both accommodation and visa fees according to Perwad.
The spiritual journey remains a top priority for many despite increasing expenses.
Airfares will show further increases as Ramadan gets closer. An increasing number of travelers are requesting Umrah trips during the time period immediately before the holy month begins. Perwad explained that ticket prices will probably increase because more residents are finalising their travel plans.
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