Umrah packages from the UAE
Short flights, long bus trips, and a visa many residents can arrange themselves.
Umrah from the UAE is short and frequent. Flights to Jeddah or Madinah take about three hours, and a typical air package is five days, three nights in Makkah and two in Madinah. Bus packages take longer, about 10 days, with roughly 36 hours on the road each way through the Al Ghuwaifat–Al Batha border crossing.
On 23 October 2026, UAE operators told Khaleej Times that flights were running as planned despite disruption at some Saudi airports, though new bookings had slowed. Saudia and flydubai are the main airlines used.
- Currency
- UAE dirham (AED)
- Airports
- Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi Zayed International (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), all with non-stops to Jeddah and Madinah
- Flight time
- About 2h30 to 3h30
- Visa route
- Citizens: no visa, Nusuk permit. Residents: self-apply on Nusuk or buy a package visa
- Licensing
- AWQAF licence; Emirati-owned companies only
- Typical price
- AED 600 to AED 1,500 by bus; AED 2,700 to AED 4,500 by air
Umrah visa for UAE citizens and residents
UAE citizens do not need a visa for Umrah. Saudi rules for its own citizens apply to GCC citizens, but you still book an Umrah permit in the Nusuk app.
UAE residents can apply online without an agent. On Nusuk (umrah.nusuk.sa) choose "Saudi Visa Online" if your GCC residency is valid at least three months beyond your entry date and your passport for six months. The fee is SAR 300 plus SAR 39.44; the visa is multiple entry for a year with stays of up to 90 days. The Visit Saudi help centre says the GCC-resident eVisa also requires an eligible occupation. You can instead buy a package visa from a ministry-approved provider.
Gulf News reported in July 2026 that the newer one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa through Nusuk requires buying an approved Nusuk package first. Tourist eVisas are not valid for Umrah during the Hajj season.
The lowest-priced bus packages often leave out the visa, quoted at about AED 500. Ask whether it is included.
Who may sell Umrah in the UAE
In the UAE, Hajj and Umrah operators (often called "campaigns") are licensed by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (AWQAF) under Cabinet Resolution No. 32 of 2018. The licence holder must be an Emirati citizen aged 25 to 60, so only Emirati-owned companies can hold it. An operator needs at least two years of Umrah activity before it can add Hajj.
Operators may not accept Umrah applications or advertise trips without prior AWQAF approval, and fines go up to AED 50,000. AWQAF publishes its approved operators on awqaf.gov.ae.
Many UAE travel websites call themselves "licensed" but show no AWQAF licence number. Ask for the number and check it with AWQAF before you pay. If you hold a residence visa you can also book directly on Nusuk without an operator. See how to check an operator.
Departure cities
Umrah prices from UAE
| Package seen | Published from | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| About 8 to 10 days by bus | AED 600 to AED 1,500 | Coach and hotels; the lowest prices leave out the visa (about AED 500) |
| By bus in winter (reported by Khaleej Times, 23 Oct 2026) | AED 1,700 to AED 2,000 | As reported |
| 5 days by air, four per room | AED 2,700 to AED 4,500 | Flights and hotels; 3 nights Makkah, 2 Madinah |
| Luxury (reported by Gulf News, July 2026) | AED 5,000 to AED 7,000 | As reported |
Prices published by agencies serving UAE, checked 29 October 2026. They are examples, not offers, and change with season and availability.
Flights
All three main airports fly non-stop to both Jeddah and Madinah:
- Dubai: Emirates, flydubai and Saudia to Jeddah; Emirates, flydubai and flynas to Madinah.
- Abu Dhabi: Etihad and Saudia to Jeddah; Etihad to Madinah, about once a day.
- Sharjah: Air Arabia and flynas to Jeddah; Air Arabia to Madinah.
Many air packages fly into Madinah and home from Jeddah. Check the latest flight status after the October 2026 attacks on Saudi airports; see our travel update.
Umrah by bus from the UAE
Coaches leave from Sharjah, collect passengers in Abu Dhabi and cross into Saudi Arabia at Al Ghuwaifat–Al Batha. Khaleej Times (23 October 2026) put the journey at about 36 hours each way and the typical bus package at about 10 days. It is the lowest-cost way to go, but it is long and tiring, so think carefully before booking it for older relatives.
We do not sell packages. The prices on this page were published by agencies and checked by us on 29 October 2026. They are examples to help you judge the quotes you receive, not offers.
What to ask before you pay
- The licence or registration number, and where to check it.
- Both hotel names and the walking distance to the Haram.
- Room sharing, and whether flights, visa, transfers and meals are included.
- Cancellation and refund rules in writing.
Questions pilgrims ask
Do UAE residents need an agent for Umrah?
No. Residents with GCC residency valid at least three months beyond entry can apply for the Saudi visa on Nusuk themselves, or buy a package visa from an approved provider.
Who can legally run Umrah trips in the UAE?
Only operators licensed by AWQAF, and the licence can only be held by Emirati citizens. Ask for the AWQAF licence number.
How long does Umrah by bus from the UAE take?
About 36 hours each way, with a typical package lasting about 10 days.
Are flights from the UAE to Saudi Arabia running?
On 23 October 2026 UAE operators said flights were running as planned. Check with your airline close to departure.
Get quotes from licensed operators
Tell us where you travel from and when. A licensed operator in your country replies on WhatsApp.