Umrah bookings from the UAE have seen a significant surge in October and November, with travel operators reporting more than a 150 percent increase compared to the summer months. Industry experts anticipate that the numbers will continue to rise in December, driven by public holidays at the start and end of the month.

"When winter sets in, many residents plan their spiritual journeys due to the more pleasant weather. The numbers are considerably lower during the summer," explained Shihab Parwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism. Parwad noted that the growing number of inquiries indicates a rising demand. "We receive inquiries daily. While we offer fixed schedules for Umrah, some residents find it challenging to confirm their bookings due to difficulties in obtaining leave from work on our specific dates," he said.

Currently, over 50 pilgrims embark on Umrah trips monthly with Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism. Many prefer the road journey, which spans approximately 10 days. "Buses depart from Sharjah and Dubai, with pilgrims spending three days in Makkah, three in Madinah, and the remaining days traveling," Parwad detailed. Packages for bus travel start at Dh1,500, though costs are expected to increase in December due to limited seats and accommodations.

Similarly, air travel is gaining popularity, offering a quicker option for those with less time. "Many people opt for the four-day air package due to its convenience. The current package starts at Dh3,000, but we anticipate prices to rise soon as airfares and demand for accommodation increase," said Qaiser Mahmood from ASAA Travels.

Many UAE residents' recent Umrah trips have been transformative experiences. Syed Basha, a Dubai resident, recently undertook the Umrah pilgrimage and described his experience in Makkah: "The crowd at the Haram was immense. I was in Makkah for four days, and each day the number of pilgrims seemed to grow. During the weekend, I couldn’t even access the Mataf area because of the rush."

"The moment I entered the Grand Mosque and saw the Kaaba for the first time, I was overwhelmed with emotion and couldn’t stop crying. It was a moment of profound gratitude and awe. Despite the heavy rush, the mosque’s management ensured smooth access to the Tawaf and Sa’i areas," Basha recounted.

Saleh Hammad, a Dubai resident who embarked on the Umrah journey with his family, emphasized the importance of proper planning. "After arriving at Jeddah International Airport, we had to wait for seven hours to board the high-speed train as tickets weren’t available. We had the option to travel by cab, but my family insisted on taking the train," Hammad said.

"The train experience was exceptional. It was spacious, fast, and incredibly smooth, making the journey stress-free. The view of the mountainous landscape as we headed toward Makkah added a unique charm to the trip," he added. After completing their Umrah rituals, Hammad and his family traveled to Madinah by train. "We reached Madinah in just three hours. It takes over six hours to travel by road," Hammad noted.

Umrah operators have observed a sharp increase in demand during the cooler months. "The rush in Makkah and Madinah during this time of year is remarkable. Pilgrims from around the world are arriving in large numbers, and this demand is evident in the crowded streets and packed mosques," said Mahmood.

For many devoted pilgrims, visiting Madinah enhances the spiritual experience. Though not mandatory for Umrah, many prioritize it due to the city’s significance. With the rising demand for Umrah, travel agencies are advising residents to book their packages early. Prices for both bus and air packages are expected to rise due to accommodation shortages and increased airfares as December approaches.

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