Travel operators in the UAE have confirmed that Umrah packages for the upcoming National Day holiday are nearly fully booked, reflecting strong demand as travelers rush to secure their trips.
UAE National Day Umrah Packages Close to Full Capacity, Travel Operators Confirm.
As the UAE National Day approaches, thousands of Muslims across the country are making final preparations for their Umrah journeys, eager to perform the pilgrimage during the long holiday. Among them is Salman Ubaid, a 29-year-old sales executive and lifelong resident of Dubai, who will be heading to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina after patiently waiting for over three years. For Salman, this upcoming trip is not just a routine pilgrimage—it represents a long-anticipated spiritual milestone and a chance to reconnect with his faith in a profound way.
Salman shared that he will be travelling with three of his closest friends, all of whom have been looking forward to this opportunity for years. “We have all been planning this for a long time,” he explained, reflecting on the obstacles that delayed their journey. “Between our work schedules, personal commitments, and other responsibilities, it never quite worked out. We kept hoping for the right timing, and now with the National Day break, everything finally aligns perfectly.” The announcement of a four-day public holiday sparked a sense of urgency and excitement among the group, transforming what had been years of waiting into a tangible opportunity to embark on their spiritual journey.
For Salman, the significance of this trip extends far beyond the travel itself. Having waited patiently for three years, he sees this moment as the right time in his life to undertake Umrah. “It feels like the right time,” he said. “After so long, we finally have the chance to go together. I’ve been waiting for this journey not just for the pilgrimage, but also for the personal reflection, the prayers, and the connection it brings to my faith. It’s been on my mind constantly, and now I finally get to make it a reality.”
The anticipation of the journey is evident in Salman’s preparations, which have been meticulous and thoughtful. He and his friends have spent weeks arranging travel logistics, researching the rituals and requirements, and ensuring that they are spiritually and mentally ready. For many pilgrims like Salman, this level of planning is crucial, as it allows them to focus fully on the spiritual aspects of the pilgrimage once they arrive, without being distracted by practical concerns.
Salman also spoke about the emotional significance of travelling with friends, emphasizing the shared experience of faith and devotion. “Going with people you trust and share values with makes the pilgrimage even more meaningful,” he said. “We can support each other, learn together, and reflect together. These are moments that stay with you for a lifetime.”
His story mirrors a broader trend among UAE residents this National Day break, as many seize the opportunity to perform Umrah after a long hiatus caused by travel restrictions and personal commitments in recent years. The combination of a national holiday, flexible work schedules, and renewed interest in spiritual travel has created a surge in bookings, with travelers like Salman representing a wave of eager pilgrims ready to embrace their religious obligations and personal aspirations.
For Salman and his friends, this National Day journey is not just a trip—it is a long-awaited spiritual fulfillment, a shared experience with close companions, and a deeply personal moment of devotion that they have anticipated for years. After three years of waiting, they are finally set to embark on their Umrah pilgrimage, marking the start of a new chapter in their spiritual lives.
For Salman Ubaid, the upcoming Umrah journey during the UAE National Day break is not merely a short trip; it is a deeply meaningful spiritual experience he has been longing for over the years. As he prepares for his first pilgrimage, Salman reflects on the significance of this moment, describing a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and emotion. “I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time,” he said. “There were occasions in the past when I had hoped to travel for Umrah, such as when my parents visited Mecca. Unfortunately, work obligations and scheduling conflicts always prevented me from taking the leave. It was frustrating at times, but I never lost hope that the right opportunity would come along.”
The announcement of the National Day holidays, spanning November 29 to December 2, provided the perfect window for Salman to fulfill his spiritual aspiration. Without hesitation, he made the necessary arrangements and booked his Umrah package immediately. The short break, although limited in duration, carries a profound significance for him. “When I saw the dates of the National Day holidays, I knew this was my chance,” Salman shared. “I didn’t want to wait any longer. I booked right away. Even though it’s only a few days, this journey holds immense value for me. It’s the culmination of years of planning and longing.”
Salman also described the emotional side of preparing for his first Umrah. While the trip is logistical in nature—flight bookings, accommodation, and scheduling—it is also a deeply personal and spiritual milestone. “I am incredibly excited,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “There’s a sense of anticipation that I cannot fully describe. At the same time, I feel a little emotional, because this is something I have envisioned for so long. Knowing that I will be stepping into the holy sites for the very first time fills me with gratitude and humility.”
The young sales executive explained that the emotional impact of this journey goes beyond personal fulfillment; it is about connecting with his faith on a deeper level. The rituals of Umrah, the prayers, and the atmosphere of devotion and reverence all contribute to an experience that he has dreamed of experiencing firsthand. “I have read about it, watched videos, and spoken to friends who have been before, but I know that nothing compares to the feeling of being there in person,” he added. “It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most in life. Even a few days in the holy cities are enough to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.”
Salman’s story reflects a broader sentiment shared by many UAE residents planning Umrah trips during this National Day period. After years of restrictions, work commitments, and other obstacles, many Muslims in the country see this break as an opportunity to fulfill a spiritual goal. The combination of a national holiday, well-organized travel packages, and the emotional anticipation of pilgrimage has created a sense of eagerness and urgency among first-time pilgrims like Salman.
As he finalizes his preparations, Salman is focused not on the brevity of the trip, but on the depth of the experience. “Even though it’s a short journey, I know it will be meaningful,” he said. “I will treasure every moment, every prayer, every ritual. This is my first Umrah, and it is something I have longed for. I am grateful to finally have this opportunity, and I hope to make it a memorable, spiritual experience that stays with me forever.”
Salman will be making the pilgrimage with his close group of friends, who have carefully coordinated every aspect of their journey to ensure a smooth and meaningful experience. They opted for a comprehensive Umrah package that spans four days—two days in Madinah and two days in Makkah—allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the spiritual atmosphere of both holy cities. The package includes all essential arrangements: travel, visa processing, and accommodation conveniently located within walking distance of the Haram, which will make their daily rituals and prayers much more accessible and less stressful. “It was ideal for us because everything we needed was covered,” Salman explained. “We didn’t have to worry about the logistics at all—transportation, accommodation, or visas were all taken care of. That gave us the peace of mind to focus entirely on the spiritual side of the journey. It truly felt like the perfect plan for our first Umrah.”
Umrah operators in the UAE report that bookings for the upcoming National Day holiday are approaching full capacity, driven by the long four-day weekend. Many residents, particularly bachelors and those who live away from their families, see this period as an ideal window for a short spiritual journey, combining convenience with the opportunity to visit the holy cities without needing to take additional leave from work.
“This year, the National Day break has generated significant demand,” said Shihab Perwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism. “Many solo residents and working professionals prefer brief trips like this because it aligns perfectly with their schedules. They can complete their pilgrimage without affecting their annual leave balance, which makes short packages highly appealing.”
Shihab noted that the surge in demand has also influenced pricing. Packages that are typically priced around Dh1,400 have risen to roughly Dh1,700 during the National Day week. “The increase is primarily due to hotel rates in Makkah and Madinah, which tend to rise during holidays and long weekends. Hotels close to the Haram take advantage of the peak period, and the higher accommodation costs are reflected in package prices,” he explained.
Despite the higher prices, residents have not been deterred. Many bookings were completed well before the start of the holiday, indicating strong demand for this short-duration pilgrimage. “People are eager to take advantage of both the favorable weather and the extended weekend,” Shihab added. “Even with the price adjustments, almost all packages are filling up rapidly. It shows how important timing and convenience are for travelers planning an Umrah journey during peak holiday periods.”
Operators emphasize that the combination of a long weekend, well-organized packages, and proximity to the holy sites makes the National Day break an attractive time for pilgrims. The ability to plan a spiritually fulfilling trip without disrupting professional responsibilities has led to unprecedented interest, and travel companies expect that almost all slots will be fully booked by the time the holiday arrives.
The surge in demand for Umrah trips during the UAE National Day holiday is being attributed not only to the long weekend but also to favorable weather conditions, which make the pilgrimage more comfortable and enjoyable. According to Asim Malik, an Umrah consultant at Hakim Umrah Tours and Travels, the current season offers ideal temperatures in both Makkah and Madinah, creating a more pleasant environment for pilgrims. “Winter is by far the best time to perform Umrah,” Asim explained. “The weather is mild, and walking between holy sites or performing the rituals becomes much easier. Pilgrims can focus on their spiritual journey without worrying about extreme heat or fatigue. This seasonal advantage is one of the main reasons why our packages were fully booked so quickly.”
Asim highlighted another factor contributing to the rush: many residents traveling without their families see long weekends as an opportunity to engage in meaningful activities. “A lot of people who live alone or away from their families want to use these holidays to focus on something spiritually fulfilling,” he said. “Several of our clients mentioned that spending the National Day break in prayer and reflection was their priority, and they were eager to finalize their bookings as soon as possible.”
To cater to these travelers, Hakim Umrah Tours and Travels designed all-inclusive packages that cover both convenience and comfort. Their offerings typically include round-trip flights, two days in Madinah, two days in Makkah, visa processing, guided tours, daily breakfasts, and accommodation at four-star hotels within easy walking distance of the Haram. Asim pointed out that such arrangements are particularly appealing to first-time pilgrims or those traveling alone, as they eliminate the stress of planning logistics. “Our clients simply need to bring their ihram and passport; everything else is taken care of. This is why these packages are in such high demand,” he added.
The combination of seasonal comfort, strategic holiday timing, and fully organized travel arrangements has created a perfect window for UAE residents seeking a spiritually enriching experience. For many, the National Day holiday has become more than just a break from work—it is an opportunity to engage in reflection, prayer, and personal growth, all while taking advantage of the cooler winter climate and hassle-free travel arrangements.
Umrah operators in the UAE have noted a modest increase in package prices during the National Day holiday period, attributing the rise primarily to high hotel demand in Makkah and Madinah. According to Shihab Perwad, from Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism, accommodations located within walking distance of the Haram experience a surge in occupancy whenever there is a long weekend or holiday. “Hotels close to the Haram naturally become more expensive during peak periods like National Day or Eid,” he explained. “The short-term demand pushes prices upward, especially for rooms that offer convenience and proximity to the holy sites.”
Despite the higher cost, many residents are willing to pay the premium, prioritizing convenience and accessibility over price. Rehan, a travel consultant, emphasized that travelers value the ability to move easily between the hotel and the Haram without relying on transportation or enduring long walks, which can be tiring, particularly in a city like Makkah that draws large crowds during holidays. “Most pilgrims prefer rooms that are a short walk from the Haram,” he said. “No one wants to spend extra time waiting for buses or walking long distances in crowded streets. That convenience is worth the extra cost, especially for short trips when every minute counts.”
This trend reflects a broader pattern among UAE residents, many of whom are traveling for just a few days during the four-day National Day break. For first-time pilgrims, solo travelers, and residents without families, minimizing logistical stress is a key consideration. By choosing hotels near the Haram, they can focus on prayers, rituals, and reflection rather than transportation and time management. Travel operators have therefore tailored packages that cater to this demand, including accommodations that combine accessibility, comfort, and quality services, even if it comes at a higher price.
The higher rates also reflect the seasonal dynamics of the pilgrimage market. During long weekends, both Makkah and Madinah see a spike in visitors, leading to increased occupancy and a natural rise in room costs. Many operators stress that this is a predictable pattern and part of planning for peak periods. Even with these increases, bookings are typically filled quickly because pilgrims are willing to pay extra for the added convenience. “Being close to the Haram saves time, reduces stress, and allows pilgrims to make the most of their spiritual journey,” Shihab added.
For travelers, this means carefully balancing cost with convenience. While some may consider more affordable hotels farther from the Haram, most UAE residents prioritize location, especially for short trips like the National Day break. As a result, hotels immediately surrounding the holy sites are booked first, often months in advance, reflecting the high demand for accessible, hassle-free pilgrimages.
Ultimately, the willingness of residents to absorb the modest price increase underscores how logistics, comfort, and proximity are often more important than cost when planning a meaningful spiritual journey, even during peak travel periods. Pilgrims are not just paying for a room; they are investing in time, convenience, and peace of mind, ensuring that their Umrah experience remains smooth and focused entirely on worship and reflection.
