UAE Umrah Operators Report 50% Drop in New Bookings as Travellers Reconsider Saudi Arabia Trips

Umrah travel agencies across the UAE are witnessing a significant slowdown in new reservations as uncertainty surrounding the security situation in Saudi Arabia prompts some residents to reconsider their pilgrimage plans. While travellers who have already purchased packages are largely continuing with their journeys, fresh enquiries and bookings have reportedly fallen by around 50 per cent, according to travel industry representatives.

The situation has also affected passengers scheduled to fly to Riyadh, with some travellers whose flights were cancelled being redirected to Jeddah or Madinah. Both cities serve as important entry points for pilgrims travelling to Makkah, allowing many Umrah journeys to continue despite changes to flight arrangements.

Travel operators said their existing groups were proceeding according to schedule and that they had not experienced widespread cancellations among customers who had confirmed their packages earlier. However, the uncertainty has made prospective customers more hesitant about committing to travel, particularly those who have not yet finalised their bookings.

The slowdown comes at a time when demand for Umrah is generally expected to strengthen ahead of the winter travel period. Operators anticipate that December will bring increased interest from UAE residents seeking to perform the pilgrimage. For now, however, some potential travellers are taking a wait-and-watch approach, preferring to monitor developments before making financial commitments or deciding on travel dates.

Industry representatives said the decline is affecting both air travel and road-based packages. Although transport options remain available through alternative Saudi destinations, the prevailing uncertainty appears to be influencing the decisions of residents who are planning their first trip or arranging a pilgrimage for their families.

Existing Umrah Travellers Continue with Their Plans

Despite concerns surrounding the situation in Saudi Arabia, travel agents said customers who had already confirmed their Umrah arrangements were generally reluctant to cancel their journeys. Instead, operators are working to accommodate passengers affected by flight disruptions by arranging alternative routes where possible.

For pilgrims travelling from the UAE, Jeddah and Madinah remain important options for reaching Makkah. Passengers originally scheduled to arrive in Riyadh may therefore be able to continue their journeys after their tickets are changed, subject to flight availability, airline arrangements and applicable travel requirements.

Travel agents said the ability to use alternative airports has helped some existing groups maintain their schedules. Rather than abandoning their plans altogether, affected passengers are being moved to different routes when suitable arrangements can be made.

However, the same level of confidence is not evident among people who are still considering whether to book. Prospective travellers appear to be paying closer attention to developments before deciding whether to travel by air or choose a road-based package.

Shihab Perwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tours and Travels said the company had not received cancellations from customers who had already booked their Umrah packages. The more noticeable change, he explained, was the reduction in new enquiries and reservations.

According to Perwad, the slowdown extends beyond one form of transport. Both bus-based Umrah packages and flight bookings have experienced a decline in fresh demand, suggesting that uncertainty is affecting prospective travellers regardless of how they intend to reach Saudi Arabia.

“People who have already booked are not cancelling their Umrah trips,” he said. “But new enquiries and bookings have reduced by around 50 per cent. This is happening for bus travel, and flight bookings have also come down.”

His comments indicate that the immediate challenge for travel agencies is not necessarily the cancellation of previously confirmed business, but the difficulty of attracting new customers while residents wait for a clearer picture of the situation.

For operators, the distinction is significant. Existing reservations provide a degree of continuity for scheduled groups, whereas a decline in new bookings can affect future departures and expected seasonal revenue if the slowdown continues.

Travel companies must also respond to changing passenger requirements, particularly when flights are cancelled or itineraries need to be adjusted. Rebooking passengers and coordinating alternative arrangements can require additional communication with airlines, transport providers and customers.

Although Jeddah and Madinah provide other routes for reaching Makkah, travellers still need to assess whether the available schedules, costs and onward transport arrangements suit their needs.

Seasonal Demand Faces an Uncertain Outlook

Perwad said the current slowdown is taking place just as the Umrah travel market would ordinarily begin preparing for a busier period.

Demand often increases as residents make arrangements for upcoming holidays and plan religious journeys around their work commitments, family schedules and available travel packages. December is expected to be an important period for the sector, with some operators anticipating stronger demand as the month approaches.

The current uncertainty, however, has led some potential customers to delay their decisions. Residents who might otherwise have confirmed their travel dates are instead monitoring developments and comparing available options before proceeding.

Perwad said travellers were still using routes through Jeddah and Madinah, while bus services from the UAE continued to carry pilgrims. Nevertheless, the number of new reservations was lower than the company would normally expect.

“People are still booking flights to Jeddah and Madinah, and buses are also going from the UAE for Umrah trips,” he said. “But new bookings are not happening at the same level as before.”

The comments suggest that demand has not disappeared entirely. Rather, prospective customers are becoming more selective about when they travel and whether they feel comfortable confirming arrangements at the present time.

For some residents, the availability of alternative routes may be sufficient to continue with their plans. Others may prefer to wait until they have greater confidence in flight schedules and the wider security situation.

This difference in how travellers respond is creating an uneven picture for the industry. Confirmed groups can continue operating, while new customers remain cautious about making decisions that involve advance payments, transport arrangements and time away from work.

Travel operators may therefore find it difficult to predict how the coming weeks will unfold. If uncertainty persists, some customers could continue postponing their decisions. If conditions become clearer and transport arrangements stabilise, delayed demand may return.

For now, agencies are continuing to manage existing departures while monitoring enquiries from residents who are considering future trips.

Passengers from Cancelled Riyadh Flights Are Being Rerouted

Flight disruptions involving Riyadh have created additional logistical challenges for some Umrah passengers. According to travel operators, people whose original flights were cancelled are being shifted to Jeddah or Madinah where alternative arrangements are available.

Although Riyadh is not the closest gateway to Makkah, it can form part of a travel itinerary depending on the airline, package and transport arrangements selected. When a scheduled flight is cancelled, passengers may need to reconsider their arrival airport and the journey that follows.

Jeddah is a major gateway for pilgrims travelling to Makkah, while Madinah is another important destination for visitors combining their pilgrimage with a stay in the Prophet’s city. Both can provide routes for continuing an Umrah journey, although the onward travel arrangements and overall itinerary will differ.

Jaseem of Al Shammar Haj and Umrah Service said his company’s scheduled groups were continuing as planned, despite the disruption affecting flights to Riyadh.

He explained that passengers whose original bookings involved the Saudi capital were being transferred to alternative destinations rather than having their entire pilgrimage plans cancelled.

“We have not received any cancellations so far, and our groups are on schedule,” he said. “Flights to Riyadh have been cancelled, but passengers tickets are being changed to Madinah or Jeddah. People can still travel for Umrah through these routes.”

The arrangements demonstrate how travel agencies are attempting to keep confirmed trips operational by adjusting itineraries when flights are disrupted.

However, changing an arrival airport can require passengers to review connecting transport, accommodation arrangements and the timing of their onward journey. The precise options available depend on airline policies, ticket conditions, seat availability and the travel package purchased.

Passengers should therefore confirm revised flight details directly with their airline or travel agency before departing for the airport. They should also check whether any changes affect hotel reservations, transfers or other elements of their Umrah package.

For families and larger groups, coordinating these changes can be especially important because several passengers may need to travel together and maintain compatible schedules.

Jaseem’s comments suggest that, at least for his company’s currently scheduled groups, operators have been able to make alternative arrangements without reporting cancellations from existing customers.

That does not necessarily mean every passenger will have the same options. The availability of replacement flights and the terms offered to affected customers may vary from one booking to another.

Bus Packages Remain an Alternative for UAE Residents

Air travel is not the only option available to residents planning an Umrah pilgrimage. Road-based packages continue to attract some travellers, particularly those looking for an alternative to flying or seeking a package that fits their budget.

Jaseem said some residents were considering travelling by bus, with packages costing approximately Dh1,100 and taking around 10 days. Flight-based Umrah packages, by comparison, start at about Dh2,700, according to the operator.

The difference in starting prices may make bus travel an appealing option for residents who are flexible about journey time and prefer a lower-cost package.

However, the two options involve different practical considerations. Bus journeys require substantially more time on the road, while air travel can reduce the duration of the journey to Saudi Arabia. Travellers must also consider departure schedules, accommodation, meals, onward transport and what services are included in the quoted package.

The stated prices are starting estimates provided by the operator, rather than guaranteed rates for every departure. Actual costs may vary according to travel dates, accommodation standards, room arrangements, transport availability and package inclusions.

Passengers should request a complete breakdown of the charges before confirming a booking. They should also establish whether the package includes return transport, hotel accommodation, transfers between destinations and assistance with any required travel documentation.

For bus travellers, it is particularly important to verify the planned route, expected journey duration, border-crossing arrangements and any current requirements that could affect the trip. Travellers should not assume that a route is operating normally without confirmation from the relevant operator and authorities.

The continued availability of road packages provides another option for some residents, but it has not prevented the decline in fresh bookings reported by travel agencies.

Perwad said new reservations had dropped across both bus and air travel. This suggests that the hesitation among prospective customers is linked not only to the method of transport but also to their broader assessment of whether the time is right to undertake the journey.

Some residents may feel comfortable travelling if a suitable route is available, while others may prefer to postpone their plans regardless of the transport option.

Dubai Resident Postpones His Planned Pilgrimage

The uncertainty is also influencing individual decisions among UAE residents who had been preparing to visit Makkah.

Meeran, a Dubai resident who had been planning an Umrah trip, said he had decided to delay his journey because of the current situation. Although flights to Jeddah and Madinah were available, he was not comfortable proceeding with his plans at that time.

His decision reflects the personal considerations that can shape travel choices during periods of uncertainty. Even when transport alternatives exist, passengers may prefer to wait until they feel more confident about the circumstances surrounding their journey.

“I was planning to travel to Makkah for Umrah soon, but I have decided to postpone the trip because of the current situation,” he said. “Even though flights are available to Jeddah and Madinah, I do not feel comfortable travelling at the moment.”

Meeran said performing Umrah remained important to him, but he would rather undertake the journey when he felt more at ease.

For many pilgrims, the decision to travel involves more than arranging a flight and booking accommodation. Families may need to coordinate leave from work, organise childcare, manage household responsibilities and set aside money for the journey.

When uncertainty arises shortly before departure, travellers may have to weigh the inconvenience of postponement against their concerns about proceeding as planned.

The decision can be particularly difficult for people who have been looking forward to the pilgrimage for an extended period. Some may choose to continue with their bookings if their arrangements remain viable, while others may prefer to delay the trip even if an alternative route is offered.

Meeran’s experience highlights why the availability of flights alone may not be enough to restore confidence among prospective travellers. Personal comfort, family preferences and perceptions of travel risk can also influence whether someone decides to proceed.

For travel agencies, such hesitation can translate into fewer enquiries converting into confirmed reservations. A customer may continue to express interest in Umrah but postpone payment or decline to finalise a package until the situation becomes clearer.

This helps explain how the sector can continue operating existing departures while simultaneously experiencing a substantial reduction in new business.

Family That Waited Two Years Considers Delaying Umrah

Fazil Akbar, a resident of Garhoud, said his family had been considering an Umrah trip for approximately two years before finally deciding to make the journey this year.

The family had hoped to proceed with the pilgrimage, but recent developments have prompted them to reconsider their timing. They are now weighing whether to delay the trip until they have a clearer understanding of the situation.

Akbar said the family did not want to abandon its plans without considering the alternatives. If the circumstances remained uncertain and flight disruptions continued, they might explore travelling by road in a small convoy, provided that the route was safe and all travel requirements were clear.

“If things do not improve and flights remain disrupted, we may consider driving to Makkah in a small group of cars, provided the roads are safe and travel requirements are clear,” he said. “For now, we do not want to rush a journey that we have waited so long to make.”

His comments underline the importance of confidence and preparation when arranging a religious journey. After spending a considerable period planning the trip, the family is reluctant to make a hurried decision that could create additional uncertainty.

Travelling by car may appear to offer greater flexibility for some families, particularly those who want to manage their own departure times and make arrangements for their group. However, such a decision requires careful consideration of the entire route, border procedures, vehicle requirements, insurance, accommodation and current official travel guidance.

The availability of a road route should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation that it is suitable under all circumstances. Anyone considering a long-distance drive must verify that the proposed route is open, that the relevant authorities permit the journey and that the necessary documentation and insurance arrangements are in place.

For Akbar’s family, the possibility of driving remains a conditional alternative rather than a confirmed plan. Their immediate preference is to avoid making a decision until they have greater clarity.

The family’s experience also illustrates the emotional side of postponing a pilgrimage. Umrah is a significant religious undertaking for many Muslims, and planning the journey can involve substantial anticipation, financial preparation and coordination among family members.

When circumstances lead to a possible delay, residents must balance their desire to travel with their assessment of the practical arrangements and the prevailing situation.

For some families, that balance may favour proceeding through an alternative airport. For others, postponement may seem more appropriate until they feel ready to travel.

Travel Agencies Face a Two-Sided Challenge

The reports from UAE operators point to two separate challenges for the Umrah travel business.

The first concerns passengers who have already booked their packages and now need assistance with flight changes or alternative routes. Travel agencies must communicate with customers, confirm replacement arrangements and help ensure that the different elements of each itinerary remain coordinated.

The second concerns the decline in new business. When prospective customers hesitate to confirm their plans, agencies may experience lower booking volumes even if previously scheduled groups continue to depart.

The reported reduction of around 50 per cent in new enquiries and bookings is therefore an important indicator of how uncertainty is affecting demand. It does not, by itself, establish that total passenger numbers or completed pilgrimages have fallen by the same amount.

The distinction matters because existing bookings may continue to generate departures, while new reservations are used to measure future demand. If customers delay their decisions rather than cancel outright, the immediate effect may be a slowdown in sales rather than a corresponding fall in current travel activity.

The situation could also affect the timing of reservations. Some residents may wait for more information before committing, then book later if they become comfortable with the available arrangements.

For operators, the challenge is to manage customer expectations without making promises about flight availability or the duration of any disruption that they cannot guarantee.

Clear communication is particularly important when travellers are being moved between airports. Customers need to understand what has changed, whether their replacement itinerary is confirmed and how the new arrangements affect the rest of their package.

Agencies may also need to explain differences between air and bus options, including prices, journey times and package inclusions. Such information can help travellers compare the available choices and make decisions that suit their individual circumstances.

The current slowdown highlights how external developments can influence a travel sector even when alternative transport routes remain available. Demand depends not only on whether a journey can be arranged, but also on whether customers are willing to commit to it.

Travellers Urged to Confirm Arrangements Before Departure

Residents with existing Umrah reservations should maintain contact with their travel agencies and airlines to verify that their itineraries remain valid.

Passengers affected by cancelled flights should obtain confirmation of any replacement booking and check the departure airport, flight time and onward transport arrangements. A change from Riyadh to Jeddah or Madinah can affect other elements of a trip, so it is important to ensure that hotel bookings and transfers are consistent with the revised itinerary.

Travellers should also check the latest official guidance and entry requirements applicable to their circumstances. Anyone considering a road journey should confirm the route, border procedures, vehicle documentation and current travel conditions before making arrangements.

Customers comparing packages should request written details of the services included in the quoted price and clarify the agency’s policies for changes, postponements and cancellations.

These precautions are useful whenever travel plans are affected by operational disruption or uncertainty. They allow passengers to understand their options without assuming that every alternative will be available to every customer.

For people who have not yet booked, the decision may depend on their travel dates, personal circumstances, available routes and comfort with the situation. Some may choose to proceed after confirming the details, while others may decide that postponement is more suitable.

Travel agencies, meanwhile, are continuing to organise confirmed groups while keeping alternative arrangements available where possible. Their ability to maintain scheduled departures provides some continuity for existing customers, although the reduction in fresh bookings remains a concern.

Outlook: Existing Trips Continue as New Demand Weakens

The UAE’s Umrah travel sector is experiencing a period of contrasting trends. Travel operators say previously booked customers are largely continuing with their pilgrimage plans, and scheduled groups are proceeding with adjustments where required. At the same time, new enquiries and reservations have reportedly declined by around half as residents wait for greater clarity.

Passengers whose flights to Riyadh have been cancelled are being moved to Jeddah or Madinah when alternative arrangements are available. Bus travel also remains an option offered by some agencies, with one operator quoting packages starting at approximately Dh1,100 for a journey lasting around 10 days. Flight packages were quoted from about Dh2,700.

Individual responses vary. Some residents are prepared to continue through alternative airports, while others have postponed their journeys despite the availability of flights. One family that had spent two years planning an Umrah trip is also considering delaying its departure or exploring a road journey if the route is confirmed to be safe and permitted.

The coming weeks may be important for operators as they approach the period when demand would normally begin to strengthen ahead of December. Whether postponed decisions translate into later bookings will depend on how travellers assess the circumstances and the availability of suitable transport arrangements.

For now, agencies are focusing on supporting existing customers, adjusting disrupted itineraries and responding to prospective travellers who remain interested but have yet to confirm their plans.

The immediate picture is therefore not one of a complete halt in Umrah travel from the UAE, but of a market in which existing journeys are continuing while confidence among potential new customers has weakened.

As residents weigh their options, the priority for both travellers and operators remains the same: confirm the latest arrangements, rely on official travel information and make decisions based on verified conditions rather than assumptions about how the situation may develop.