Assalamu alaikum, faithful travellers! Is your heart aching for a life-altering spiritual experience? Are you prepared to stand before the beautiful Kaaba and follow in the footsteps of the prophets? For UAE residents, the beautiful cities of Makkah and Madinah are only a short flight away, making Umrah an accessible and highly gratifying journey all year!
Whether you’re looking for spiritual renewal, satisfying a long-held desire, or accompanying family members on this sacred journey, this book will walk you through every stage of your first Umrah experience in 2025. From obtaining your Umrah Visa for UAE Residents to preparing for the rituals, let us begin on this fortunate journey together!
Visa Requirements Made Simple
The new Umrah visa process for UAE residents has been wonderfully streamlined in 2025! Apply through the Nusuk platform (the official Saudi visa portal) or authorized travel agencies in the UAE. The e-visa typically processes within 24-48 hours and costs approximately AED 300.
Documentation Needed:
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Recent photograph with white background
Proof of relationship if traveling with family
Confirmed accommodations in Makkah and Madinah
Return flight tickets
Valid UAE residence visa
2025 Update: UAE residents can now obtain their Umrah visa through the dedicated “UAE Express Lane” on the Nusuk platform—cutting processing time to just 12 hours!
Perfect Timing: When to Go
While Umrah can be performed year-round, certain times offer different experiences:
Ramadan: Spiritually charged atmosphere but extremely crowded
Winter (November-February): Pleasant weather and moderate crowds
Summer (May-August): Hot temperatures but fewer pilgrims and better hotel rates
Off-peak months (September, October, April): The sweet spot of good weather and manageable crowds
Pro Tip: The new 2025 Umrah Calendar feature on the Saudi Tourism app shows real-time crowd forecasts—an absolute game-changer for planning your visit!
Creating Your Spiritual Itinerary
Days 1-2: Madinah First (Highly Recommended)
Begin your journey in the City of the Prophet ﷺ with visits to:
Masjid Al-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) with its peaceful green dome
Rawdah (the area between the Prophet’s house and minbar)
Jannat Al-Baqi cemetery
Quba Mosque—the first mosque in Islam
Mount Uhud—site of the historic battle
Days 3-5: Makkah and Umrah Rituals
Travel to Makkah (approximately 4-5 hours by road) for:
Entering ihram state before reaching Makkah
Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba
Sa’i (walking) between Safa and Marwah hills
Cutting hair to complete Umrah
Additional prayers at Masjid Al-Haram
Visit to the newly expanded mataf area (circumambulation space)
Day 6: Ziyarat in Makkah
Explore significant sites including:
Cave of Hira where the first revelation occurred
Jabal Thawr where the Prophet ﷺ sought refuge
The newly opened Museum of the Two Holy Mosques
Practical Tips for UAE Travelers
Transportation Options:
Direct flights from all UAE airports to Jeddah or Madinah (1.5-2.5 hours)
The 2025-launched “Haramain Express” connects Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah
Pre-booked taxis or ride-sharing services available via the Umrah-specific apps
Accommodation Insights:
Book at least 2-3 months in advance for the best rates
Consider properties within the Central Haram area for easy mosque access
Clock Tower and Abraj Al-Bait complexes offer luxury options with Kaaba views
Budget-friendly options available in the Aziziyah neighborhood
Packing Essentials:
Comfortable white ihram garments for men
Modest, loose-fitting prayer clothes for women
Comfortable walking shoes for long distances
Basic medications and first aid
Power bank for your mobile devices
Unscented toiletries (required during ihram)
Digital Must-Haves:
Download the Nusuk app for official updates and guidance
Makkah Live app for real-time Haram capacity information
Haramain Smart Card for accessing designated prayer areas
UAE-Saudi roaming package or Saudi eSIM (available at airports)
Financial Planning
Budget approximately AED 5,000-10,000 per person depending on your accommodation standard and trip duration. This typically covers:
Flights: AED 1,500-2,500
Hotels: AED 2,500-5,000 (5 nights)
Transportation: AED 500-700
Food: AED 500-1,000
Miscellaneous: AED 500-1,000
Money-Saving Tip: The new “UAE-Saudi Pilgrim Package” offers special discounts for UAE residents on select hotels and transportation services!
The spiritual rewards of Umrah are immeasurable, transcending any worldly experience. As you gaze upon the Kaaba for the first time, feel the cool marble beneath your feet during tawaf, and stand in prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque, you’ll understand why millions make this journey year after year.
May your first Umrah be accepted, your prayers answered, and your journey filled with tranquility and divine blessings! Taqabbal Allah (May Allah accept it from you)!
