Rising Demand and Costs for Umrah During Ramadan

With the approach of Ramadan, more and more people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are planning to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage, which has caused a significant increase in airline ticket prices. Interest in the pilgrimage and the number of bookings have surged in recent weeks, and airfares are as much as 140% higher compared to last year's winter months. Many devotees wish to arrive in Jeddah before the start of Ramadan to perform the first Tarawih prayer at the Grand Mosque. On the other hand, some prefer to spend the last days of Ramadan in Mecca to celebrate Eid or return home after breaking the final fast.

A representative of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism stated that they received an exceptionally high number of booking requests in February and early March, coinciding with the start of Ramadan. Although thousands carried out the Umrah pilgrimage from the UAE in January, the demand heightened in February as Ramadan approaches.

Airfare during Ramadan

Currently, one-way tickets on the Dubai-Jeddah route cost around 980 dirhams (Dh), while round-trip tickets average 1400 dirhams. At the beginning of Ramadan, ticket prices start at 1200 dirhams, rising to 1600 dirhams from Dubai by the end of the month. For flights departing from Abu Dhabi, prices start at 1700 dirhams.

Determined pilgrims despite high costs

Despite the high airfare, many are determined to proceed with the Umrah pilgrimage. A Dubai entrepreneur, who runs a clothing business, initially planned his travel in December but decided to undertake the pilgrimage during Ramadan.

"In December, a one-way ticket cost about 380 dirhams, and my total budget, including accommodation and meals, would not have exceeded 2200 dirhams," he said. "Now, as Ramadan approaches, ticket prices have risen to 750 dirhams at the month's beginning, while return tickets range from 400 to 700 dirhams. The largest expense, however, is accommodation, which costs roughly 2000 dirhams for four days. Thus, my total travel expenses now exceed 4000 dirhams."

Pilgrimages postponed due to high costs

Not everyone is willing to bear these high expenses. A businessman from Deira, who originally wanted to make the pilgrimage with his family while his parents stayed in Dubai, postponed the plan due to significant price hikes.

"Booking tickets for my family now would greatly strain my finances," he said. "Instead, we plan to travel in April. Hopefully, the weather will be more favorable then, and prices will significantly drop."

Alternative solutions for reducing costs

The prices of bus trips for Umrah from the UAE have remained stable, with a 10-day trip, including accommodation and visa, starting from 1200 dirhams. "However, prices are expected to rise 30-40% as Ramadan approaches, with package prices reaching 1700 dirhams due to increased accommodation costs," he added.

Prioritizing the spiritual journey

Despite increasing costs, many prioritize their spiritual journey over financial concerns. "During the holy month of Ramadan, believers don't worry about money," he said. "They anticipate this blessed month all year long and will travel regardless of the costs."

Further fare hikes are expected as Ramadan approaches and more people book their travels. Demand for Umrah pilgrimages continues to grow, and ticket prices may rise accordingly.

Overall, demand for Umrah pilgrimages during Ramadan has always been high, and this year is no exception. Despite high prices, many are willing to sacrifice financial comfort for the spiritual experience, which is the most important event of the year for them.