Why Dubai Umrah Packages Sold Out Fast

Umrah Trips During National Holiday: Why Dubai Packages Sold Out?

The United Arab Emirates National Day isn't just a celebration of flags, fireworks, and parades – it's also a time for many residents to embark on a four-day long weekend that offers an opportunity for spiritual deepening. In 2025, this is especially true, as Umrah pilgrimage packages almost immediately sold out just days after the official holiday period announcement.

The Perfect Timing for a Long Weekend

Between November 29 and December 2, most sector employees in the UAE received a four-day holiday, presenting an ideal opportunity for the brief yet profoundly spiritual Umrah journey. Eager residents, particularly those living alone or unable to take extended leave, quickly took advantage of this period.

Numerous travel agencies in Dubai offered various Umrah packages, most of which included two days in Madinah and two days in Makkah, encompassing flights, visas, accommodation, breakfast, and guided tours. For pilgrims, it was crucial that accommodations were within walking distance of the holy Haram sites – even if it meant paying more.

Surging Demand – and Prices

The cost of Umrah packages increased significantly compared to usual because of the holiday weekend. While a four-day package typically costs around 1,400 dirhams, it now reached up to 1,700 dirhams. The primary reason for this was the increased hotel rates in the cities of Makkah and Madinah, particularly for those located near Haram.

Despite the rising costs, believers were not deterred. According to travel agencies, most packages were fully booked even before the long weekend officially began. It was more important for residents to seize the opportunity to finally embark on the Umrah journey than to worry about price hikes.

Pleasant Weather – Comfortable Pilgrimage

Another key reason for the increased interest is the weather. The winter season is especially favorable for visiting Makkah and Madinah, as temperatures are much more bearable than during the summer months. For pilgrims, this not only provides physical comfort but also enables spiritual deepening, as they can concentrate on rituals without the burden of enduring the heat.

Many reported that they chose to travel now because walking around the holy sites truly becomes a delight during this time. This played a crucial role in local travel agencies experiencing a sudden surge in demand as the long weekend approached.

Preferred Time for Singles and Workers

The four-day holiday was especially appealing for those not living with family in the UAE, or those rarely able to take longer breaks due to busy work schedules. According to travel agencies, this demographic responded quickest to the Umrah packages as they required less advance planning or family coordination.

Several pilgrims reported that they had long planned the Umrah trip, but work and leisure time schedules had never aligned. Now, with the holiday weekend announced in advance, they immediately booked their places – even if costs were slightly higher than usual.

Comprehensive Packages: Visa, Accommodation, Guidance

Another reason for their popularity is the 'all-in-one' package offerings. These include flights, visa fees, 4-star accommodation, breakfast, and often guided tours. The advantage of these well-organized and convenient packages is that the pilgrim need only concern themselves with taking travel documents and Ihram clothing.

This type of service is especially popular among Dubai residents who appreciate simplicity and transparent logistics. According to organizers, these packages sold out in moments.

Proximity to Hotels a Decisive Factor

Hotels close to Haram are almost always the first to fill up, even with a significant premium during holiday periods. For most pilgrims, this isn't a deterrent, as no one wants to spend their precious time waiting for buses or walking long distances, especially on such a short, four-day trip.

This preference also contributed to the increased cost of Umrah packages, but demand continued to remain strong.

Summary

The 2025 UAE National Holiday long weekend turned not just into a time for rest and relaxation, but for many, into a profound spiritual experience. The opportunity for an Umrah pilgrimage became particularly attractive due to favorable weather, leave structure, and well-organized, pre-planned packages.

The example of Dubai-based pilgrimages shows that residents of the United Arab Emirates use their free days not only for leisure and travel but also for spiritual replenishment. The four-day weekend finally gave many the opportunity to participate in a spiritual experience they had longed for years – and for many, this experience may be even more valuable than any other holiday event.

(Source of the article based on a statement from Umrah operators in the United Arab Emirates.)