Umrah bookings from the UAE to Saudi Arabia’s holy cities of Makkah and Madinah have surged this Ramadan compared to previous years, a religious tour operator told Arabian Business.
Co-founder and CEO of UAE-based Umrah operator Umrahme, Mohammed Mahfooz BinMahfouz, credits the boost to recent Saudi efforts to streamline visa processes and improve infrastructure, making the pilgrimage easier and more accessible for many in the region and abroad.
“We have observed a significant increase in religious tourism bookings during Ramadan this year compared to last year,” he said.
“The introduction of additional flights, especially to Madinah and Jeddah, has improved connectivity and accessibility,” he added.
“Direct flights and increased frequency make it more convenient for pilgrims to reach their destinations, thereby driving up the number of bookings.”
The holy cities have also boosted their accommodation offerings by providing a larger volume and range of options for pilgrims from all walks of life. In addition, improved facilities for pilgrims have contributed to a “more positive booking experience.”
Ramadan boosts Umrahme bookings
According to BinMahfouz, Ramadan is a special time for Umrahme, allowing the company to support spiritual journeys and build relationships through caring service. He notes they have observed a significant rise in bookings this Ramadan versus last year, enabled by eased travel restrictions and Umrahme’s focus on innovation – such as user-friendly booking platforms and robust customer support.
With Eid approaching, Umrahme expects demand to continue surging, exceeding last year’s figures. BinMahfouz said many pilgrims are opting for “Umrah Plus” packages to extend their stays and celebrate Eid in the holy cities.
For those still hoping to book pilgrimage trips over the remainder of the holy month, BinMahfouz advises securing arrangements quickly through trusted platforms like Umrahme.
“We highly recommend selecting hotels near the masjids for easy access and a seamless experience. Early booking not only provides a wider range of options but also often leads to better pricing,” he said.
“To simplify the booking process and ensure a hassle-free journey, we suggest using trusted platforms like ours that offer comprehensive packages covering all the travel needs. From flights and accommodations to transfers and visa assistance, these platforms provide a one-stop solution for pilgrimage requirements. Additionally, leveraging user-friendly apps for eVisa services can streamline the visa application process, saving the time and effort.”
While Ramadan is peak season, he notes that the Umrah season remains open post-Eid as well.
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