Quick Answer: Umrah from the UAE costs approximately AED 3,000–5,500 per person for an economy package, AED 5,500–10,000 for a standard mid-range package, and AED 10,000–25,000+ for a premium 5-star package. The total depends on four main variables: season (Ramadan costs 2–3x more than off-peak), hotel category and distance from the Haram, airline choice, and trip duration. All cost estimates in this post are indicative ranges — verify current pricing with your travel agent before booking.
One of the first questions every UAE resident asks when planning Umrah is: how much will this actually cost me? The honest answer is that it depends on several factors — but those factors are predictable, and understanding them will help you plan a budget that is realistic for your situation.
This guide breaks down every cost component of an Umrah trip from the UAE — flights, visa, accommodation, ground transport, and daily expenses — with AED estimates for economy, mid-range, and premium budgets. It also covers the single biggest factor most first-timers underestimate: the season.
The Four Variables That Determine Your Umrah Cost
Before looking at specific numbers, understand what actually drives the price of your Umrah from the UAE. There are four main variables:
- Season — Ramadan packages cost 2–3 times more than off-season. This single variable has the biggest impact on your total cost.
- Hotel category and proximity to the Haram — A hotel 5 minutes’ walk from the Haram will cost significantly more than one 20 minutes away. 5-star vs 3-star is a major price difference.
- Airline choice — Economy on Air Arabia or flydubai is far cheaper than economy on Emirates or Etihad. Business class adds AED 2,000–5,000+ to any package.
- Trip duration — A 5-night package costs less than a 10-night package for obvious reasons. But do not cut the trip too short — rushing Umrah defeats the spiritual purpose.
Umrah Package Costs from UAE: Overview by Budget Tier
| Budget Tier | Hotel Category | Airline | Duration | Approx. Cost Per Person (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy / Budget | 3-star, 500m–1km from Haram | Air Arabia, flydubai (economy) | 5–7 nights | AED 3,000 – 5,500 |
| Standard / Mid-Range | 4-star, 200–500m from Haram | Emirates, Etihad, Saudia (economy) | 7–10 nights | AED 5,500 – 10,000 |
| Premium / 5-Star | 5-star, adjacent to or overlooking Haram | Emirates / Etihad (business class) | 7–14 nights | AED 10,000 – 25,000+ |
These are per-person estimates based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room). Solo travellers typically pay 20–30% more per person due to single room supplements. Family bookings with children may have lower per-person costs depending on the agency and age of children.
Cost Breakdown: What You Are Paying For
A packaged Umrah from the UAE bundles several costs together. Here is what each component typically costs when broken down:
1. Flights
| Route | Airline | Approx. Return Fare (Economy, AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai (DXB) to Jeddah (JED) | flydubai / Air Arabia | AED 700 – 1,400 |
| Dubai (DXB) to Jeddah (JED) | Emirates / Saudia | AED 1,200 – 2,500 |
| Sharjah (SHJ) to Jeddah (JED) | Air Arabia | AED 600 – 1,200 |
| Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Jeddah (JED) | Etihad / Saudia | AED 1,100 – 2,400 |
| Dubai (DXB) to Madinah (MED) | flydubai / Emirates | AED 800 – 1,800 |
Flight prices fluctuate based on season and booking lead time. Booking 3–4 months in advance typically yields the best fares. Ramadan flights should be booked 5–6 months ahead.
2. Umrah Visa
The Umrah visa fee has varied over the years. As of recent periods, Saudi Arabia has offered Umrah visas at no direct visa fee in some cases (the cost is absorbed into the package), while in other periods a nominal fee applies. When booking through a UAE travel agency, the visa cost is typically included in the package price. If booking independently, verify the current visa fee on the Saudi eVisa portal or Absher platform.
Budget approximately AED 100–400 for visa processing and related fees when calculating independently, though this varies.
3. Accommodation in Makkah
Hotel proximity to Masjid al-Haram is the single biggest driver of accommodation cost in Makkah. Properties directly adjacent to or overlooking the Haram command premium prices. Properties 1–2 km away are significantly cheaper but require walking or shuttle transport to reach the Haram.
| Hotel Category | Distance from Haram | Approx. Nightly Rate Per Room (SAR) | Approx. Nightly Rate Per Room (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-star budget | 500m – 2km | SAR 200 – 500 | AED 200 – 500 |
| 4-star standard | 200 – 500m | SAR 500 – 1,200 | AED 500 – 1,200 |
| 5-star premium | Adjacent / Haram view | SAR 1,200 – 4,000+ | AED 1,200 – 4,000+ |
SAR to AED exchange rate is approximately 1:1 (Saudi Riyal and UAE Dirham are close in value). The exact rate fluctuates slightly — verify before calculating costs.
4. Accommodation in Madinah
Madinah accommodation near Masjid an-Nabawi is generally more affordable than equivalent hotels in Makkah near the Haram. Expect to pay roughly 20–40% less for a comparable hotel category in Madinah. Most packages that include Madinah stay 3–4 nights there.
5. Ground Transport
- Airport transfers — included in most packages. If booking independently: Jeddah airport to Makkah by private car costs approximately SAR 150–300 (AED 150–300)
- Makkah to Madinah (Haramain Train) — approximately SAR 100–200 (AED 100–200) per person one way, depending on class
- Local transport in Makkah and Madinah — taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem both operate in Saudi Arabia) are widely available. Budget SAR 20–60 per ride for local journeys.
6. Meningitis Vaccination
The meningitis ACYW135 vaccine is mandatory for Umrah entry. In the UAE, this can be obtained at most government health centres, private clinics, and some pharmacies. Typical cost: AED 50–150 depending on provider.
7. Travel Insurance
Not strictly required but strongly recommended. Medical care in Saudi Arabia for non-citizens can be expensive without insurance. A basic single-trip travel insurance policy from a UAE insurer typically costs AED 100–300 for a 7–10 day trip.
8. Daily Expenses in Makkah and Madinah
Both cities have a wide range of food options, from free or low-cost meals near the Haram (distributed during prayer times, especially in Ramadan) to restaurant meals and hotel dining.
| Expense Type | Approx. Daily Budget (SAR / AED per person) |
|---|---|
| Budget (street food, simple meals) | SAR 50 – 100 / day |
| Standard (mix of restaurant and hotel meals) | SAR 100 – 200 / day |
| Comfortable (hotel dining, occasional restaurant) | SAR 200 – 400 / day |
| Souvenirs and gifts (total trip) | SAR 200 – 600 total |
How Season Affects Your Total Cost
Season is the single biggest cost variable. The same package that costs AED 4,500 in October can cost AED 10,000–14,000 in Ramadan. This is not exaggeration — Ramadan packages from the UAE regularly cost 2–3 times standard rates.
| Season | Relative Cost | Economy Package Estimate (AED/person) | Premium Package Estimate (AED/person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramadan | Highest (2–3x) | AED 8,000 – 15,000 | AED 25,000 – 50,000+ |
| Dhul Hijjah (non-Hajj days) | High | AED 6,000 – 10,000 | AED 18,000 – 35,000 |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Moderate | AED 4,000 – 7,000 | AED 12,000 – 22,000 |
| Spring / Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Oct) | Standard | AED 3,500 – 6,000 | AED 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | Lowest | AED 3,000 – 5,000 | AED 8,000 – 16,000 |
If your goal is to perform Umrah during Ramadan — and many Muslims prioritise this for the spiritual reward — start saving and booking early. Ramadan packages from reputable UAE agencies sell out 4–6 months in advance.
Complete Sample Budgets: What a Real Trip Costs
To make this concrete, here are three sample budget scenarios for a 7-night Umrah trip from Dubai in the non-Ramadan winter season, for two adults travelling together:
Budget Option — AED 4,000–5,000 per person
- Flights: Air Arabia from Sharjah to Jeddah, economy — AED 800
- Visa and processing: AED 200
- Hotel Makkah (3-star, 800m from Haram, 5 nights): AED 1,500
- Hotel Madinah (3-star, 2 nights): AED 500
- Transfers and Haramain train: AED 350
- Meningitis vaccination: AED 100
- Travel insurance: AED 150
- Daily expenses (7 days): AED 500
- Souvenirs and gifts: AED 300
- Approximate Total: AED 4,400 per person
Mid-Range Option — AED 7,000–9,000 per person
- Flights: Emirates from Dubai to Jeddah, economy — AED 1,800
- Visa and processing (included in package): AED 0
- Hotel Makkah (4-star, 300m from Haram, 5 nights): AED 3,500
- Hotel Madinah (4-star, 2 nights): AED 1,200
- Transfers and Haramain train (included in package): AED 0
- Meningitis vaccination: AED 100
- Travel insurance: AED 200
- Daily expenses (7 days): AED 800
- Souvenirs and gifts: AED 500
- Approximate Total: AED 8,100 per person
Premium Option — AED 15,000–20,000+ per person
- Flights: Emirates business class from Dubai to Jeddah — AED 5,000+
- Hotel Makkah (5-star Haram view, 5 nights): AED 8,000–12,000
- Hotel Madinah (5-star, 2 nights): AED 2,500
- Private transfers throughout: AED 800
- All other costs: AED 1,500
- Approximate Total: AED 18,000–22,000+ per person
How to Reduce Your Umrah Cost Without Sacrificing the Experience
Book Early
Booking 3–4 months ahead (6 months for Ramadan) gives you access to early-bird package rates and better flight prices. Last-minute Umrah packages from UAE agencies can cost 30–50% more for the same hotel and dates.
Travel in the Off-Season
June to September is the cheapest period. The trade-off is heat — Makkah temperatures exceed 40°C in summer. For those who can manage the heat (UAE residents are generally accustomed to high temperatures), summer offers excellent value.
Fly from Sharjah Instead of Dubai
Air Arabia operates from Sharjah Airport (SHJ), and its Jeddah and Madinah fares are consistently among the lowest available from the UAE. If you live in Dubai or Ajman, Sharjah Airport is a short drive. The saving on flights alone can be AED 400–800 per person compared to full-service carriers.
Choose a Hotel Slightly Further from the Haram
A hotel 1–1.5 km from Masjid al-Haram can cost 40–60% less than one adjacent to it. In Makkah, the Haram is always a walk or short taxi ride away. Many experienced pilgrims prefer slightly further accommodation for the lower noise levels and better rest — then walk or take a taxi to the Haram for each prayer.
Eat Outside the Hotel
Makkah and Madinah both have abundant, affordable food options near the Haram — shawarma shops, biryani restaurants, and fast food. Hotel dining is convenient but expensive. A full meal in a local restaurant near the Haram typically costs SAR 20–50 (AED 20–50) per person.
Compare at Least Three Agencies
Package prices for the same dates and hotels can vary by AED 500–1,500 per person between different UAE travel agencies. Always get quotes from at least three licensed agencies and compare what is included — some cheaper-looking packages exclude airport transfers, which then cost extra.
What Is Not Included in Most Packages — Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Ihram clothing — budget AED 50–150 for a good quality set (available at UAE Islamic shops and online)
- Meningitis vaccination — not included in packages; get this independently
- Travel insurance — sometimes included in premium packages; usually not in economy packages
- Porterage and tips — tipping is customary for hotel porters and guides
- Excess baggage fees — budget airlines have strict baggage allowances; check before packing
- Zamzam water to bring home — Saudi authorities allow passengers to bring Zamzam water back; check your airline’s current baggage rules as limits vary
- Nusuk platform fees — some services on the Nusuk app carry a fee for bookings made through the platform; verify before completing bookings
Saving for Umrah: Practical Tips for UAE Residents
For many expat workers in the UAE, Umrah represents a significant saving goal. Here are practical approaches:
- Set a monthly Umrah savings target — for a AED 5,000 economy package, saving AED 500/month means you can book within 10 months
- Use a UAE bank savings account designated for Umrah — separating the funds psychologically helps maintain the goal
- Look for instalment payment plans — several UAE Umrah agencies offer 3–6 month payment plans at no interest, allowing you to lock in today’s price while spreading payments
- Consider group bookings — families and friend groups of 4–6 people sometimes negotiate better rates from agencies
Planning Your Trip: Where to Go Next
Now that you have a clear picture of what Umrah costs from the UAE, the next step is understanding the full planning process. Our complete Umrah guide for UAE residents covers everything from visa application to performing the rituals — a good read before you contact any travel agency.
When you are ready to look at specific packages, our city-specific guides cover the best Umrah packages available from Dubai and Sharjah in detail.
FAQs
How much does a basic Umrah package from UAE cost in 2025?
A basic economy Umrah package from the UAE typically costs between AED 3,000 and AED 5,500 per person. This covers return flights on a budget airline (Air Arabia or flydubai), 3-star accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, visa processing, and airport transfers. Prices vary significantly by season — the same package can cost 2 to 3 times more during Ramadan. Always get quotes from at least 2 to 3 licensed UAE agencies and compare exactly what is included in the price.
What is the cheapest way to do Umrah from UAE?
The cheapest way to perform Umrah from the UAE is to travel in the off-season (June to September), fly from Sharjah Airport on Air Arabia, choose a 3-star hotel 1 to 2 km from the Haram rather than one directly adjacent to it, and book 3 to 4 months in advance to access early-bird rates. A budget summer Umrah from Sharjah can cost as little as AED 3,000 per person. The trade-off is that Makkah is extremely hot in summer (above 40 degrees Celsius), so be prepared physically.
How much extra does Ramadan Umrah cost compared to normal season?
Ramadan Umrah packages from the UAE typically cost 2 to 3 times more than the same package in a non-peak season. An economy package that costs AED 4,500 in October can cost AED 10,000 to AED 14,000 during Ramadan. Premium Ramadan packages can exceed AED 30,000 to AED 50,000 per person for 5-star accommodation adjacent to the Haram. If Ramadan Umrah is your goal, start saving at least 12 months in advance and book 5 to 6 months ahead — packages sell out quickly.
Is it cheaper to book Umrah independently or through a travel agency in UAE?
For most UAE residents — especially first-timers — booking through a licensed UAE travel agency is more cost-effective and practical than independent booking. Agencies have negotiated hotel rates and group flight allocations that individuals cannot access at the same price. Independent booking can be cheaper for experienced pilgrims who book very early, know exactly what they want, and are comfortable navigating the Saudi eVisa portal and Nusuk platform themselves. If you do book independently, factor in that you will need to arrange your own visa, flights, hotel, and transfers separately.
How much should I budget for daily expenses in Makkah and Madinah?
For a typical pilgrim staying in standard accommodation, budget approximately SAR 100 to SAR 200 per day (roughly AED 100 to AED 200) for meals and incidentals in Makkah and Madinah. This covers 2 to 3 meals per day from local restaurants near the Haram — which are affordable — plus small expenses like taxis, phone credit, and personal items. Add a total of SAR 200 to SAR 600 (AED 200 to AED 600) for souvenirs and gifts to take home. Five-star hotel guests dining at the hotel should budget SAR 300 to SAR 500 per day.
Do children pay full price for Umrah packages from UAE?
Most UAE Umrah agencies offer discounted rates for children. Infants under 2 years are typically free (no seat on the flight) or at a nominal cost. Children aged 2 to 11 usually pay 50 to 75 percent of the adult fare. Children aged 12 and above are generally charged adult rates. These policies vary by agency and airline, so confirm the children’s pricing structure explicitly when requesting quotes. Note that Saudi Arabia requires an Umrah visa for all pilgrims regardless of age.
Does Umrah cost vary between departing from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah?
Yes, the departure city affects the total cost. Sharjah Airport, served by Air Arabia, consistently offers the lowest fares to Jeddah and Madinah — making it the most budget-friendly departure point for UAE residents. Dubai Airport (DXB) offers the widest range of options including Emirates, flydubai, and other carriers, with mid-range to premium pricing. Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) is served by Etihad and offers competitive pricing for Abu Dhabi residents. The cost difference between Sharjah and Dubai departures can be AED 400 to AED 800 per person on flights alone.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates in this post are indicative ranges based on typical market rates and are provided for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary based on season, agency, availability, and current market conditions. Visa fees, airline fares, and hotel rates change frequently. Always verify current pricing directly with your travel agent or airline before making any booking decisions. Information was accurate at the time of publication.