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Hundreds of Muslims of every corner of the world visit holy Makkah for Umrah every year and it is a trip that can be taken at any time in the year.
Umrah is a Muslim pilgrimage where a person worships in the holy places in Makkah which is an Islamic center for Qibla (the focal instructions for Muslims) and land of Nabuwwah, performing inner circling, history visit, and the Sa`i (running) between the two slopes (mountains) of Safa and Marwa.
Not only that, Umrah is then a religious duty that becomes a must on them, for most of Muslims who are being the residence in UAE—an interest other than a religious obligation where Muslims around the world search for. It is a journey, a pilgrimage, an entire history, a culture, a faith.
If you are planning to travel from UAE for Umrah packages, Arooha tour offer packages with flight to suit your travel need. Besides performing Umrah you will tour Makkah, and you don’t have to worry where to stay or logistics to get around.
UAE resident unlike UYAE citizens may be required to obtain Umarh visa or Saudi tourist e-visa to be allowed enter Saudi Arabia. If you are GCC national you don’t need visa to be allowed enter Saudi Arabia, You will present your passport or national ID, and be allowed to enter the country.
The requirements when applying for Umarh visa or Saudi tourist e-visa include valid passport for at least 5 months, valid UAE residence visa valid at least 3 months, your recent 2 photos among other documents.
Note: If you plan to travel during peak season Ramadan or school holidays you should apply for visa at least 4 or 6 weeks before planned travel date due high applications and processing can get delayed.
Best time of year to perform Umrah from UAE is during November-March, as it’s not as intensely hot, temperatures being around 18°C to 30°C in the day, this is, therefore, kinder for performing rituals, in particular Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) and Sa’i (the running pace walk between Safa and Marwah) are physically and mentally challenging with ease.
Although Umrah in the summer (June – August) is a popular choice still – the weather can be scorching with temperature sometimes crossing 40° C. That being said, many pilgrims do continue to travel during these time periods and especially if the opportunity coincides with Ramadan a blessed time for pilgrimage.
Accommodation comes in all price points and flavour styles too. With rooms to cater to every type of traveller — whether you're looking to sleep in a suite with a view of the Kaaba, travelling with your family or travelling on a budget.
Prayer rooms, restaurants and transport facilities are available in most hotels. Here are some of the best hotel options where to spend the night.
This hotel is located within the Abraj Al Bait complex and guest staying here have direct access to Masjid al-Haram. The hotel architecture is Islamic inspired and rooms are spacious and with amenities. There is a restaurant and a prayer area. You will enjoy your sty at this lavish hotel.
Pullman ZamZam is always a great choice for families or religious groups on Umrah. In-room kitchenettes in the suites offer additional opportunities for guests to cook while they stay. From some rooms can catch partial or full haram views. There are prayer rooms and shopping centres close to this hotel.
Conrad Makkah is a 5-star luxury hotel located 500 meters from Haram. The bedrooms are good size and fitted with all appliances for a comfortable stay. You can see Kaaba from the rooms.
Conrad Makkah is a 5-star luxury hotel located 500 meters from Haram. The bedrooms are good size and fitted with all appliances for a comfortable stay. You can see Kaaba from the rooms.
This hotel is situated around 2.5 km from the Masjid al-Haram; Nada Al Khalil. You get free shuttle service to Masjid al-Haram. The rooms are very affordable for pilgrims on shoestring.
They are "all-around great hostels which manage to provide properly good service without skimping on the comfortable sleeping arrangements and convenient facilities you're after. It is great choice to stay with family and groups who loves to save and convenient.
Travellers from the UAE can fly direct to Jeddah from Sharjah and Dubai. You can fly with airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and low-cost carriers such as flydubai and Air Arabia. Then from airport you will enjoy around 90 minutes’ drive by bus or car to Makkah.
Makkah is a small city in which many pilgrims prefer walking to the Masjid al-Haram. However, for other longer distances or for sightseeing, there are different options:
The four essential rituals of Umrah – Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq or Taqsir constitute the heart of your pilgrimage. This means initially if you do ihram, means taking bath and then make intention.
You perform Tawaf with sincere zikar, pray and have our remembrance and what we are doing in mind, walk round the Kaaba seven times with the heart, and well, down size that biggest ego you have, walk around the Kaaba though it never moved since the beginning of time.
After that, proceed to the act of walking between the two hills, Safa and Marwah (Sa’i), as a reenactment of Hajar’s effort to locate water. And to fulfill the pilgrimage – shave or cut your hair.
Performing offer in Masjid al Haram is the dream of every person who travels on Umrah. In Islam it is the holiest mosque and site of the Kaaba, the building towards which Muslims pray.
Peace, Prayers and Spirit of Universal Brotherhood fills the Atmosphere. At least 5 times a day many pilgrims pray inside or around mosque.
Zamzam water from the Masjid al-Haram well is also recommended for pilgrims. The water flows clearly and believed to be pure from the time of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail.
Many pilgrims drink it to receive healing, energy, and spiritual gifts. You can even take little bottles of zamzam water to home. Place it as a gesture of a gratitude and remembrance.
Umrah isn’t simply a physical act of worship it’s also about deep spiritual contemplation and prayer. The pilgrims usually stop at the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim), Hijr Ismail or at the Kaaba, and lend their ears while the Imam makes Duas.
You are given a chance to rekindle your faith and to repent. An era of the individual alchemical process the spiritual rebirth – Every turn in the Haram itself is a reflection and a reminder of Allah.
You can visit places like the Birthplace of the Prophet (PBUH) or old cemeteries like Jannat al-Mu’alla. Yiu can take the guided tours to these religious locations in Mecca and Medina.
These places provide a very real feel and realer in the significance of your connection to the completion of the Prophet mission to history.
Mandi is a Middle-Eastern traditional rice dish where fragrant basmati rice, tender meat (usually lamb or chicken) and a mixture of spices are combined.
The cave oven does give you that smoke flavour because you cook this dish in a tandoori or in a cave oven. Most of this food is served in local restaurants and food courts in Mecca. This is popular among pilgrims and is thick to fill you up after praying.
Dates are the main staple in Makkah and especially the very famous Ajwa date is a part of their diet - very healthy and good for spirituality. During Ramadan, many pilgrims break their fast on dates or eat them for a burst of energy.
A great fruit to bring back home as well! They are traditional, nutrient-dense and very nourishing.
Among the street foods in Makkah, shawarma is one of the most likable ones. Prepared with sliced grilled beef or lamb wrapped in flatbread and garnished with vegetables, garlic sauce and pickles.
Some will prepare with beef, lamb, or chicken. You pay on-site at a food truck or more casual eateries. Great take when you are looking for delicious quick bite during your prayers time.
Mutabbaq which is stuffed pancakes hails from the Hijaz region. It is filled with minced (ground) meat and onions that are spiced and satéed, then fried till crispy. There are sweet versions such as those with bananas or nuts. This is a well-known street snack.
The sacred Zamzam water is religious water that every pilgrim must consume while making his/her Tawaf of Umrah. Studies conducted show that holy Zamzam well in Masjid al-Haram, Zamzam well is thought to be sacred water that cures with special properties.
The pilgrims drink before or after most of the UMrah rituals. It is also available in dispensers all over the mosque, as well as in liquid bottles.
