Complete Guide to Umrah from the UAE 2025: Visa, Rules & Travel Tips

September 16, 2025

Umrah is not a vacation – it’s a period of peace, reflection, and proximity to Allah. You’ve undoubtedly witnessed it… when someone talks about their Umrah experience, their entire face glows. That’s because it fills your heart with hope, gratitude, and something you can’t quite describe.​
Living in the UAE, it has never been easier to plan this holy journey. But to make it hassle-free and smooth, there is some planning involved. Here’s your definitive 2025 guide – visas, traveling, tips, and checklists.

What Is Umrah and Who Can Perform It?

Umrah is a unique pilgrimage to Mecca, which you can perform at any time throughout the year. Unlike Hajj, which one must do once in a lifetime and only during the month of Dhul Hijjah, Umrah is Sunnah – highly encouraged but not obligatory.

During Umrah, you’ll perform rituals like Tawaf (walking around the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and shaving or trimming hair. It’s a time to seek forgiveness, reflect, and feel close to Allah.

Who can perform Umrah?

All UAE residents can apply if they meet the following requirement:

All Muslims who are physically and mentally able.
UAE residents need an Umrah visa, but UAE citizens don’t.
Women. Under 45 years must accompany a Mahram (guardian male), and women over 45 years may go in a group on a no-objection letter.
​Children can go, but they have to accompany parents or guardians.

Careem is the most popular option for UAE visitors during Ramadan Umrah because of its spiritual reward. Over 3.4 million pilgrims passed through Saudi airports in 2025, mostly during the initial 18 days of Ramadan.

Best Time to Perform Umrah from UAE in 2025

Umrah is feasible all year round, albeit with certain times being more favorable:

November to March: Cooler temperatures, 15–25°C, pleasant weather. Suitable for those who cannot stand the heat.
Ramadan: Very religious, but also crowded. Flights and hotels are pricey. Book early
School holidays: Schools select summer or winter holidays. Summer is extremely hot; plan accordingly.

How to Travel from UAE to Mecca for Umrah

There are three main ways to travel from the UAE to Mecca:

Traveling to Mecca by Car

Driving is easy, but you need to plan.
Documents:

UAE driving license
Vehicle registration (Mulkiya)
Insurance
Umrah visa
Passport & Emirates ID

Tips:

Pay a 30 AED exit fee from the UAE
Fingerprint check at the Saudi border
Temporary car insurance upon entry
The journey takes 12–18 hours, so plan rest stops and fuel.

Traveling to Mecca by Bus

Bus travel is inexpensive and comfortable. Trips are 20–22 hours, for AED 220–400.

Documents:

Passport & Umrah visa
National ID
Vaccination certificates
COVID-19 proof if needed
Passport photos
Some cash (Saudi Riyals)

Tips:

Book early in peak season
Bring water, a power bank, and snacks.
Wear comfortable clothing
Have documents handy

Traveling to Mecca by Air

The fastest is by flying. You’ll land in Jeddah (3 hours) or Medina (3.5–4 hours) and then proceed by road.

Documents needed:

Passport & Umrah visa
Return air ticket
Hotel booking
Passport photos
Vaccination history

Tips:

Book ahead for good prices.
Pack light, bring Ihram wear.
Jeddah is quicker to Mecca; Medina is okay if traveling to the Prophet's Mosque first.

Umrah Visa from UAE 2025 – Requirements & Process

Before you depart, make sure that you have:

A passport with a validity of at least 6 months
Umrah visa or e-visa
Passport photos
Vaccination certificates (meningitis, flu, COVID-19 if obligatory)

A few pilgrims also find it handy to engage the services of a Saudi Visa Agent in Dubai. Trustworthy Saudi Visa Services in Dubai handle the paperwork, approval, and even Umrah packages. It is more convenient and less worrisome.

Step-by-Step Umrah Guide for UAE Pilgrims

Intention & Ihram: Recite "Labbaik Allahumma Umrah" and start the Talbiyah.
Tawaf: Circumambulate the Kaaba 7 times. Men bare their right shoulder and sprint the first three rounds.
Sa'i: Run between Safa & Marwah 7 times. Men jog between green lights. Pray in between.
Shaving/Trimming Hair: Men shave, women trim their fingertips.
End Ihram: Wear regular clothes and resume prayer.

Umrah Packing Checklist for UAE Travelers

Passport, visa, and copies
Flight tickets & hotel confirmations
Saudi Riyals
Ihram clothes & sandals
Loose, light clothing
Travel prayer mat & pocket Qur'an
Snacks, water, and personal medication
Towel, toiletries, sunglasses, cap

Rules & Guidelines for Performing Umrah from UAE

Men: Two white, unstitched clothes. No socks for rituals.
Women: Loose, modest dress. Hijab has to be worn, face uncovered.
Children: No clothes with pictures or cartoons.

General:

No perfume after entering the Ihram
Don't take a photo of yourself during rituals.
Stay humble, quiet, and focused in worship.
Apps like Nusuk help with bookings and directions

Final Thoughts – Planning a Smooth Umrah Journey from UAE in 2025

Umrah from the UAE in 2025 is convenient like never before. Select the best season, pack wisely, and use reliable Saudi Visa Services in Dubai. Whether by air, bus, or driving, advance booking makes your hajj easier. Most importantly, enjoy each moment and let your heart be filled with peace, gratitude, and spiritual harmony.

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