UAE: Hajj packages worth Dh30,000 sold out in weeks for Hajj season, operator says – News

Some establishments customize packages to suit clients’ needs and preferences – but even such options are fully booked

With only a few weeks until Hajj season, many UAE operators are fielding calls and inquiries from residents wishing to make the Hajj. However, all of their packages are now fully booked.

This year, Saudi Arabia has not imposed a limit on the number of pilgrims – the first time the kingdom has made such a decision three years after imposing Covid-19 restrictions. The UAE pilgrims will depart on June 19 and return on July 3.

Abdul Rashid of Safiya Travels, which mainly caters to Indian nationals living in Dubai, said the company has seen a surge in demand as the pilgrimage season coincides with summer holidays.

“Several residents came to seize their homes,” Rashid said, adding that they were out of packages. “As one of the biggest Umrah aggregators in Dubai, I got a quota of 50 seats for the Hajj. Many others got 20 or more. But these sold out a few days ago.”

On average, a complete Hajj package costs between Dh30,000 and Dh35,000, he added. This includes airfare, accommodation and transportation to and from the Holy Land. According to Rashid, these all-inclusives are most popular among UAE residents.

Some agencies tailor packages to meet the specific needs and preferences of their clients – but even with such options, slots are fully booked.

“Our pilgrimage packages were sold out a few days ago. Many people who booked packages wanted to go back to their hometown for summer holidays,” said Yahya Hallare, owner of Arafa Haj and Umrah Services.

Some of Hallare’s clients will send their children back to their home countries, while pilgrims will travel from Saudi Arabia to their country rather than return to the UAE.

“Some of them booked a trip back to the UAE and then arranged a trip back to their home country,” Hallare added. For such trips, bespoke packages are required.

Upon arrival at the airport, residents will take a bus to the holy city of Mecca and then on to the holy city of Medina. Pilgrims will visit various historical sites before flying to their destinations from Jeddah or Medina.