Is Umrah in Ramadan really equal to Hajj in reward?

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that performing Umrah during Ramadan is equal in reward to performing Hajj with him. Scholars explain this refers to the reward, not that it replaces the obligation of Hajj - a Muslim who is able must still perform Hajj once in their lifetime. Ramadan Umrah remains one of the most rewarding acts of worship in the year.

How far in advance should I book Ramadan Umrah from the UAE?

Book three to five months ahead for the first and middle ten days, and as early as possible - often six months or more - for the last ten nights, which sell out first. Hotels closest to the Haram fill up earliest. Contact Big Bird Travel as soon as your dates are known to lock in availability and pricing.

Why is Ramadan Umrah more expensive?

Demand is at its yearly peak, so airfares rise and hotels in Makkah and Madinah charge premium Ramadan rates - often two to three times off-peak prices, and higher still for the final ten nights. Booking early and choosing the first ten days or a slightly further hotel are the best ways to control the cost.

Can women perform Ramadan Umrah from the UAE without a Mahram?

Saudi Arabia allows women to perform Umrah within organised groups without a Mahram, subject to current Ministry rules that can change. Women over a certain age or travelling individually may still require a Mahram. Confirm the latest requirements with Big Bird Travel before you book, as Ramadan group packages are a popular option for women pilgrims.

What is the cheapest way to do Ramadan Umrah from Dubai?

Choose the first ten days of Ramadan, take an economy 3-star package a short walk from the Haram, and book several months in advance before rates climb. Group and coach options can lower costs further. Big Bird Travel can build a budget Ramadan package around your preferred dates and number of travellers.

Do I need a separate visa for Ramadan Umrah?

You need an Umrah visa, which is processed electronically through the Saudi Nusuk platform and is included in Big Bird Travel packages. It is different from a UAE residence visa or a tourist visa. Seasonal requirements such as vaccinations can change, so verify the current rules before you travel.

Umrah Guides| 8 min read|09 Sept 2026

Ramadan Umrah Packages from UAE: Costs, Best Dates & How to Book

By Big Bird Travel Team

Ramadan is the most rewarding - and most in-demand - time to perform Umrah. This guide covers Ramadan package costs from the UAE, the best ten-day window to travel, what is included, and how far ahead to book before hotels near the Haram sell out.

Ramadan is the most spiritually rewarding - and most in-demand - time to perform Umrah, and every year thousands of pilgrims travel from the UAE to Makkah during the holy month. A Ramadan Umrah from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah is straightforward to arrange, but it needs earlier planning and a larger budget than an off-peak trip. This guide explains what Ramadan Umrah packages cost, which ten-day window suits you best, what is included, and how far ahead to book so you secure hotels close to the Haram before they sell out.

Book early for Ramadan

Ramadan Umrah demand from the UAE peaks months in advance, and the best hotels near Masjid al-Haram are the first to sell out. Aim to book three to five months ahead - and even earlier for the last ten nights. Big Bird Travel opens Ramadan bookings well before the season.

Why Perform Umrah During Ramadan?

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal in reward to Hajj. That single narration is why Ramadan draws more pilgrims than any other period of the year. Beyond the reward, the atmosphere in Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan is unlike anything else - breaking your fast inside the Haram, nightly Taraweeh behind the imams of the two holy mosques, and the pursuit of Laylat al-Qadr in the final ten nights.

Umrah in Ramadan carries a reward described as equal to Hajj
Break your fast with thousands of pilgrims inside Masjid al-Haram
Pray Taraweeh and Qiyam behind the imams of the Haramain
Seek Laylat al-Qadr - the Night of Decree - in the last ten nights
A deeply communal, once-in-a-lifetime spiritual atmosphere

How Much Does Ramadan Umrah Cost from the UAE?

Ramadan is the peak season, so expect to pay noticeably more than an off-peak Umrah. Hotel rates in Makkah and Madinah can double or triple during the holy month, and they climb steeply again for the last ten nights. The table below gives realistic per-person guide prices for a 7-night Ramadan package from the UAE, by hotel tier and proximity to the Haram. Flights, Saudi transfers and the Umrah visa are typically bundled in.

Package Tier	Hotel Category	Distance from Haram	Ramadan Guide Price (AED/person)
Economy	3-Star	400-800m	4,000-6,000
Standard	4-Star	150-300m	6,500-10,000
Premium	5-Star	Facing / adjacent Haram	12,000-25,000+

Prices are seasonal - verify before booking

Ramadan package prices move constantly with hotel availability, flight demand and the exact ten-day window you choose. The figures above are guide ranges for planning only - always confirm the current, exact quote for your dates with Big Bird Travel before you commit.

Choosing Your Ramadan Dates: First, Middle or Last Ten

Ramadan is not a single price or experience - it splits into three ten-day periods, each with a different cost, crowd level and spiritual focus. Choosing the right window is the biggest decision you will make when booking Ramadan Umrah from the UAE.

First Ten Days (1-10 Ramadan)

The opening ten days are the calmest and most affordable part of Ramadan. Crowds are lighter, hotels are easier to secure, and prices sit at the lower end of the Ramadan range. This window suits first-time pilgrims, families with children, and elderly travellers who want the Ramadan atmosphere without the intensity of the final nights.

Middle Ten Days (11-20 Ramadan)

The middle third is a balance point - busier and slightly pricier than the first ten days, but far calmer than the last ten. Many UAE pilgrims choose this window to combine reasonable pricing with a fuller Ramadan experience as the month builds towards its climax.

Last Ten Days (21-30 Ramadan)

The final ten nights are the most sacred and most sought-after, because they contain Laylat al-Qadr - the Night of Decree, better than a thousand months. They are also the most crowded and most expensive by a wide margin. Hotels facing the Haram command premium rates, the mataf around the Kaaba fills for every prayer, and Eid falls at the end. Book this window as early as humanly possible.

Ramadan Window	Crowds	Cost	Best For
First 10 days	Moderate	Lowest of Ramadan	First-timers, families, elderly
Middle 10 days	High	Mid-range	A balanced experience
Last 10 days	Very High	Highest	Laylat al-Qadr seekers

What a Ramadan Umrah Package Includes

A complete Ramadan Umrah package from a licensed UAE agent should cover every major cost so there are no surprises once you arrive. Check that the following are included before you book:

Return flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah to Jeddah or Madinah (air packages)
Umrah visa processed through the Saudi Nusuk platform
Hotel accommodation in Makkah for the nights you select
Hotel accommodation in Madinah with guided ziyarat
All airport and inter-city transfers, including Makkah to Madinah
Suhoor and iftar arrangements or hotel board (on selected packages)
24/7 UAE-based support throughout your journey

By Air or by Bus? Travel Options from the UAE

Most pilgrims fly the roughly three-and-a-half hour route from the UAE to Jeddah or Madinah, which maximises time for worship during a short Ramadan trip. Budget-conscious groups sometimes travel overland by coach, a journey of well over twenty hours each way through Saudi Arabia. During Ramadan, when leave from work is limited, flying is usually the better use of your days - but Big Bird Travel can arrange either based on your budget and group size.

How to Prepare for Ramadan Umrah from the UAE

1.Confirm your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates
2.Book three to five months ahead - earlier still for the last ten nights
3.Request annual leave from your UAE employer as soon as your dates are set
4.Prepare Ihram garments and pack light, breathable clothing for fasting days
5.Plan your energy - fasting plus Tawaf and Sa'i is demanding, so rest between prayers
6.Download the Nusuk app for prayer times, permits and ziyarat guidance
7.Arrange travel insurance that covers your full stay in Saudi Arabia

Optimise your Ramadan leave

UAE employers often grant a few days of annual leave for Umrah. Pairing a weekend with a public holiday can stretch a short Ramadan trip further. Tell Big Bird Travel your available dates and we will build a package that fits your leave.

For a full picture of hotel tiers and what to expect, read our guide to Umrah packages from the UAE, and to weigh Ramadan against other months see our best time for Umrah guide. If this is your first pilgrimage, our step-by-step Umrah guide walks you through every ritual.

Plan Your Ramadan Umrah with Big Bird Travel

Umrah Packages from UAE Umrah Packages Guide: What to Expect Best Time for Umrah from UAE How to Perform Umrah Step by Step Book Flights from the UAE Hotels Near the Haram

Whether you are planning a calm first-ten-days trip with your family or chasing Laylat al-Qadr in the final nights, the key to a smooth Ramadan Umrah from the UAE is booking early and knowing exactly what your package covers. Speak to our Umrah team and we will match the right window, hotel tier and travel option to your budget.