As the UAE gears up for an extended weekend from September 29th to October 1st, residents are opting for a different kind of getaway. Rather than planning vacations in far-off destinations, some are choosing to embark on the spiritual pilgrimage of Umrah.
Umrah Draws UAE Residents for a Spiritual Journey
Among those seizing this opportunity is Rahmat Ali, a Sharjah resident and tailor by profession. He had been contemplating a journey to Saudi Arabia for Umrah for the past two years. Without second thoughts, Rahmat applied for a visa and booked his flight tickets from Dubai, set to depart on Thursday night, September 28th. This week, he will offer his Friday prayers at the holiest site for Muslims, a moment he describes as indescribable.
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The allure of a three-day weekend is thanks to a holiday granted on Friday, September 29th, to mark Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon him) birthday, combined with the regular Saturday-Sunday weekend. Sharjah government employees are even luckier, enjoying a four-day break with their official holiday on Thursday, September 28th.
Umrah: A Spiritual Pilgrimage
Umrah is a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year. It encompasses sacred rituals, including the tawaf around the Kaaba, sai’i between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and prayers at holy mosques. Men complete their Umrah journey by shaving their heads, a step known as ‘taqseer.’
“Umrah holds a great spiritual significance, offering an opportunity for seeking forgiveness, self-reflection, and a closer connection with Allah,” Rahmat Ali expresses.
Families Unite for the Holy Journey
UAE resident Irfan Sheikh is flying his parents directly from their home country to Jeddah. He has secured a one-year multiple entry visa to Saudi Arabia as an expat, while his parents have regular visas. This sacred experience brings him closer to his religion, and he is thrilled to be fulfilling this spiritual aspiration with his family.
Although Irfan initially intended to travel to his hometown for a vacation, his parents’ insistence on the holy trip took precedence. He will be departing from Dubai at 12 pm and arriving in Jeddah at 2:30 pm, just ahead of his parents who will land at 3 pm.
Rising Demand for Trips
Travel companies have reported a considerable increase in Umrah trip bookings during this long weekend. Shihab Parwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism notes, “Umrah trips have always been in demand in the UAE. However, this long weekend has seen a surge in travel plans as many Muslims seek spiritual journeys and religious tourism in Saudi Arabia.”
From the UAE, residents have the option to travel by bus or flight. However, due to the limited duration of the extended weekend, most people prefer flights. Some airlines even offer the convenience of wearing Ihram (the cloth worn during Umrah) either at Dubai Airport or during the flight to Jeddah.
Easier Access with E-Visas
Experts attribute the increasing popularity of Umrah trips during this long weekend to the recently introduced e-visa system. UAE residents can now apply for an e-visa, which is issued in minutes and is valid for one year with multiple entries. Jaffer Pulappatta, who facilitates Umrah pilgrimages, explains, “With this visa, the faithful can easily book their tickets, making the process much more accessible and allowing for multiple Umrah trips in a year.”
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Packages to Suit All
For those considering Umrah, packages start at Dh3,000, varying based on preferred accommodation. These comprehensive packages typically include flights, accommodation, transportation, and guided tours to the holy sites in Makkah and Medina.
As UAE residents prepare for this unique spiritual journey during the upcoming long weekend, the demand for Umrah trips is soaring, underlining the significance of this sacred pilgrimage for Muslims in the region.
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