How Much Dirhams Are Required for Umrah in Saudi Arabia
Performing Umrah is a spiritual journey that requires careful financial planning. If you're traveling from the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.), you’ll need to budget in AED (Dirhams) for expenses in Saudi Arabia. This guide breaks down the estimated costs, including visas, accommodation, transport, food, and other essentials.
1. Umrah Visa Cost (Mandatory)
- Umrah Visa Fee: Free (as of 2024, Saudi Arabia has waived the visa fee for many nationalities).
- Processing & Agency Fees: AED 300 – AED 800 (depending on the travel agency).
- Medical Insurance: AED 150 – AED 300 (mandatory for the visa).
Total Visa Cost: ~AED 450 – AED 1,100
2. Travel Expenses (From UAE to Saudi Arabia)
A) By Bus (Cheapest Option)
- Dubai to Makkah by Bus: AED 1,500 – AED 3,500 (round trip, depending on comfort level).
- Duration: ~12-15 hours.
B) By Flight (Faster but Costly)
- Dubai to Jeddah/Madinah Flight: AED 1,200 – AED 3,000 (round trip, economy class).
- Airport to Makkah Transport: AED 150 – AED 400 (taxi or private transfer).
Total Travel Cost: AED 1,500 – AED 4,000
3. Accommodation Costs in Makkah & Madinah
Hotels near the Haram are more expensive but convenient.
A) Budget Hotels (3-star or lower)
- Per night: AED 150 – AED 400
- 7-day stay: AED 1,050 – AED 2,800
B) Mid-Range Hotels (4-star)
- Per night: AED 400 – AED 800
- 7-day stay: AED 2,800 – AED 5,600
C) Luxury Hotels (5-star, close to Haram)
- Per night: AED 800 – AED 2,500+
- 7-day stay: AED 5,600 – AED 17,500+
Total Accommodation Cost (7 days): AED 1,050 – AED 17,500+
4. Food & Daily Expenses
- Budget Meals (local restaurants): AED 30 – AED 50 per meal
- Mid-range Meals: AED 50 – AED 150 per meal
- Daily Food Budget (per person): AED 100 – AED 300
- 7-day Food Cost: AED 700 – AED 2,100
Extra Expenses:
- Zamzam Water: Free in Haram, but AED 20 – AED 50 for extra bottles.
- Taxi/Transport: AED 100 – AED 300 (for local travel).
- Shopping/Gifts: AED 500 – AED 2,000+ (optional).
Total Daily Expenses (7 days): AED 1,300 – AED 4,500+
5. Miscellaneous & Emergency Funds
- Mobile SIM & Data: AED 50 – AED 150
- Tips & Charity: AED 200 – AED 500
- Emergency Fund: AED 1,000 – AED 2,000
Total Extra Costs: AED 1,250 – AED 2,650+
Conclusion
The total Dirhams required for Umrah from Dubai/UAE can range from AED 1500 (budget) to AED 4,000+ (luxury) per person. By comparing travel packages, booking in advance, and managing expenses wisely, pilgrims can perform Umrah comfortably within their budget. Now Book Budget Friendly Umrah package By Air from Sharjah and Umrah package By Air from Abu Dhabi.