How to Plan Your First Umrah:
Planning your first Umrah from Abu Dhabi can be exciting, but you may have many questions about the visa, hotel, transport and how to perform Umrah. A little planning before your trip can make your journey easier and more comfortable.
1. Learn How Umrah Is Performed
Before travelling, learn the basic steps of Umrah. You should know when to wear Ihram, where to make your intention, and how to perform Tawaf and Sa’i.
The main steps of Umrah are:
- Enter Ihram and make the intention
- Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba
- Perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
- Complete Halq or Qasr
There are also some Wajib acts and rules related to Ihram, Miqat, Tawaf and Sa’i. It is better to learn these before your journey from a trusted scholar or Umrah guide.
2. Get Your Visa and Book Your Hotel
After learning the basic steps, arrange your travel. Make sure your visa, hotel and transport are booked before you leave.
You should check:
- Umrah visa
- Passport
- Makkah hotel
- Madinah hotel
- Transport
- Return travel
- Important documents
3. Prepare for Your Umrah
Pack the things you will need during your journey. Keep your Ihram, comfortable shoes, medicines and important documents in a place where you can easily find them.
If you are travelling by bus from Dubai, also keep some snacks, water and basic travel items with you.
4. Dubai to Makkah by Bus
Many people from Dubai choose to travel to Makkah by bus for Umrah. The journey usually takes around 20–30+ hours, depending on the route, traffic and time taken at the UAE and Saudi borders. The exact travel time can change, so it is always better to confirm the departure and expected arrival time with your bus operator before travelling.
5. Perform Your Umrah in Makkah
After reaching Makkah, check into your hotel and get ready for Umrah. Go to Masjid al-Haram and perform your Umrah step by step.
Take your time and avoid rushing. If it is your first Umrah, having a knowledgeable guide or group leader can make things easier.
6. Travel to Madinah
After completing your Umrah, you can travel from Makkah to Madinah. You can choose the transport that suits you and your budget.
- 🚌 Bus
- 🚘 Private Taxi
- 🚆 Haramain Train
Before booking your Madinah hotel, check how far it is from Masjid an-Nabawi ﷺ.
7. Tips for Your First Umrah
Your first Umrah becomes much easier when you plan everything before leaving.
- Learn the Umrah steps before travelling.
- Keep your passport and documents safe.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Drink enough water.
- Avoid carrying too much luggage.
- Check the hotel's distance from Haram.
- Keep your hotel address and phone number with you.
- Keep extra time for bus travel and border checking.
- If travelling with family, choose a meeting point in case someone gets separated.
Before You Leave 🕋
Visa → Hotel → Transport → Ihram → Miqat → Tawaf → Sa’i → Halq/Qasr → Madinah → Return