UAE residents planning Umrah can either arrange their trip through Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk Umrah platform or book a package with a UAE-based operator. Whichever route you take, you will need a Nusuk permit for the rites, the meningococcal vaccination Saudi health authorities require, and an operator whose licence and package terms you have checked in writing.
Key facts
- Permits: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issues Umrah permits through the Nusuk app and website. The ministry lists the service as free and the permit as issued immediately once a date and time slot are booked.
- Packages via Nusuk: the Nusuk Umrah platform lists packages from providers it says are licensed and approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and states that they are available to GCC citizens, residents and holders of all types of visas.
- Vaccination: Saudi health requirements for Umrah in 1447H (2026) require all pilgrims to have a meningococcal ACYW vaccine at least 10 days before arrival.
- Season: the ministry’s FAQ describes the Umrah season as running from 1 Muharram to 30 Dhu al-Qi’dah.
- UAE operators: in the UAE, Hajj and Umrah campaigns are licensed by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (AWQAF).
- Prices: package prices vary by operator, season, hotel and transport, so compare written quotes from several agencies.
How do UAE residents arrange Umrah?
There are two main routes. The first is to use Nusuk Umrah, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s platform, which describes itself as a one-stop shop offering Umrah and Ziyarah packages. According to the platform, comprehensive packages can include visa issuance, flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, meals, intercity transport and guidance.
The second is to book through a licensed UAE Hajj and Umrah operator, so that one company coordinates the arrangements from the UAE. You can browse operators in our Hajj and Umrah directory.
Visa options depend on your nationality and residence status. Before you pay for anything, confirm the visa route that applies to you on Saudi Arabia’s official visa platform (visa.mofa.gov.sa) or Nusuk, or ask your operator to confirm it in writing.
Do I need a Nusuk permit?
Yes. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s FAQ states that booking permits for performing Umrah and for praying in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah is required. The ministry’s Umrah permit service is offered through the Nusuk app and website, and lists visitors, GCC citizens, citizens and residents as eligible users.
The steps published by the ministry are:
- Log in to, or create, a Nusuk account.
- Choose the Umrah permit booking service.
- Pick an available date and time slot.
- Issue the permit.
If you book a package, ask the operator whether they will arrange the permit for you or whether you must book it yourself.
What vaccinations are required for Umrah?
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health publishes health requirements for each Umrah season. Its document for 1447H (2026) says that all individuals intending to perform Umrah, from all countries, must be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis with one of the following:
| Vaccine | Must have been received |
|---|---|
| Meningococcal quadrivalent (ACYW) conjugate, or pentavalent (ACYWX) conjugate | Within the last 5 years and at least 10 days before arrival |
| Meningococcal quadrivalent (ACYW) polysaccharide | Within the last 3 years and at least 10 days before arrival |
The same document sets additional requirements, such as polio and yellow fever vaccination, for travellers arriving from specific countries. It also requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination or immunity for certain groups, including people over 65, pregnant women and people with specified chronic conditions. Read the current Ministry of Health document for your own case, as requirements are issued each season, and speak to your doctor about the vaccine itself.
How do I choose a UAE Umrah operator?
AWQAF licenses Hajj and Umrah campaigns in the UAE. Its services guide states that, under Cabinet Resolution No. 32 of 2018, a licence applicant must be a UAE citizen. AWQAF also handles licensed campaigns’ requests such as renewals and the attestation of campaign contracts issued by the competent Saudi authorities.
When comparing operators, ask each one for:
- Evidence of its AWQAF Umrah licence.
- The exact hotels in Makkah and Madinah, not just a star rating.
- How you travel: flights or road, and which airport or border crossing is used.
- What is included: visa or permit arrangements, transfers between Makkah and Madinah, meals and any Ziyarah visits.
- The cancellation and refund terms, in writing.
Our Hajj and Umrah directory lists UAE operators, and the wider holidays from the UAE section and the top travel agencies in Dubai and top travel agencies in Abu Dhabi pages can help you build a shortlist.
How much does an Umrah package from the UAE cost?
We do not publish package prices, because they change with the season, the hotel’s location and category, how you travel and what is included. The fairest comparison is to request written quotes for the same dates and the same hotels from two or three licensed operators.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book Umrah without a travel agency?
The Nusuk Umrah platform says it offers packages directly from providers licensed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and that they are available to GCC citizens, residents and holders of all types of visas. You can also use a licensed UAE operator if you prefer one company to handle everything.
Is the Nusuk Umrah permit free?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah lists its Umrah permit service as free, with immediate issuance through the Nusuk app and website.
How long before travel do I need the meningitis vaccine?
Saudi Arabia’s 1447H (2026) Umrah health requirements say the meningococcal vaccine must be received at least 10 days before arrival. Conjugate vaccines must have been received within the last 5 years and polysaccharide vaccines within the last 3 years.
When is Umrah not possible?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s FAQ describes the Umrah season as running from 1 Muharram to 30 Dhu al-Qi’dah. Check Nusuk for current permit availability before you book travel.
Who licenses Umrah operators in the UAE?
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (AWQAF) issues activity approvals for Hajj and Umrah campaigns in the UAE.
Where can I find prayer times while planning?
Daily prayer times for the emirates are on our prayer times page.
This page is general information, not religious, medical or legal advice. Visa, permit and health rules change; confirm them with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Nusuk), the Saudi Ministry of Health, the Saudi visa platform and your operator before you travel.
Verified from official sources — last checked 2 October 2026. Details can change; confirm with the operator before you travel.
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah – Nusuk Umrah platform
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah – Umrah Permit Application service
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah – FAQ
- Saudi Ministry of Health – Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Umrah 1447H (2026)
- General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments & Zakat (AWQAF) – Services Guide, April 2026
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs – unified visa platform