New Umrah Rules in Saudi Arabia: What Dubai Residents Need to Know
Thousands of Muslims from Dubai and across the UAE travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia every year to perform Umrah. While performing Umrah has always been a spiritual dream for millions, the process of securing visas, booking hotels, and arranging transportation often caused confusion and delays. Many pilgrims previously relied on agents or even attempted the journey on tourist visas.
Now, Saudi Arabia has introduced new Umrah regulations that are designed to simplify the process and ensure more transparency. According to Umrah operators in Dubai, every step of the pilgrimage — from visa applications to hotel and transport bookings — is now linked to official Saudi platforms like Nusuk and Masar. However, this new system also requires stricter compliance from all pilgrims traveling from Dubai and other parts of the world.
Â
Here are the 10 important changes for Umrah pilgrims from Dubai and the UAE before planning their journey to Saudi Arabia:
1. Accommodation must be booked with the visa application
Dubai residents applying for an Umrah visa must now pre-book accommodation through the Masar system linked to the Nusuk app, or confirm that they will be staying with relatives in Saudi Arabia.
2. Staying with relatives requires Saudi ID
If staying with family or friends, pilgrims must provide the host’s Saudi unified ID, which is directly tied to the Umrah visa.
3. No tourist visas allowed for Umrah
Performing Umrah on a tourist visa is no longer permitted. Dubai operators warn that pilgrims may be denied entry into Riyaz ul Jannah in Madinah if traveling on a tourist visa.
4. Dedicated Umrah visa is mandatory
Every pilgrim must apply for a dedicated Umrah visa through the official Nusuk platform.
5. Fixed itinerary rules
The Umrah itinerary must be uploaded during visa application and cannot be postponed. Overstaying results in penalties starting from SAR 750 (Dh734).
6. Visa on arrival for select nationalities
Travelers holding valid UK, US, Canada, or Schengen visas (with prior travel history) may qualify for a Saudi visa on arrival.
7. Airport checks on bookings
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, airport officials verify hotel and transport bookings via the Nusuk/Masar system. Missing details may result in fines or denial of onward travel.
8. Use only authorised taxis and transport
All transportation — taxis, buses, or the Haramain Express train — must be booked through Nusuk or approved operators. Unauthorized taxis are not permitted.
9. Train travel restrictions
The Haramain train runs only until 9pm. Dubai travelers landing later must pre-book alternative authorised transport.
10. Heavy fines for violations
Any violations, including overstaying or using unauthorised taxis, carry fines starting from Dh750 and penalties for agents as well.
For Muslims in Dubai and the UAE planning their spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia, these new Umrah rules ensure a smoother, more organized process — but also require careful compliance. Booking everything in advance through Nusuk and Masar platforms is now the only way to perform Umrah legally and without penalties.
Source : Khaleejtimes
About the Author
