The upcoming long weekend from September 29 to October 1 has sparked a surge in demand for Umrah trips among UAE residents, both from the private and public sectors. This extended break, combining the Prophet Muhammad's (Peace be upon him) birthday holiday on Friday, September 29, with the regular Saturday-Sunday weekend, offers a rare opportunity for spiritual travel.

One such eager traveler is Rahmat Ali, a Sharjah resident and a tailor by profession. He had been contemplating a journey to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah for the past two years. Seizing the moment, Rahmat applied for a visa and booked his flight tickets from Dubai, departing on Thursday night, September 28. He eagerly anticipates offering Friday prayers at the holiest site for Muslims and describes the experience as indescribable.

While most UAE employees will enjoy a three-day weekend, Sharjah government employees will relish a four-day break, with their official holiday on Thursday, September 28. Umrah, unlike Hajj, can be undertaken at any time of the year. It encompasses various rituals, including the tawaf around the Kaaba, sai'i between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and prayers at holy mosques. Upon completion, men exit from Ihram by shaving their heads, a practice known as 'taqseer.'

"Umrah holds immense spiritual significance, offering an opportunity for forgiveness, self-reflection, and a closer connection with Allah," Rahmat explained.

Another UAE resident, Irfan Sheikh, plans to fly his parents directly from his home country to Jeddah for Umrah. Irfan, an expatriate, secured a one-year multiple entry visa to Saudi Arabia, while his parents obtained regular Umrah visas. He expressed that this holy experience deepens his connection to his religion.

Irfan initially intended to vacation in his hometown but acceded to his parents' wishes for the holy trip. "I will depart from Dubai at 12 pm, arriving in Jeddah at 2.30 pm, while my parents will land at 3 pm," he stated.

Travel agencies have reported a noticeable increase in Umrah bookings during the long weekend. Shihab Parwad, from Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism, remarked, "Umrah trips have always been in demand in the UAE, but this long weekend, we have observed a surge in travel plans as many Muslims seek a spiritual journey and religious tourism in Saudi Arabia."

Residents in the UAE can opt for bus or flight travel to Saudi Arabia, with the latter being the preferred choice due to limited extended weekends. Ihram, the cloth worn during Umrah, can be acquired either at Dubai airport or, in some cases, on flights before reaching Jeddah, according to Parwad.

Experts attribute the rising popularity of Umrah during long weekends to the introduction of e-visas. Jaffer Pulappatta, who facilitates Umrah pilgrimages, explained, "UAE residents can apply for an e-visa, which is issued within minutes and is valid for one year, allowing faithful to plan multiple Umrah trips annually."

Umrah packages in the UAE start at Dh3,000, depending on the preferred accommodation. These comprehensive packages encompass flights, lodging, transportation, and guided tours to the sacred sites in Makkah and Madinah.