Latest news with #Perwad
Khaleej Times
09-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
Saudi visa suspended for some visitors? UAE travel agents seek clarity for Umrah pilgrims, travellers
UAE-based travel agents and Umrah operators are seeking clarity from Saudi authorities as they are facing difficulties in getting visit and pilgrimage visas. According to some, visa issuance has been suspended in preparation for the upcoming Haj season. This has impacted UAE residents who had planned to travel to Saudi Arabia for business, family visits, and religious purposes. 'We, and many of our clients, are awaiting more information and seeking clarity on travel to Saudi. Many UAE residents are waiting to travel to the Kingdom and are asking us to apply for visa, which is not being issued for now,' said Mir Waseem Raja, manager at International Travel Services. 'Our clients and travelers are asking us continuously for updates on the visa front.' Authorities in Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that Umrah pilgrims can last enter the country on April 13. Raja said UAE residents who already hold valid multiple-entry Saudi visas will not be permitted to enter the Kingdom after April 13 either. 'People who have single-entry visas can also travel before April 13 but must exit the Kingdom before April 29,' he added. Umrah operators said they are unable to get any categories of visas issued whether they are multi-entry, single-entry, Umrah, or family visit. 'It's the Haj season … and we do not have complete clarity on visa approvals yet. We are also waiting for a clear picture from the Saudi authorities,' said Shihab Perwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism. 'We have been applying, and while the system accepts the applications, the status remains 'on standby.' 'One of our clients insisted on applying irrespective of the outcome, but the visa is still pending. Issuance [of the visa] is not guaranteed at this stage.' Perwad said the issue isn't restricted to certain nationalities as reported by some media. Those who are already in the Kingdom on visit visas must exit before April 29. Failing to do so will result in a fine of SAR 100,000, a sharp increase from the earlier penalty of SAR 25,000. Additionally, Umrah operators whose clients overstay may face severe consequences, including the suspension of their quota for future pilgrimages. 'Visa issuance is expected to resume on Dhul Hijjah 20, which corresponds to July 16 or 17, 2025, in the Gregorian calendar, based on moon sighting,' said Perwad. With thousands of UAE residents hoping to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, industry players say immediate guidance from Saudi authorities would help prevent confusion, unintentional overstays, and disruptions to travel plans.
Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
Saudi visa suspended for Haj? UAE travel agents seek clarity on entry permits for Umrah pilgrims, visitors
UAE-based travel agents and Umrah operators are seeking clarity from Saudi authorities as they are facing difficulties in getting visit and pilgrimage visas. According to some, visa issuance has been suspended in preparation for the upcoming Haj season. This has impacted UAE residents who had planned to travel to Saudi Arabia for business, family visits, and religious purposes. 'We, and many of our clients, are awaiting more information and seeking clarity on travel to Saudi. Many UAE residents are waiting to travel to the Kingdom and are asking us to apply for visa, which is not being issued for now,' said Mir Waseem Raja, manager at International Travel Services. 'Our clients and travelers are asking us continuously for updates on the visa front.' Authorities in Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that Umrah pilgrims can last enter the country on April 13. Raja said UAE residents who already hold valid multiple-entry Saudi visas will not be permitted to enter the Kingdom after April 13 either. 'People who have single-entry visas can also travel before April 13 but must exit the Kingdom before April 29,' he added. Umrah operators said they are unable to get any categories of visas issued whether they are multi-entry, single-entry, Umrah, or family visit. 'It's the Haj season … and we do not have complete clarity on visa approvals yet. We are also waiting for a clear picture from the Saudi authorities,' said Shihab Perwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism. 'We have been applying, and while the system accepts the applications, the status remains 'on standby.' 'One of our clients insisted on applying irrespective of the outcome, but the visa is still pending. Issuance [of the visa] is not guaranteed at this stage.' Perwad said the issue isn't restricted to certain nationalities as reported by some media. Those who are already in the Kingdom on visit visas must exit before April 29. Failing to do so will result in a fine of SAR 100,000, a sharp increase from the earlier penalty of SAR 25,000. Additionally, Umrah operators whose clients overstay may face severe consequences, including the suspension of their quota for future pilgrimages. 'Visa issuance is expected to resume on Dhul Hijjah 20, which corresponds to July 16 or 17, 2025, in the Gregorian calendar, based on moon sighting,' said Perwad. With thousands of UAE residents hoping to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, industry players say immediate guidance from Saudi authorities would help prevent confusion, unintentional overstays, and disruptions to travel plans.
Khaleej Times
06-02-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Umrah flight tickets hit Dh1,400 as more residents plan pilgrimage during Ramadan
With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, there has been a spike in Umrah enquiries and bookings in the UAE — leading to airfare hikes of about 140 per cent, compared to the winter months last year. Several residents are eager to start and end Ramadan in the holy city of Makkah, thus creating a huge travel demand, an Umrah operator told Khaleej Times. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Many of the faithful prefer to land in Jeddah before the holy month begins so they can pray their first Taraweeh at the Grand Mosque. Others opt to spend the last days of Ramadan in the holy city of Makkah, either celebrating Eid there or returning home after breaking their last fast, said Shihab Perwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism. 'We are receiving a high number of calls for travel in February and early March, coinciding with the beginning of Ramadan. While thousands of UAE residents performed Umrah in January, the demand in February is expected to rise significantly as Ramadan approaches,' said Perwad. Khaleej Times looked into flight ticket prices and saw that airfares between October and December 2024 averaged Dh580 for a round-trip direct flight. Currently, one-way tickets from Dubai to Jeddah are priced at Dh980, with round-trip fares averaging Dh1,400. During the initial days of Ramadan, fares are listed at Dh1,200, and by the end of the holy month, the prices start at Dh1,600 from Dubai. From Abu Dhabi, rates start at Dh1,700. No change in plans Despite expensive airfares, some residents remain committed to their Umrah plans. Ahmed Khalil, a Dubai-based entrepreneur who runs a clothing business, initially planned to travel in December but decided to perform Umrah during Ramadan instead. 'In December, the airfare for a one-way ticket was about Dh380 and my total expenses, including accommodation and food, would not have exceeded Dh2,200,' said Khalil. 'Now, with Ramadan approaching, ticket prices for the beginning of the month have surged to Dh750 for an onward journey, while return fares range from Dh400 to Dh700. The biggest expense, however, is accommodation, which costs me around Dh2,000 for four days. My total travel expenses have now exceeded Dh4,000.' While some are willing to shoulder the higher expenses, others have opted to postpone their pilgrimage until after Ramadan. Shaneer Gawaiman, a businessman in Deira, wanted to perform Umrah with his family while his parents were visiting Dubai. However, due to the significant rise in airfare, he shelved the plan. 'Booking tickets for my entire family would burn a hole in my pocket,' said Gawaiman. 'Instead, we will travel in April. Hopefully, by that time, the weather will favourable and prices will be significantly lower.' For those looking to save on travel costs, Perwad suggested an alternative route: 'Flying from the UAE to Riyadh and then travelling by bus to Makkah. Though time-consuming, this option could offer a more budget-friendly alternative to direct flights.' Prices for Umrah bus trips from the UAE remain stable, starting at Dh1,200 for a 10-day trip, including accommodation and visa. 'Prices are expected to rise by 30 to 40 per cent as Ramadan nears, with packages reaching Dh1,700 due to increased accommodation costs,' said Perwad. Despite rising expenses, many prioritise their spiritual journey over financial concerns. 'During the holy month of Ramadan, the faithful do not worry about money,' said Perwad. 'They wait all year for this auspicious month and will travel regardless of the cost.' "We can expect airfares to increase even further as Ramadan approaches. The demand for Umrah travel is growing, especially in the days leading up to the holy month. Many residents are still finalising their plans, and as more bookings come in, ticket prices will likely rise accordingly," said Perwad.
