Riyadh Umrah Packages Skyrocket Ahead of Qiyam Al-Layl
In anticipation of a heavy rush during Qiyam Al-Layl, the last 10 days of Ramadan, Umrah travel agencies and tour operators in Riyadh have nearly doubled the price of tour packages per person, with fees expected to triple.
Doubling of Prices for Umrah Packages
Umrah travel operators in Riyadh have almost doubled the price of individual tour bus packages from the regular fare of SR110 ($30) to up to SR200. This fee is anticipated to further increase to between SR250 and SR300 during Qiyam Al-Layl, as stated by tour operators in Hai Al-Wizarat district.
Reasons Behind Price Hikes
“The hike in the Umrah package prices is due to the huge rush of pilgrims during Ramadan,” explained tour operator Al-Fajr. The increase in value-added tax to 15 percent is also cited as one of the reasons for soaring prices compared to pre-pandemic years.
High Demand During Ramadan
“Most people want to spend Ramadan in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah,” said Abdur Rahman Oomeri, a Riyadh resident inquiring about Umrah packages.
Impact of Pandemic Restrictions Lifted
Since pandemic restrictions were lifted, prices for Umrah packages have soared due to a high influx of pilgrims returning to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Flights from Riyadh to Jeddah are also quickly filling up.
Increased Flight Prices
Ticket prices for flights from Riyadh to Jeddah have significantly increased, with some dates already sold out amid the heavy Ramadan rush. Mohammed Aslam Jameel, a supervisor at a Riyadh travel company, shared his experience of rising ticket prices.
International Flights Affected as well
Ticket prices for international flights have also soared on dates close to Eid Al-Fitr as expatriates plan to travel back home for celebrations. Mohammed Serajuddin, an Indian working in Riyadh, highlighted the increase in prices for his trip to India for Eid.