Over the past few years, I’ve noticed something interesting among my clients, especially families and young couples from Sylhet, Chittagong, and Dhaka. More and more people are asking, “Can we include Dubai in our Umrah trip?” And honestly, it’s a great question.
I’ve been guiding thousands through the sacred journey of Umrah over the years. So, I completely understand the desire. They want to blend spiritual fulfillment with a touch of advanced luxury. Dubai has become a favorite stopover for many with its world-class attractions. And delicious halal food there with a smooth visa process. But is it really worth it to combine your Umrah with a Dubai tour? Let me walk you through everything you need to know! This is based on real experiences from my agency, not just theory.
1. Why Consider a Dubai Tour After (or Before) Umrah?
For many Bangladeshi pilgrims, Umrah is a dream come true and it’s especially so for first-timers. The spiritual intensity is something that words can’t completely describe. But the idea of unwinding in Dubai for a few days is incredibly appealing after days of
- Devotion
- Prayer and
- Physical exertion
Many flights from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia now pass through the UAE. They make a stopover in Dubai very convenient. Airlines like:
- Emirates
- FlyDubai and
- Air Arabia
Offer seamless connections that let you explore the city without too much extra effort. And the best part? If you already have a valid Saudi visa, you might be eligible for a visa-on-arrival in Dubai. Though I always recommend checking with us first, as rules can change.
2. Planning the Combo: How It Actually Works
Let me give you a practical example. We recently arranged a Ramadan Umrah trip for a group from Sylhet. After 12 days in Makkah and Madinah, the group flew to Dubai! They spent 3 days exploring the city and then returned to Dhaka.
The flow usually looks like this:
Dhaka → Jeddah/Madinah → Perform Umrah → Fly to Dubai → Explore → Return Home
You can also reverse it:
Dhaka → Dubai → Umrah → Dhaka
Some families prefer to relax in Dubai before the spiritual journey. And the others use it as a reward after completing Umrah. From my experience, ending with Dubai gives you time to reflect, rest, and return home both spiritually and emotionally recharged.
3. Focus on Umrah First: Spiritual Priorities Matter
Let me be very clear: Umrah is an act of worship. Our Niyyah (intention) should be only for the sake of Allah. Occasionally diverting from the main focus to enjoy other activities or sightseeing can be enticing, especially for teenagers. Therefore, I advise my customers to first do your Umrah, complete it with full devotion and then you may enjoy modern Dubai. As long as the intention is right, it’s a beautiful deen-dunya balance.
Many people I have seen return from Umrah with tears in their eyes saying, “We are glad we did not do sightseeing before getting it over with.” After doing your ibadah and then relaxing in a halal, clean environment like Dubai, it really takes the cake.
4. What You Can Do in Dubai in 2–5 Days
Dubai isn’t just about skyscrapers and malls. It offers something for everyone
- Families
- Solo travelers
- Honeymoon couples and
- Even elderly parents
Here’s what I usually recommend to my Umrah returnees:
- Burj Khalifa: Take in the city from the world’s tallest tower
- Desert Safari: A must-do adventure with halal BBQ and cultural shows
- Global Village: Perfect if you’re traveling from November to April. With
- cultural pavilions
- halal food and
- family-friendly fun
- Dubai Frame: Great for history lovers. See the transformation from old Dubai to new
- Miracle Garden: A colorful break after your spiritual journey
- Deira Gold Souk and Meena Bazaar: Perfect for some post-Umrah shopping, gold, perfumes, modest clothing
- Jumeirah Mosque Visit: Continue your spiritual reflection in a peaceful, architecturally rich mosque
And yes, halal food is everywhere. From budget meals to five-star buffets, Dubai is incredibly friendly to Muslim travelers.
5. Visa and Travel Requirements for Dubai After Umrah
Here’s where it gets technical. But don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple.
If you’re a Bangladeshi citizen traveling for Umrah, you have a few options:
- Visa-on-arrival: If you hold a valid
- US
- UK
- Schengen or
- Saudi visa (multiple entry and used at least once)
You might get a 14-day UAE visa on arrival.
- Pre-arranged Tourist Visa: Most clients prefer this route. We arrange it for you before your trip—typically valid for 30 days.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months)
- Recent photograph
- Saudi visa copy (if applying from there)
- Return flight ticket
- Hotel booking in Dubai (we usually manage this for you)
If you’re booking a group Umrah visa from Bangladesh, we take care of all this—from visa to accommodation, transfers, and even bKash payment options for easy installments.
6. Cost Breakdown: Is It Budget-Friendly?
Let’s talk about money. Many people think adding Dubai will break their budget—but that’s not always true. In fact, with proper planning, it can be very cost-effective. Here’s a sample cost comparison:
| Item | Umrah Only | Umrah + Dubai Tour (3 Days) |
| Flights | ৳75,000 | ৳90,000 (multi-city) |
| Accommodation | ৳35,000 | ৳50,000 |
| Visa and Transfers | ৳12,000 | ৳18,000 |
| Food and Misc. | ৳10,000 | ৳15,000 |
| Total | ৳132,000 | ৳173,000 (Approx) |
Tips to Save:
- Book early (especially during Ramadan or Eid)
- Travel in a group to share accommodation and transport
- Use travel agencies that offer combo deals (we offer several Dubai add-ons for only ৳25,000 extra)
- Pay via bKash installment plans—very helpful for middle-income families
7. Travel Tips from an Expert (Real Experiences)
I’ve organized Umrah-Dubai combo trips for newlyweds, retired couples, and even solo female travelers from Chittagong and Sylhet. Here are my top tips:
- Travel during shoulder seasons: March to April or October are best. Pleasant weather and fewer crowds
- Pack for both climates: Ihram and abayas for Umrah. Lighter and more modest clothing for Dubai
- Respect both cultures: While Dubai is more modern, you should still dress modestly and avoid loud or inappropriate behavior
- Download useful apps: Careem for transport, Talabat for food, and Google Maps for finding mosques and halal spots
- Don’t overpack: Dubai malls are tempting, and you’ll return with more than you expected
And most importantly, don’t rush. Let yourself feel every moment, whether it’s the tranquility of the Kaaba or the glittering lights of Burj Khalifa.
8. Spiritual Meets Luxury – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- A perfect balance between spiritual and emotional satisfaction
- Great for family bonding after a meaningful journey
- Makes the airfare more valuable: two destinations in one trip
- Opportunity to rest and rejuvenate before returning to daily life
Cons:
- Risk of losing spiritual focus if Dubai comes before Umrah
- Extra cost (although manageable with group packages)
- Visa logistics may be a bit confusing without proper guidance
That’s why I always recommend working with an experienced travel agency like the UmrahLovers of mine that understands both the Islamic sensitivities and the logistical requirements.
9. Is It Really Worth It? My Honest Take
It really depends on you. If you’re performing your first Umrah, I’d say, focus on that first. Let your mind and heart settle. But if you’ve performed Umrah before or you’re going with family, Dubai can be the perfect closing chapter. It’s especially for kids or elderly parents who need a bit of relaxation. The transition from sacred to scenic can be beautiful when planned properly. Just make sure your Niyyah stays clear, your itinerary isn’t overloaded, and your budget is respected.
A Balanced Experience for Mind, Body and Soul
Combining Umrah with a Dubai tour isn’t just a travel plan. It’s a complete experience. One that touches your soul and rewards your senses. As I’ve been arranging Hajj, VIP Hajj, Ramadan Umrah, and family group tours for over 12 years, I’ve seen how impactful this combo can be when done with care. So, is it worth it? Yes! If you plan with intention.
And if you’re thinking of doing this soon, whether from Sylhet, Chittagong, or Dhaka, feel free to reach out to UmrahLovers. We offer custom Umrah-Dubai packages, flexible bKash payments, visa processing, and full travel support. May Allah accept your Umrah and bless every step of your journey.
