Saudi Arabia has introduced a new annual Umrah visa that allows for multiple entries. This grants eligible residents of the United Arab Emirates the flexibility to perform the pilgrimage more than once, avoiding the need to apply for a new visa for each visit.
Tourism agents in the UAE noted that the new visa generated significant interest immediately after its announcement, and they have started receiving inquiries, with some agencies already issuing the visa to clients. It is important to understand that this visa is an additional option for pilgrims and does not replace the existing Umrah visa.
According to Umrah agencies in the UAE, most nationalities residing in the UAE are eligible to apply for this visa through authorized Umrah agencies. Provided all necessary documents are submitted, the processing time is usually about two business days.
Agencies informed Khaleej Times that the visa starts at approximately 600 dirhams. Shihab Farwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tours and Travels noted that the visa is valid for one year, and a person can stay in the country for up to 90 days, distributing the stay as they wish. He emphasized that the pilgrim can enter an unlimited number of times within the year, but the total stay is limited to 90 days, and the visa is exclusively for Umrah, not tourism.
Jassim from Al Shammar Haj and Umrah Service reported that the fee for the new visa is around 650 dirhams. The visa remains valid for one year from the date of issue, allowing pilgrims to spend a total of up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia during this period, while being able to split their stay across multiple visits, adhering to the visa conditions and approved travel plans.
Unlike the single-entry Umrah visa, pilgrims can return to Saudi Arabia multiple times within a year without needing a new visa. However, the visa can only be used for Umrah purposes, not for tourism or other reasons. Agencies clarified that although pilgrims can book flights and hotels independently, each Umrah trip must be properly arranged and linked to the visa application. According to Abdullah from Bin Karam Haj and Umrah Services, applicants must first book a package on the Nusuk platform before applying for the visa. Each trip to Saudi Arabia requires proper documentation and approval through the Nusuk application.
According to agents, applicants generally require a copy of their passport, a copy of their Emirates ID, a return ticket, hotel booking or voucher, details of local transportation, and other itinerary documents uploaded to the Nusuk platform as part of the application process. Regarding subsequent trips, pilgrims must provide updated travel details, including hotel bookings, return tickets, and transportation arrangements. Jassim added that even with an annual visa, each trip must be registered and approved before travel begins.
Pilgrims must adhere to the dates specified in the approved travel plan, entering and exiting Saudi Arabia according to those dates. For each visit, a hotel booking, return ticket, and local transportation details must be provided via Nusuk. Jassim explained that for the initial application, an Umrah package must be booked before applying, while for subsequent visits within the year, providing new bookings and travel details is sufficient. Agencies explained that the visa is issued under the sponsorship of an authorized Umrah agency, which is responsible for ensuring pilgrims comply with the approved plan and Saudi Arabian regulations. In case of rule violations or failure to return within the stipulated time, the sponsoring agency will be fined, so all travel details must be updated on the Nusuk platform.
Agencies also reported that families cannot apply under a single booking. Jassim specified that each family member must submit a separate visa application and provide the corresponding documents. Although families can travel together, visas are processed individually. Overall, the new visa is expected to simplify repeat Umrah trips for UAE residents who wish to visit the Kingdom several times a year, provided all necessary procedures are followed.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its openness to individuals looking to improve their lives through the simplicity of obtaining visas, as well as its broad opportunities in career and lifestyle. One of the most attractive permits for tourists is the five-year multiple-entry visa.
This document allows travelers to enter the country for up to 90 days within five years, eliminating the need to apply for a new visa with each visit. The visa permits a stay of three months per entry, which can be extended by another 90 days within one year. This permit is available to citizens of all nationalities, reflecting the diversity of the UAE.
The visa was initially approved by the UAE Cabinet in 2021 during a meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The goal of this step was to position the UAE as an ideal destination for tourism and work. At the same time, the cabinet approved a remote work visa allowing employees from around the world to live and work in the UAE for a year.
In addition to these permits, there are other initiatives aimed at attracting people to develop in the country and strengthen its infrastructure. Recently, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism announced the launch of the 'A Dubai Invite' program, which runs from July 20 to October 31, 2026. Under this program, residents can receive various rewards, such as hotel stays, restaurant offers, and city attractions visits, if they successfully nominate friends or family members and confirm their visit.
To apply for the five-year multiple-entry visa, several basic requirements must be met to avoid legal consequences or refusal. The applicant's passport or other travel documents must be valid for at least six months and allow entry into the country, as well as return to the country of permanent residence or the issuing country. An airline ticket for continuing the trip or exiting the UAE is also required.
Furthermore, the applicant must have valid medical insurance in the UAE. Documentary proof of a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in other currencies must be provided six months prior to submitting the application. The applicant must not stay in the country continuously for more than 90 days; this period can be extended for a similar duration, provided the total number of days spent in the year does not exceed 180. A color passport-sized photograph is required. Family visas can be applied for children under 18. Depending on nationality, additional documents may be required, such as an Iraqi population pass, Iranian Censusnamah, or Pakistani or Afghan ID for beneficiaries.
Visa applications can be submitted through several channels: digital platforms such as the ICP and GDRFA websites, as well as physical customer service centers, printing centers, and GDRFA centers. Through any of these channels, processing the visa takes up to 48 hours.
Through digital channels, the applicant should log into the smart services system using UAE Pass or a login, find the application form for the five-year document, fill in the necessary details, and pay the service fee. If applying at customer service centers, GDRFA, or printing centers, one must visit the nearest such center, take an automatic ticket, wait in line, then submit the application with all information and documents, and complete the process by paying the fee.
The application fee amount may vary slightly depending on the submission location. When applying via the ICP website, clients must pay a fee of 3775 dirhams. If the application is submitted via the GDRFA website, the amount is 3713.5 dirhams. Additional fees include: application fee—100 dirhams, issuance fee—500 dirhams, guarantee deposit—3000 dirhams, guarantee service fee—21 dirhams, collection and return of guarantee fee—20 dirhams, plus 10 dirhams for Know Your Dirham and 10 dirhams for Innovative Dirham, and a total service fee of 52.5 dirhams.
To avoid fines or future refusals, it is important to follow specific rules after receiving the visa. The visa holder must enter the UAE within 60 days of the issue date. It is important to remember that the annual limit of 90 days is calculated from the date of the first entry into the UAE, not from the beginning of the calendar year or the visa issue date. Since this is a multiple-entry visa, re-entries are permitted as long as the stay does not exceed 90 days. The length of stay can be increased by an equal period if the total time in the year does not exceed 180 days. If the stay does not reach 90 days, the remaining days are not carried over to the next year. Violating the established length of stay invalidates the visa, and refunds are not issued. To track used time, the visa holder or their representative can request a travel report documenting entry and exit.
The application will be automatically rejected if the required data is not completed within 30 days of the return date, or if the application is returned three times due to missing information or incomplete documents. Usually, the reason for refusal is indicated if conditions are not met, but the authority reserves the right not to disclose the reason for refusal.
Unlike most cases where registration fees are non-refundable, the five-year multiple-entry visa provides for a refund in case of cancellation, expiration, or refusal. In case of refusal, the applicant receives a refund of the issuance fee, medical insurance fees, and paid financial deposits. Refunds for paid fees are made to the credit card used for payment within 180 days from the main application date. If the refund conditions are met, the applicant can request a refund by check or bank transfer to banks located in the UAE. If the main application date exceeds 180 days, the refund will only be made by check or bank transfer to UAE banks, and this process may begin within five years from the date the right to refund arises. It should be noted that financial deposits are collected directly in case of violation of rules regarding entry and stay in the country.
Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may expect potentially long weekends at the end of August. The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is expected on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
According to the list of UAE public holidays, the next holiday is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, which corresponds to 12 Rabi' al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar. However, like all other Islamic holidays, the exact date depends on the official announcement regarding the sighting of the moon.
Since the holiday falls in the middle of the week, there is a possibility of it being moved to Monday, August 24, according to the UAE public holiday rescheduling system. If such a postponement is approved, employees will receive a three-day weekend: the holiday on Monday and the regular weekend before it. If these days off are confirmed, they will fall during the last week of summer vacation, as the 2026-27 academic year begins on August 31.
The UAE Cabinet has the authority to move certain public holidays that fall on weekdays either to the beginning or the end of the week to create longer breaks. Such changes do not happen automatically and require an official decision. According to the Cabinet Resolution of 2025, public holidays, with the exception of Eid, can be moved to the beginning or end of the week.
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is included in the UAE public holiday calendar, but the final date and any changes to the celebration will only be confirmed through an official announcement.
If the holiday remains scheduled for Tuesday, residents can extend their break by taking annual leave on Monday, providing employees with a four-day break. Nevertheless, the sighting of the moon remains a condition, and authorities expect to announce the final dates closer to the event.
