lifestyle
Umrah Guide for Residents in Saudi Arabia — How to Perform Umrah
Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of year — unlike Hajj, which has specific dates. For Muslim residents in Saudi Arabia, performing Umrah is more accessible than anywhere else in the world. This guide covers how to prepare, what is required, the rituals involved, and practical tips for residents making the journey to Makkah and Madinah.
Highlights
- ★Residents in Saudi Arabia can perform Umrah without a formal visa — you enter Makkah on your Iqama. Registration through the Nusuk app is required.
- ★Umrah consists of four main rituals: entering Ihram (the state of pilgrimage), Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba 7 times), Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwa 7 times), and cutting/shaving hair.
- ★The best times for residents to perform Umrah are the quieter periods: weekday nights outside of Ramadan, and outside of Hajj season (Dhul Hijjah).
- ★Ramadan Umrah is spiritually significant but extremely crowded — the Grand Mosque is at maximum capacity, especially in the last 10 nights.
- ★Madinah — home of the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) — is typically visited before or after Umrah in Makkah.
- ★The journey from Riyadh to Makkah is approximately 900km (8–9 hours by road). From Jeddah it is just 80km (45 minutes). Many residents fly or take the Haramain High Speed Railway from Jeddah.
Who Is This For?
Muslim expat residents in Saudi Arabia who want to perform Umrah — including first-timers and those who want a practical overview of the process from within the Kingdom.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Register on the Nusuk app (nusuk.sa) — this is the official platform for booking Umrah permits for residents. Download the app, register with your Iqama details, and book your Umrah slot.
- 2Plan your travel — decide on the date and whether to drive, fly to Jeddah, or take the Haramain train from Jeddah. Book accommodation in Makkah near the Grand Mosque (Al Masjid Al Haram).
- 3Enter the state of Ihram before or at the Miqat (the designated boundary for pilgrims). Men wear two white seamless cloths (Ihram garments). Women wear modest full-cover clothing — no specific colour required but usually white or plain.
- 4Make the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah and recite the Talbiyah: 'Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk...' Continue reciting throughout your journey to Makkah.
- 5Perform Tawaf: walk around the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad). Make dua (supplication) throughout.
- 6Pray two Rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (if possible) or anywhere in the mosque.
- 7Perform Sa'i: walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa inside the mosque. This commemorates Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail.
- 8Complete your Umrah by cutting or shaving your hair (men shave or cut; women cut a small amount). This exits you from the state of Ihram.
- 9Visit Madinah if your trip allows — the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) is a deeply significant visit. Entry to the mosque is open to all Muslims.
Practical Tips
- 💡For the most peaceful experience, visit on a weekday night in a non-Ramadan, non-Hajj period — the Tawaf area is significantly less crowded.
- 💡Stay as close to the Grand Mosque as possible — the Abraj Al-Bait towers (Clock Tower) complex is directly adjacent and very convenient, though expensive. Mid-range options within 500m are available.
- 💡Wear slip-on footwear — you remove shoes frequently and carry them in a small bag during Tawaf and Sa'i.
- 💡Bring a small backpack or belt bag for essentials: phone, Zamzam water bottle (fill it at the mosque), snacks, and a copy of duas.
- 💡The Nusuk app provides detailed guidance on the rituals and step-by-step instructions — review it before you go.
- 💡Makkah is only open to Muslims — non-Muslim companions cannot enter the city. This includes the roads leading to the Grand Mosque.
- 💡The Haramain High Speed Railway connects Jeddah (King Abdulaziz Airport and Jeddah station) to Makkah in 12 minutes — very convenient if flying into Jeddah.
- 💡Learn the basic dua (supplications) for each stage of Umrah in advance — many apps and booklets provide these. The experience is far more meaningful with preparation.
- 💡Zamzam water is freely available throughout the Grand Mosque — drink and fill your bottle freely. You can take Zamzam home in approved containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do residents need a special permit to perform Umrah?
Yes — all Umrah pilgrims must register through the Nusuk app (nusuk.sa) and obtain a permit. This applies to residents within Saudi Arabia as well as visitors from abroad. The app assigns timed entry permits which help manage crowd levels at the Grand Mosque.
Can non-Muslims visit Makkah?
No — Makkah is the holiest city in Islam and is restricted to Muslims only. There are checkpoints on all roads leading to Makkah. Non-Muslim residents and visitors may not enter the city.
How long does Umrah take to perform?
The rituals themselves — Tawaf and Sa'i — take 2–4 hours depending on crowd levels. During quieter periods, experienced pilgrims can complete Umrah in about 2 hours. During Ramadan or peak times, it can take 4–6 hours due to crowd density.
Is Umrah open to non-Saudi Muslims on a work visa?
Yes — Muslim expat residents with a valid Iqama can perform Umrah throughout the year. Register on Nusuk and book your slot. Your Iqama is your entry document.
What is the Nusuk app?
Nusuk (nusuk.sa) is the Saudi government's official platform for Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage management. All pilgrims — whether from outside Saudi Arabia or residents within — must register and book Umrah permits through Nusuk. It also provides guidance on rituals, maps of the Grand Mosque, and accommodation booking.
Can I visit Madinah as a non-Muslim?
Non-Muslims can visit Madinah city but cannot enter Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque) or the central Haram area. There are historical and cultural sites in Madinah that non-Muslims can visit, but the central mosque is restricted.
What is the best time of year for Umrah?
For a quieter, more personal experience: weekday nights in the months of Muharram, Safar, and outside Ramadan/Hajj season. For maximum spiritual atmosphere: the last 10 nights of Ramadan — extremely crowded but deeply moving. Avoid Dhul Hijjah (Hajj months) as the area is at maximum capacity.