Umrah Guide for Women | Hotels for First-Time Female Travelers

There’s no shortage of exciting travel news in 2023, especially for those willing to visit Saudi Arabia. Not only is KSA experiencing a demand for travel post-pandemic, but the thrilling updates also come from the new laws adopted by the Saudi Arabian government regarding tourism, Umrah, and women’s travel. Saudi Arabia is making history this year by allowing women to travel in groups for Umrah without the obligatory condition of having a male Mahram with them. For many women, this long-anticipated decision will actualize their Umrah journey and make it more convenient. Use this Umrah guide for women to get all the details you need!

Umrah, or the lesser Islamic pilgrimage to the city of Makkah, is a voluntary journey for worship made by Muslims of both genders at any time during the year. Traditionally, women under the age of 45 had to be accompanied by a male companion (a husband or a relative), referred to as Mahram. However, with the latest Umrah rules, the Saudi Arabian government has sanctioned the travel of women of all ages to Umrah without a male partner, as long as they go in a group with other women.

What does this mean for women?

This is certainly great news for all girls and women wishing to travel together without a male companion for Umrah. Whether you weren’t able to have a Mahram before, or if your husband, brother, or other Mahrams were too busy or unable to join you, or if you simply wish to perform this religious calling with a group of women only, now you can! Having this option will now allow women the unrestrained use of their time to travel at their own pace and to use their post-rites and post-prayer time the way they prefer.

Shopping after Umrah

Historically, Makkah was known to be a center of commerce. Trade caravans roamed the region and the outskirts of the Arabian Peninsula carrying goods between the east and west, heading to Yemen, Abyssinia, the Levant, and other neighboring countries. Makkah was a trading hub long before it became the holiest city for Muslims. This particular feature has continued throughout the centuries. Makkah remains nowadays a great shopping attraction with the presence of a wide variety of merchandise and goods of various origins and styles to suit every taste and budget.

Where to shop in Makkah?

Whether you prefer the luxurious air-conditioned large malls, or you’re a fan of the traditional open-aired budget-friendly souks, Makkah has it all. And if Umrah without a Mahram means “more shopping time”, then you can choose to roam around as many malls or souks as your time, pockets, or physical stamina allows you. Makkah has over a dozen major malls, many of which lie nearby Al-Haram. Whatever you have in mind, gold, jewelry, fabric, clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, perfumes, or cosmetics from the most distinguished international brands, you’ll find it in these malls. You can head to any of the nearest malls to your hotel, or take a cab to the ones that require a short ride.

Shopping Malls in Makkah

One nearby shopping place is Aswaq Al-Khalil Mall, famous for its finest international brands and visited annually by more than 10 million visitors, most of whom are pilgrims. You also can pay a visit to Al-Hijaz Mall, the oldest and most important mall in Makkah near Al-Haram, opt for the more luxurious Addiyafa Mall, or head to the exquisite Abraj Makkah Mall, Souq Al-Salam, or Makkah Mall.

Shopping Souks in Makkah

No matter how much you enjoy luxury shopping, dining, and walking around Makkah’s air-conditioned malls, it should not prevent you from exploring the ancient souks that are still loaded with the scent of history. Souq Al-Otaibiah, located on Al-Hajun Main Street, is a must-visit. It has become a new central market after linking it to the Grand Mosque in Makkah with two new air-conditioned tunnels. It comprises a number of shops selling clothes, perfumes, and spices. You also will find restaurants, sweets, watches, sewing tools, and a host of other souvenirs and necessities.

Al-Aziziah Central Market is considered one of the oldest markets in Makkah. With its important location on the main Al-Aziziah Street, its interconnected shops, and the wide variety of its goods and commodities, it was a favorite for many pilgrims.

And of course, one should not forget Al-Jaafariyyah Souq, which offers Hajj and Umrah supplies. It has become a destination for pilgrims and Umrah performers looking for gifts for Hajj and Umrah trips. You can buy gifts, souvenirs, or memorabilia at prices as low as just half a cent for your family members or friends.

Visiting Al-Madinah

While in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, you should definitely visit the historical city of Al-Madinah. You can choose to visit Al-Madinah after you complete your Umrah rites in Makkah, or even before. Many advise heading to Al-Madina before Makkah as it is a quieter city and has a more relaxed pace than the hustle and bustle of Makkah. To get there from Makkah, you can take the train which takes about two and a half hours and costs between 380 to 410 riyal, or alternatively, you can take the bus, which costs 60 to 90 riyal and takes about six hours.

Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah is a city where history comes alive. If It’s evident that visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is a must-do, then no trip to Al-Madinah is complete without visiting some of its historical or cultural sites, including Jannat-al-Baqi, Al-Jum’ah Mosque, Mosque of Badr, Masjid Al Ghamamah, Abu Bakr Masjid, and Grave of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib. And if you are fond of marvelous archaeological sites, then you should see the Desert of Saleh or Madain Saleh which features huge tombs and graves that constitute an archaeological marvel and a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is known to be Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.

Safety measures for women in Umrah. How safe is it?

Whether performing Umrah in Makkah or roaming around other Saudi cities, you’re sure to find it an enjoyable and relaxed experience. Saudi Arabia welcomes millions of travelers every year and is considered one of the world’s safest countries. Your only worry should be getting lost in the wonder. With all the crowds and enticing attractions, stay in touch with your travel companions. And keep an eye on your belongings – you don’t want to forget them along the way!

What should women wear in Saudi Arabia?

When entering into the state of consecration, or Ihram, for the Umrah, women must keep their face and hands uncovered with comfortable garments. These clothes, preferably a white abaya and a large hijab, have to be thick (not see-through), plain (without ornaments or signs), and they should cover the whole body. After completion of Umrah, marked by a ritual called Taqsir, women cut an inch of their hair, after which they can end their Ihram and change into their normal attire. (Check with qualified religious references for more detailed and accurate instructions on the “Dos and Don’ts of Ihram.”)

As for clothing required while in public, a burqu’ and abaya are not obligatory in Saudi Arabia. Even the hijab, a head scarf covering the hair, is no longer required by Saudi law. However, tourists are advised to respect local culture and dress modestly while in public, especially in the cities of Makkah and Al-Madinah.