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It was my first trip with family to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. Abdul Qadir helped us a lot. He communicated everything in advance, he checked up on us while we were in Saudi Arabia to make sure we were all taken care of and didn’t come across any issues. He followed up with us and stayed in communication until we landed back in states. Highly recommended.

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Virtual Tour of Mecca and the Masjid al-Haram (Great Mosque)

Thu, Jan 14, 2021, 7:30 to 9 pm Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)

Tickets ($18+$2.73 fee) here .

Join a live guide as we take a virtual and historic tour of Mecca and the mosque

From the comforts of your own home, take a virtual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the site of pilgrimage in the Hajj, Though the site of Mohammed’s birthplace is strictly off-limits to much of the world, this evening we will virtually experience Islam’s holiest city and most revered mosque.

The pillars of Islam require all Muslims to partake in the Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca. While visiting this holy city, we will learn about its ancient history as we also take a modern-day virtual tour through its streets and epicenters such as the Mountain of Light, the Black Stone and the Well of Zamzam Of course, we will a special virtual visit to the site of Masjid Al Haram, the Holy Mosque and ultimate destination in the Hajj.

Note: All Zoom links to attend the tour will be sent 30 minutes before the event (to the email you register with).

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24 Historical Ziyarat places in Makkah

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If you are visiting Makkah for Hajj or Umrah, you must be looking for some historical Ziyarat places to visit. Here are is the list.

Masjid Al Haram

Masjid Al Haram in Makkah houses a significant number of Ziyarah such as Kaaba, Kiswa, Hajr-e-Aswad, Maqam-e-Ibrahim and Safa and Marwa. Almost the whole city of Makkah during the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is right now within in Masjid-al-Haram.

• Masjid Al Haram Location .

Masjid e Aisha

Masjid e Aisha is the second largest mosque of Makkah and a must-visit Ziyarat place in Makkah that can accommodate 47,084 worshipers. It is the spot from where pilgrims living in Makkah assume Ihram for their Umrah.

• Masjid e Aisha Location.

Jannat al Mualla

Jannat al Mualla is a Cemetery that was frequently visited by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during his stay in Makkah. Numerous Sahaba and some relatives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are buried here.

Who is buried in Jannat ul Mualla?

The Cave of Hira

Jabal Nur is the mountain on which the cave of Hira is located. The historic cave of Hira is the one where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received his first revelation. 

Although it requires at least 2 hours of hiking to reach the historical cave of Hira, it is one of the most frequently visited Ziyarat places in Makkah.

• Jabal Nur Location .

Cave of Thaur

While migrating from Makkah to Madina, the infidels of Makkah were following Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He along with Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه hid in the cave of Thaur where a spider weaved a web and a pigeon laid eggs immediately.

When infidels reached outside and saw a spider web, they returned assuming that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ could not be at that place. Due to this miracle, pilgrims love to visit the historical cave of thawr in Makkah.

• Cave of Thawr Location.

Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad 

Makkah Al Mukarrama library is the very place where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born on the 12 th of Rabi ul Awwal. The library is within walking distance from Masjid al-Haram.

In my opinion, this Zayarat place in Makkah should be on the top of the list to visit.

• Makkah al Mukarrama Library Location .

Zubaida Canal

When Queen Zubaida came to perform Hajj in 809 A.D, there was an extreme shortage of water. She immediately ordered to build a canal that served the pilgrims for 1,000 years. Zubaida canal , without any doubt, is one of the most historic places to visit in Makkah.

• Zubaida Canal Location .

Masjid Jinn

Once Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was reciting the Holy Quran at this mosque when a group of Jinns passing by stood to hear more recitation. Many people who visit Makkah, try to offer at least one prayer in Masjid al-Jinn.

• Masjid Jinn Location .

Bilal bin Rabah Mosque

Bilal bin Rabah رضي الله عنه was the most trusted and loyal Sahaba of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Saudi government has turned his house into a mosque. People who have affiliations with him, love to visit this historical Ziyarat place in Makkah.

• Bilal bin Rabah Mosque Location.

Mount Abu Qubais

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed the miracle of splitting the moon into two halves at the Mount Abu Qubais. It is also said that Prophet Adam عليه السلام was buried here. Despite its historical importance, not many tourists know about this ziyarat place in Makkah.

• 8 facts about Mount Abu Qubais

Masjid Al Khayf

Masjid Al Khayf is located in the south of Mina in close approximation to Jamarat. It is said that seventy prophets offered prayers in Masjid al Khayf due to which every Hajj pilgrim loves to visit this historical and sacred ziyarat place in Makkah.

• Masjid Al Khayf Location.

Jabal Rahma

Jabal Rahma located at Arafat plains is the very place where the Prophet Adam عليه السلام and Amma Hawwa got reunited on Earth after they were forgiven by Allah Almighty.

Staying at the Arafat plains for some time is one of the Fard acts of Hajj , and therefore it is an important historical place to visit in Makkah.

Why there is a pillar on Mount Arafat?

• Jabal Rahma Location .

Masjid Al Nimra

Masjid al Nimra at the Arafat plains is the place from where Hajj sermon is delivered every year. It is the very place where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his last Hajj sermon. 

• 3 facts about Masjid Nimrah in Makkah
• Masjid al Nimrah Location.

Muzdalifah, also known as al-Mashar al-Haram is four kilometers long and has been referred to in the Holy Quran. People who come to Makkah to perform Umrah visit this ziyarat place as staying a night in Muzdalifah is one of the steps of Hajj. 

• فَإِذَا أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَاتٍ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ عِندَ الْمَشْعَرِ الْحَرَامِ ۖ وَاذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِ لَمِنَ الضَّالِّينَ
• “When you leave Arafat, then remember Allah at the Mash’arul Haram .”
• Muzdalifah Location.

Pelting stones at the 3 pillars of Jamarat is one of the wajib acts of Hajj . While you will hardly find any place to stop here during Hajj, nobody comes here for the remaining 11 months.

If you are coming to Makkah to perform Umrah only, you should visit this beautiful Ziyarat place in Makkah.

• Why do we throw stones at Jamarat during Hajj?
• Jamarat Location.

Grave of Sayyidah Maymuna

Sayyidah Maymuna رضي الله عنه is one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. ‎As a part of the signing of the treaty of Hudaibiyah , Prophet Muhammad ﷺ went to Makkah to perform Umrah. It is over there that Maymoona رضي الله عنه proposed marriage to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which he accepted.  

The resting place of Maymoonah R.A is in a locality named Sharif, around 20 km from Makkah and it is one of the less-visited Ziyarat places in Makkah.

• Grave of Sayyindah Maymuna Location .

Masjid Al Hudaibiyah

Masjid al Hudaibiyah is built at the place where the treaty of Hudaibiyah was signed. After the defeat in the battle of trench , Jews wanted to take revenge on Muslims by forming an alliance with Quraish. The treaty of Hudabiyah forbids the Quraish from forming an alliance with Jews to attack the city of Madina.

Due to its historical importance, Masjid al Hudaibiyah has become one of the most frequently visited Ziyarat places in Makkah.

• Masjid al Hudaibiyah Location .

Al-Shabeka Graveyard

Before Islam, the people of Makkah used to bury their daughters alive in the Al-Shabeka graveyard. Summaya bint Khalid رضي الله عنه, the first female martyr of Islam is also believed to be buried here. 

• Al-Shabeka graveyard location .

Tuwa Well is the place where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stopped and took bath when he came to perform Hajj. It is also reported that he ﷺ spent a night at around the well of Tuwa during the Invasion of Makkah in 630 A.D.

Due to these two reasons, pilgrims love to visit this historical ziyarat place in Makkah.

• Tuwa Well Location.

The Kiswa Factory

The kiswa factory makes the cover of the Holy Kaaba. In order to visit the Kiswa factory, you need a special permit to visit this place in Makkah.

• Book an appointment to visit Kiswah Factory .
• Kiswah Factory Location .

Clock Tower Museum

Makkah clock tower museum takes people back in time and gives them a brief tour of the universe. It actually shows how people of the past would measure time with the help of the sun, the moon, and the galaxies to have time measurements.

• Clock Tower Museum Location .
• Clock Tower Museum Timing: 2 PM to 11 PM.
• Clock Tower Museum Ticket Price: SR 75 without the deck view and SR 150 with the deck view.

Makkah Museum

Mecca Museum has got various collections of the Islamic cultural and historical dimensions of the Two Holy Mosques. The museum contains archaeological artifacts from prehistoric times including rock inscriptions, ancient stone tools, and cultural items.

• Makkah Museum Location .
• Makkah Museum Timing: 8 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 9 pm.

Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture

This exhibition is the best place to learn about the past, present, and future of the Two Holy Mosques. The museum consists of 7 halls that include models of the Two Holy Mosques; antiquities; inscriptions; models of the Kaaba cladding (Kiswa); the old door of the Kaaba; rare photos for the Two Holy Mosques; and a copy of Uthman’s collection of the Quran. 

• Exhibition Of The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Location .
• Timing: 8 AM to 8 PM.

Masjid al Bay’ah

Masjid al Bay’ah is situated at the very place where Ansar took the pledge of Islam to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and ensured their support to the migration of Madina in the 13th year of Prophethood.

The mosque was built by the Abbasid caliph Abu Jafar AL Mansour in 761 A.D and it is treated one of the historic ziyarat places to visit in Makkah.

• Masjid al Bay’ah Location .

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AlHaram Travel – The Most Trusted Hajj & Umrah Agency in USA

We at AlHaram Travel offer a wide range of Hajj And Umrah Packages & deals including 125+ all-inclusive Hajj And Umrah Packages, 220+ reasonably priced Hajj And Umrah Packages, 315+ affordable Hajj And Umrah Packages, 400+ cheapest Hajj And Umrah Packages and many more.

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AlHaram Travel – A Trustworthy Pilgrimage Travel Agency

Thinking why we are always the first choice of USA pilgrims to Book Hajj & Umrah Packages? Take a look below:

Associated with ICAO registered airlines, we compare & reserve the best yet cheapest direct & indirect flights from any airport in USA to KSA.

Partnered with 750+ 3-star, 4-star to 5-star hotels around Haram, we arrange any hotel at any date & month of the year at prescribed budgets

Collaborated with transportation service providers in KSA, we organize on-time transportation from airport to Holy cities including Ziyarats.

Our IATA-certified mavens discern pilgrims’ traveling needs & help them find the most suited airport to fly from, flights, hotels, & stopovers.

Plan Umrah in advance or on a whim, we offer all from pre-bookings to last-minute deals, thanks to our allied hotels & airlines.

From Economy to business-class Umrah deals, 4-days to 21 days Umrah offers, & January to December Umrah packages, we provide all!

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AlHaram Travel Offers Best Hajj and Umrah deals at lowest prices for USA Citizens

AlHaram Travel provides Hajj and Umrah services to Muslim brothers and sisters from USA at lowest possible rates. Being the leader of Islamic tourism industry for almost a decade, we facilitate almost 5500 customers only from USA with flight reservations, hotel bookings, visa processing and transportation arrangements along with complete deals for Umrah and Hajj. Our expert and dedicated agents with IATA certification and especial trainings are dexterous enough to handle all the administrative & managerial tasks to let you free from all worldly worries during spiritual journey of Umrah & Hajj. With our advanced real-time ticketing systems and affiliations with 750+ handpicked hotels in Makkah and Madinah, we are committed to provide the best airline tickets and best available accommodation at lowest possible rate and along with this we offer transportation facility from airport to your reserved hotel. Due to good business tactics and massive in-field experience, AlHaram Travel has a huge contact based developed with many hotels available for accommodation in Makkah and Medina. We provide peerless services to reserve any hotel of your demand. Our experienced agents would recommend you the closest and clean accommodation in Makkah and Medina.

Our huge satisfied customer base is guarantee of our superior Hajj and Umrah services

AlHaram travel is into this service for almost 10 years. We feel proud to serve thousands of Allah (SWT) guests and facilitate them to enjoy their spiritual journey to Allah’s Abode on Earth. By the grace of Allah (SWT) we have formed 100% satisfied customer base. Our reviews on authentic review websites like Trustpilot and Yelp are guarantee of our exceptional Hajj and Umrah services. Most of our customers come to us after getting a recommendation from their colleague or friend or family member that means our biggest advertisement is our customer’s trust on our company. That’s why, AlHaram Travel can now claim to provide the best possible Hajj and umrah services in United States. We are a registered company and member of ARC and IATA. To those travelling first time with us must not be afraid because we are experienced in this field and always follow all the procedures to make hajj or umrah trip secure and as per committed.

Our 10 years of experience in the field of Hajj and Umrah services allow us to offer a huge variety of best tailored made Umrah packages, specially designed Hajj deals and other Islamic tours. AlHaram travel is pleased to offer a number of departure option from USA for Hajj and umrah tour. With the help of our expert travel consultants and qualified tourism arrangement officers, we have designed a roadmap for whole year with different dates of different months from different locations. Our customized hajj and umrah packages allow you to have an opportunity to stay in Makkah and Madinah for a span that is suitable for you.

Having carefully designed all of our Hajj packages and Umrah packages for smaller groups of 4 to 10 people, larger ones from 11 to 50 persons, lone goers, senior citizens, newlywed couples, ladies only, and families traveling with little kids, we at AlHaram Travel, have taken excellent care of all the arrangements for them during their Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage. Our professional tour operators are always available & up-to-date with the weather and other conditions and give excellent guidance to pilgrims about what should be carried, when to go for Umrah, best suited conditions, best hotels, best flights and everything like that. 

Why AlHaram Travel is being the first choice of pilgrims to book Hajj & Umrah Packages?

• We can arrange any dates for travel from USA to KSA including holiday seasons of December, Easter and the February/May half term breaks for an Umrah journey.
• We have a wide range of well-designed Umrah packages for first time pilgrims and lone goers with all managerial & administrative tasks pre-done.
• Affiliated with 750+ 3star, 4star & 5star hotels in both Holy cities, we can arrange the most affordable accommodation in hotels closest to vicinity of Haram
• As we are authorized from Hajj & Umrah Ministry KSA, We can also arrange Umrah visa upon your request in shortest time span.
• We offer a huge range of flights from 100+ airlines for Hajj & Umrah from you can choose your required one as per you nearest airport & budget. 
• We offer a massive variety of well-catered Umrah packages with hotels & other facilities of different levels ranging from cheapest 3 star Umrah Packages, affordable 4 star Umrah Packages to luxury 5 star Umrah Packages.
• Group Umrah Packages, Family Umrah Packages, Senior citizen Umrah Packages, And couple Umrah Packages are also available
• Along with Umrah deals, we also have a massive range of specially designed Hajj packages including economical 3 star shifting Hajj Packages, reasonably priced 5 star Shifting Hajj packages and deluxe 5 star Non-Shifting Hajj packages.
• All our Hajj packages include Mina camps, Qurbani, Transportation, flights, visa and accommodation.
• If you are searching a way to get best and cheapest Umrah deals, then AlHaram Travel should be your first choice. We are expert in designing customized Umrah offers and deals which fulfil individual requirements and suit prescribed budgets.
• We are best known as one of the most trusted Hajj and Umrah Service provider in USA due to our continuous efforts to provide our customers the most budget-friendly, cheapest and luxury Hajj and Umrah deals.
• Our supportive ESRs are always available and just a call away from you. Let them know your requirements and problems before or during Holy pilgrimage and they will surely solve them in matter of minutes. 

However, as a top tour operator in USA we hosts experienced and professional Travel advisors and agents for providing best travel facilities for Hajj and Umrah let you personalise every inch of your Umrah packages for you complying with your needs. Our IATA certified package designers assist you to the best of their ability to choose the most suited accommodation, flight, and transport options to be added in these tailor made Umrah packages. Specify dates, choose flight, add destination stop if required, select hotel and our knowledgeable travel advisors include them in these Umrah packages as per your preferences to make your holy pilgrimage memorable one. 

AlHaram Travel is the best provider of cheapest to luxury Umrah and Hajj packages for USA citizens living in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and many other states. We are able to take care of specific needs of every pilgrim. We are focused & dedicated to conduct a deep research about needs, demands and preferences of pilgrims coming from different cities of USA. That allows us to design a wide range of Hajj & Umrah packages with effective service plan. Affordability is a guaranteed factor when you plan to avail our Hajj & Umrah tour services.

Real Reviews by Real Customers

We are an accomplished Travel Agency that has sent 55000+ pilgrims from USA to Allah’s abode on Earth. Discover below what customers have to say about our Hajj Umrah packages:

I was a lone goer and it was my first time to perform Umrah, that’s why I was really confused and nervous about what to do and how to do. I was concerned about how I would travel from Jeddah airport to Makkah, how I will find my hotel in both holy cities, or will I receive guidance during Ziyarat. But to my surprise, all my worries immediately vanished when a representative of AlHaram Travel was at the airport to meet and assist me in my holy journey ahead. He greeted me with open arms, dropped me right in front of my hotel in Makkah and took me to do Ziyarat in both Makkah and Madinah. Other than that, whenever I required assistance in any other on-trip circumstances, the travel agents of AlHaram were friendly and always stood by my side to guide me at every step.

I subscribed to their newsletter, next day I got an e-mail that included last-minute offers, seasonal specials, exclusive perks & discounted Umrah deals. Fortunately, in the very next mail, I received an irresistible offer that had a flight departing from my nearest airport, perfect for my strict budget limit, included hotel I had my eyes on, and even ground transportation was of my standards. I booked it without a second thought as me and my mother were looking to travel and this deal helped us fulfil our desire to perform Umrah. Great prices and excellent service.

I've used AlHaram Travel in the past and found their services to be reliable and professional. They saved me as I was having a lot of financial crisis and could not pay lump sum amount. They resolved my worries by suggesting me to pay amount in equal installments and offer me an easy to follow installment plan that did not prove to be a burden on my pocket and helped me fulfil my hearty desire to perform Umrah. They didn’t even charge me a single penny above the original package price.

Last month, my family event got cancelled at very last moment, so we planned to go for Umrah but knew that it was very late and booking Umrah trip in last moments was very difficult. But my colleague suggested me to contact AlHaram Travel and I was really impressed with their exceptional services. Their team was dedicated to cater my needs even at such short notice and brought a perfect last minute deal that has everything included I required for me and my family during an Umrah journey. Thank you for such an outstanding service.

Traveled with AlHaram Travel in three different months and diverse requirements. And I am delighted to say that their services were stellar & professional every time. They always have plenty of packages pre designed for every month and after listening my needs, they provided me the best package that had all the things I preferred to receive and perform Umrah with a peaceful mind.

Super impressed by the customer service I received from the team of AlHaram Travel and its team. They went an extra mile to understand my travel requirements and suggested me the nearest airport to fly from, assisted me to find hotel that had all amenities I needed to make my Umrah journey comfortable, provided on-trip support and arranged inter-city transport for hassle-free traveling. Really thankful for their cooperation at every step.

Have Any Queries?

Below you'll find answers to some common questions revolving around our Hajj Umrah Packages, services, quality standards & pricing policies. Every human psyche is different though, so don't hesitate to reach out to us and get answers regarding anything else you might be wondering.

Yes, absolutely! Each all-inclusive Umrah package you book with us includes complete visa processing without any excessive charges or hidden costs. However, you can still avail our visa processing services at minimal charges even if you do not wish to book a complete Umrah package with us.

No it isn’t. But you can include sightseeing of the holy sites in your Umrah package by inquiring with our experienced travel advisors who use their alliance with the best transport service providers and arrange a cheap yet comfortable car service for you that will pick you up from right outside your hotel, take you for sightseeing and then drop you at your designated hotel. Moreover, the driver appointed for you will be educated enough to act as your tour guide for better Ziyarat experience.

No, to keep the prices of Umrah packages low & affordable, we do not include ground transport in them. But no need to worry as we can arrange it for you and include it in your Umrah packages on special request. Whether you need comfortable Sedan for couples, luxury SUV for family, or spacious buses for whole a group of friends & colleagues, we use our partnership with the best transportation service providers in KSA to arrange a comfy ride for you as per your requirements.

With the help of our experienced agents of ticket reservation department, & up-to-date real time ticketing system, we design your Umrah packages with cheapest flights of top-rated airlines departing from airport of your respective cities no matter where you are in USA.

It all depends upon what type of package you select, what is your budget and what kind of amenities you are looking for. However, due to our alliance with 750+ handpicked hotels in the nearest vicinity of Kaaba and Al Masjid an Nabawi, all our Umrah packages include top class hotels with all necessities at affordable prices. But if you want to change the hotel included in your Umrah Package, we have shortlisted some of them from which you can choose one that best suit your needs.

We have all types of well-catered & expertly arranged Umrah packages for every month of the year available in our vicinity ranging from cheapest Umrah deals, 3star economical Umrah Packages, 4star affordable Umrah offers, to 5star luxury packages. Our IATA certified travel advisors use their extensive industry knowledge and expertise to pre-design special Umrah packages to facilitate our huge customer base of every norm and perfectly cater to their need of performing Umrah pilgrimage without excess worries or paying more than standard prices. No matter what your requirements maybe, we are sure to have a suitable Umrah package to cater your pilgrimage needs.

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Our Guide to DIY Umrah: The Most Rewarding Trip

In 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia made a big announcement, which effectively opened its borders to the world, making it possible for pilgrims to plan their own Umrah trip independently, booking flights and accommodation and applying for a visa online or on arrival. They even introduced an app for booking Umrah appointments. 

At the same time, they removed many restrictions, opening up the potential for Umrah Plus trips - combining a visit to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah with visits to other cities and places of interest, launching a new era of Saudi tourism. 

And the innovations haven’t stopped there - it seems that new announcements are being made all the time, to make things easier and more convenient, whether with improved infrastructure or more high-tech solutions. The days of having to book your Umrah experience as part of a large group, through a dedicated agency are long gone. At Halalbooking we have also put in place lots of news filters and features to help you select your accommodation in Makkah and Madinah .

It can be tricky to keep up with the latest advice and information so we have put together our guide to DIY Umrah - the easiest and most convenient way to plan your very own blessed journey.

Why DIY Umrah?

These days most of us are used to booking our holidays online, researching and booking the different elements - flights, accommodation , transfers - ourselves. So why not DIY Umrah? The basics are just the same as booking any trip but the satisfaction from planning your own Umrah will be even more immense, knowing that you will be rewarded for every step you take towards this holy journey.

Let's begin by listing the benefits of a DIY Umrah:

• You can save money
• You can plan according to your own needs
• You can be flexible with dates and times
• You can choose where you visit - just Makkah or combining stays in both Makkah and Madinah , or an Umrah Plus trip, taking in more places and experiences

How can we help put together your DIY Umrah?

Halalbooking now features over 1500 hotels in Saudi Arabia - nearly all hotels in the Kingdom - and almost 600 of these are in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah . We have even introduced unique Umrah Features to enable you to filter by features which will make your Umrah more comfortable, such as Haram view and even Kaaba view rooms. These include whether the hotel has a Haram-connected prayer hall , Haram view or Kaaba view rooms, and if it is in Madinah which way it faces. You can also find out whether the Haram is in walking distance of the hotel -  if so how far and if not is there a free shuttle service ?

But, first things first - booking your hotel on Halalbooking.com is the easiest part - what else do you need to know?

Before booking - when and how to book

Give yourself ample time to plan your Umrah. Although there is no time limit to how far in advance to book your Umrah trip, we recommend giving yourself no less than 2-3 weeks of preparation time. Decide your dates and plan a budget well in advance. As with any trip, it often pays to do your research to find the cheapest times to travel - availability can be limited at the most popular times so advance booking is recommended. Some of the hotels available on Halalbooking.com offer free cancellation rates which can help when you are still in the planning stages.

Decide on when you would like to go

Unlike Hajj, you have complete freedom as to when to perform Umrah - the only exception is that you can’t visit for Umrah during the Hajj period itself and usually there are a couple of weeks either side of that when it’s not permitted. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah makes announcements about these dates on social media. If you’re looking for a quieter time then the best time to perform Umrah is around 3 weeks after the Hajj season, just after it has reopened, when it is less crowded. The weather is best around November through to February, as the temperature is cooler making the pilgrimage easier. Once that decision is made, you can spend some time researching where to go. If you are flexible with which airport to fly from and to, there are potential savings on flights. Play around with dates and airports and see what works for you. For those that are travelling with children, during school holidays, bear in mind that tickets are more sought after and, therefore, more expensive during these periods. In particular, Umrah has become popular during times when those living in non-Muslim countries can benefit from the public holidays around Christmas and Easter, as well as during half-term breaks.

Ramadan Umrah - a unique experience

In 2024, for many of those living in Europe, the last ten nights of Ramadan are likely to fall in the Easter or spring school holidays making it easier to plan an Umrah trip. Visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah this Ramadan and allow yourself and your loved ones to gain a unique experience, recharge your souls and earn multiple good deeds at once. Bear in mind that this is a popular choice, so don’t leave it too late to book.

The blessings of performing Umrah during Ramadan are numerous. The main one is that Umrah is equivalent to performing Hajj during this holy month. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“I heard Ibn `Abbas saying, “Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) asked an Ansari woman, ‘What prevented you from performing Hajj with us?’ She replied, ‘We have a camel and the father of so-and-so and his son (i.e. her husband and her son) rode it and left one camel for us to use for irrigation.’ He said (to her), ‘Perform `Umrah when Ramadan comes, for `Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in reward),’ or said something similar.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Umrah during Ramadan is a unique experience as you are in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during the month in which Allah (SWT) opens the doors of Jannah and closes the gates of Jahannam.

As Maghrib approaches and you prepare to break your fast with Iftar , hundreds of volunteers roll out plastic mats and start putting dates, yoghurt, bread, nuts and water out for the pilgrims. In Madinah, Al Masjid an-Nabawi is the most visited religious site during Ramadan. Before and after Maghrib, the streets of Madinah are crowded with Muslims making duas. Local helpers clean and decorate the mosque and equip it with essential supplies. In addition, they cook enthusiastically and compete in serving meals to fellow Muslims and prepare Iftar tables with dates, rice, meat, juices, coffee, tea, and Zam Zam water inside and outside the mosque. The poor and needy are also invited, which strengthens the sense of companionship and brotherhood among people.

After Isha, congregate for the Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers, especially during the last ten nights, and on Laylat al-Qadr (which many believe to be the 27th night of Ramadan), the holy night in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Taraweeh prayers start right after Isha and last for about two hours. Afterwards, the Tahajjud prayers, which conclude with the Witr , generally start just before 1:00 am and again last for around another two hours, standing in the congregation shoulder to shoulder with your Muslim brothers and sisters facing the Qiblah.

Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia

Please be aware that visa requirements are changing quickly, with new opportunities to make it easier for pilgrims to visit for Umrah being announced constantly. Keep an eye on the official Visit Saudi and Nusuk platforms for any changes as well as checking with the Foreign Office or Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your own country for applicable updates.

• There are now 63 nationalities which are eligible for an eVisa for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with new ones being added all the time - 6 new countries, including Türkiye, were added in October 2023. This tourist visa can be used for Umrah. You can use their official portal to check and apply for your visa .
• You can also apply for a visa via Nusuk , the official planning, booking and experience platform dedicated to Umrah. The multiple-entry e-Visa is valid for 12 months with a 3 month maximum length of stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Alternatively,you can get a 12-month tourist multiple-entry visa on arrival in Saudi without needing to apply in advance. Available for countries eligible for an eVisa as well as US, UK or EU permanent residents and US, UK or Schengen visa holders if the below conditions apply to them:

The US, UK or Schengen visa must be valid and have been used at least once and have an entry stamp from the issuing country.

The US, UK or Schengen visa must be either a business or tourist visa.

• British and Irish nationals are now also eligible for the e-Visa Waiver (EVW) which is single-entry and applicable for 6 months. This is currently the cheapest option and applications can be made through the visa portal .
• If you are not in one of the above groups then the portal will let you know what you need to do to apply through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Consulate or Embassy.

Further important notes to consider:

• A person with a non-Muslim name must provide a certificate from a local mosque or Islamic centre to certify the applicant is Muslim.
• Saudi officials have announced that it is no longer necessary for a woman to travel with a mahram or guardian when visiting for Umrah.
• A valid passport is required with at least 2 clean pages and at least 6 months left before expiry from the date of Umrah (except for US citizens).
• A passport-style photo is required for your visa application
• The detailed requirements of your visa and the applicable fees vary according to the visa type so please check carefully when applying to make sure it is the best option for your individual circumstances.
• Before travelling, it is useful to make sure you have travel insurance, so you are prepared in any circumstance.
• Ihram clothing, the mandatory dress for males planning to do Hajj and Umrah, can be bought at Islamic shops, or online. If you are struggling to find it contact your mosque or Islamic community centre for help. For more information, check the Visit Saudi or Nusuk websites.

How to budget for Umrah, and how to make the trip more comfortable or luxurious

It is likely that most of your money will be spent on the hotel and flights. Here are some relevant points that will affect your budget and is well worth researching before you go:

• The closer your hotel is to the main mosques, the more expensive it will be. Consider if this is within your budget. Use Halalbooking’s new Umrah features to search for a hotel with a Haram View in Makkah and Madinah , or even of the Kaaba itself in Makkah and to find out whether the Haram is in walking distance or if not, whether there is a free shuttle service from the hotel. You can use these features to filter your selections which will help you to compare options and prices.
• Select the correct room type for your needs - when you are looking at an individual hotel page you can use the filters to see which specific room types offer the feature of your choice e.g. Haram view or Kaaba view and to switch between the two. 
• Check whether the hotel has a Haram-connected prayer hall . This is particularly useful when travelling with anyone who has difficulty in walking as it means that you can pray in the same jamaat as in the Masjid al-Haram whilst you are in the hotel’s prayer hall.
• In Madinah check which way your room is facing - south-facing rooms are closer to the Ladies section of the Masjid an-Nabawi, which is more convenient for elderly or pregnant women or those with difficulty in walking.
• Whether you are visiting Madinah, and if so, it may be cheaper to fly to Madinah directly.
• Transportation to and from the airports - you can use public transport which can be cheaper, but lengthier; book airport transfers to your hotel with Halalbooking or even use taxi booking apps such as Uber.
• How long you are going for - if you go for longer, it will be more relaxed, but pricier.
• If you are arriving and departing from the same airport - flying to different airports will vary in cost.

The Logistics - FAQs on arrival to Umrah

Where to fly to for umrah.

The most common airports to fly to are either Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED) in Madinah or the closest airport to Makkah , which is in Jeddah : King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). During peak times, it is easier to fly to Madinah as Jeddah tends to be quite busy, leaving Madinah less congested, thus often taking less time through customs. There are Umrah-friendly coaches that will take you to Makkah and stop at the Meeqat so you can change into your Ihram -clothing. We recommend spending time in Madinah First and then travelling to Makkah and returning home from Jeddah Airport. You can pre-book your transfer when you book your hotel on Halalbooking.com or taxis and coaches are available to and from both airports. If you are taking a taxi, make sure to agree on the price beforehand or you can also conveniently use the Uber app. An Uber ride between Makkah and Jeddah airport will cost approx 300-400 SAR. However, we recommend using the new high-speed Haramain train. It is the most efficient, fastest, safest and most comfortable way to travel, especially between Madinah-Makkah and when travelling with children or the elderly. Whichever airport you fly to, there are usually SIM cards available upon landing, which can be useful to contact family or other members of your group during your stay.

There are a number of different ways of reaching Makkah and Madinah :

1.Flying into Jeddah and taking the train to Makkah

If you’re flying into Jeddah ’ s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), you can take the high-speed Haramain train from the airport via Jeddah Central train station to Makkah (54 minutes, economy/business class from 34.50/109.25 SAR). Alternatively you can travel e.g. by Uber (70 min. for approx. 300-400 SAR). If you are landing in Jeddah and going to Makkah to perform Umrah directly, you must be in a state of Ihram before you land, as Jeddah is inside the Meeqat . After having performed your Umrah you can take the Haramain train from Makkah to Madina which will take 2 hours 20 minutes and tickets start from 224.25/362.25 SAR (economy/business class).

2. Flying directly to Madinah

If you are landing in Madinah’s Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED), then there is no need to be in the state of Ihram when landing there. After having completed your visit in Madinah, you can take the Haramain train to Jeddah (2 hours 20 min economy/business class from 172.50/362.25 SAR), but need to enter Ihram before boarding the train. Alternatively you can take a coach. Coaches stop at the Meeqat to allow the pilgrims to enter Ihram before continuing the journey. Services depart every four hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and costs approx. 60-90 SAR.

3. Flying to Madinah with a stopover in Jeddah and taking the train from Madinah to Makkah

If you are flying to Madinah with a stopover in Jeddah, then you do not have to be in the state of Ihram when landing in Jeddah. After your visit in Madinah, you can take the Haramain train to Makkah and enter Ihram before boarding the train (2 hours 20 min economy/business class from 172.50/362.25 SAR).

4. Flying to Jeddah and taking the train to Madinah

If you are flying to Jeddah and then want to travel to Madinah, you can take the Haramain train which will take 1 hour 54 minutes and will cost approx. 138.00/304.75 SAR (economy/business class). You will not have to be in the state of Ihram when landing in Jeddah in order to go to Madinah.

Travel between Makkah and Madinah

The Haramain High Speed Railway enables you to easily travel between Makkah and Madinah within 2.5 hrs. With a length of 450 km and speeds going as fast as 300 km per hour, it’s one of the fastest trains in the world. Tickets for a trip between both cities cost around 224 SAR for an economy class ticket and 362 SAR for a seat in business class.

Attractions in Makkah and Madinah

There are numerous religious and leisure attractions in both Makkah and Madinah . Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your time in the holy cities:

Masjid al-Haram - The largest mosque in the world, is home to Islam’s holiest and most beloved site, the Kaaba , which we all face when praying. Of course, it is a given that this will be top of your list.

Cave of Hira - Take a hike up to the cave of Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) first received revelations from Allah (SWT). Not only is it a spiritual journey to the top, but the views of the city are amazing and it is a stunning place to watch the sunrise.

Al Kiswa Factory - See the amazing process of the manufacturing of the Kiswa - the brocade cloth that drapes the Holy Kaaba in the finest silk, gold and silver threads.

Fakieh Aquarium - Families with kids will enjoy seeing over 200 species of fish and other sea life in this exciting aquarium.

Makkah Mall - The Makkah Mall is host to many local and international brands, including luxury retail stores. It is one of the most famous places in Makkah to take home stunning abayas and thobes.

Mount Arafat - Another very spiritual site that has to be visited when in Makkah is Mount Arafat. The place where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gave his last sermon, is known as the hill of mercy. Make sure to reap the rewards and ask for forgiveness on this blessed site.

Masjid an-Nabawi - The second holiest site in Islam was built by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). If this is not reason enough to visit, the stunning courtyard and green dome, is sure to impart the serene and spiritual atmosphere your soul desires.

Madinah Media Museum - The small museum is full of models and multimedia to showcase the history of both Islam and Madinah. For history fans, it will be interesting to see how much Madinah developed during the peak of Islam, as well as the establishment of the Masjid an-Nabawi.

Quba Mosque - Tirmidhi: The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have said: ‘ Whoever goes out to offer prayers in this mosque (Quba), will have a reward equal to that of Umrah ’. This blessed mosque is where the Prophet (SAW) would offer prayers on a Saturday and was the first mosque in the history of Islam. It was built by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) after his migration from Makkah to Madinah. The construction of the mosque began in the year 622 CE (1 AH - Islamic calendar) and was completed shortly thereafter.

Mount Uhud - Mount Uhud surrounds the plain on which Madinah was founded. It is 8 km long and 110 m in height, and is located 5 km from Masjid an-Nabawi. Many pilgrims and visitors to Medina choose to visit Mount Uhud as a part of their religious and historical tour, paying their respects to those who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Uhud which took place in the year 625 CE (3 AH - Islamic calendar). The location of the battle and the mountain itself have since become important historical sites for Muslims.

Jannatul Baqi - Translated as the Garden of Heaven, Jannat al-Baqīʿ is the oldest and the first Islamic cemetery of Madinah in the Hejazi region of present-day Saudi Arabia. It holds immense importance for Muslims, as many prominent figures from the early Islamic period, including some of the Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) family members including several of his wives, daughters, and other close relatives, and some of his companions ( Sahaba ), who played pivotal roles in the early Islamic community, are buried here.

Madinah Railway Station - The historic Ottoman train station in Madinah is known as the “Hejaz Railway Station” or “Madina Railway Station” and was part of the Hejaz Railway, a historic railway system built between 1900 and 1908 under Ottoman rule with the aim of connecting Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, to the holy cities of Medina and Mecca, facilitating the Hajj. After the withdrawal of the Ottoman Empire from the region at the end of the First World War, the Hejaz Railway became inactive. The station building in Madinah, the last stop of the Hejaz Railway, still stands today.

Hotels for Umrah

Halalbooking.com offers an exceptional choice of hotels in Makkah and Madinah . Planning will be made easier by the Umrah features , which you can use to filter your choice of hotels. Choose Haram view rooms or Kaaba view rooms in Makkah , and in Madinah choose Haram view rooms and find out which direction your room faces so you can check whether you will be facing Masjid an-Nabawi whilst praying in your room. You can also find out whether the Haram is in walking distance or not and if so, how long the walk is and use this to filter your selection. In Madinah you can also see the distance to the Ladies section . For hotels where the Haram is not in walking distance, you can see how long the drive is and whether there is a free shuttle service . In Makkah you can check whether the hotel has a Haram-connected prayer hall , which allows you to pray in the same jamaat as in the Masjid al-Haram whilst you are in the hotel’s prayer hall.

When you look at an individual hotel’s page, you can use the filters to find out which specific room types have the features you need such as Kaaba view or Haram view rooms , to enable you to make a precise selection.

Obviously, in the holy cities there are no hotels which serve alcohol and all offer halal food only, but you will still find the halal filters useful to show the availability of leisure amenities such as spas or pools, which are available for ladies-only or are available for private hire.

When booking hotels, you will, of course, need to factor in these and a number of other things that may affect where you stay: budget, amenities, proximity to the main Islamic sites, and how long you stay for. Staying in Makkah is more expensive, so it may be useful if you are on a budget to spend only a few nights in Makkah and the rest in Madinah. The closer you stay to the main sites, the more expensive the hotels are. Remember to keep in mind that if you are travelling with elderly and/or children, it may be of benefit to stay in the closer hotels.

You will find a hotel with whatever you need at Halalbooking.com. Find peaceful accommodation within the blessed valleys of Madinah-al-Munawwarah (Madina the Enlightened), or overlooking the beloved mountains of Makkah-al-Mukarramah (Makkah the Honoured).

Browse our dedicated Umrah hotels page to find your ideal accommodation.

Halal food in Saudi Arabia

Your taste buds will be tempted with many different cuisines - an array of dishes to allure you for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Specialities from around the globe are available to try outside the holy mosques, reflecting the diverse community of Muslims settled in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). You will find a variety of different options for all budgets catering for all dietary requirements. There are a range of Western food chains, local delicacies, coffee shops and companies that can even deliver to your hotel. Pay a special visit to the date farms of Saudi Arabia and even stock up to take some home with you.

Shopping in Saudi Arabia

Shopping in all of Saudi Arabia is a definite plus: make the most of spending your riyals and contributing to the economy. Remember to show a token of your love to your family back home by bringing back clothes, oud, dates and souvenirs. There are also large supermarkets such as Bin Dawood , Panda , Noori and Carrefour for any essential items, or even to buy local products such as dates.

Makkah has several areas dedicated to shopping: the Abraj Al Bait complex is home to a five-storey mall. Commonly called the Clock Tower, the high-rise complex is next to the Masjid al-Haram and a convenient place for visitors to find almost anything they need. Also, many large and small shops around the mosque sell gifts, souvenirs, prayer mats and refreshments. The neighbourhood of Aziziyah has luxury boutiques, shopping complexes and outlets offering international brands along Al Masjid al-Haram Road . Other shopping districts are Al Ghaza and Ajiad , with an assortment of gift shops and perfume stores. The large Makkah Mall is located southeast of al-Haram, near the Mina train station. Al Diyafa Mall is another modern complex to the northwest.

Umrah Plus - Combining Umrah with other destinations

The best thing about Umrah is that it takes place in such a beautiful country, which has so many other amazing cities and sights to offer. Many people opt to visit the other fantastic cities prior to or on completion of Umrah. Make it an Umrah as well as a historical holiday in Al Ula , the largest living museum in the world and one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula. Visit the UNESCO Heritage Sites and the archaeological wonders that stand in the city such as the Hejaz railway , which was built by the Ottomans on the orders of Sultan Abdulhamid II between 1900-1908.

You can also visit the newly refurbished Al Zawiya and Hamad Bin Yunis mosques, and view the incredible scenery of the Hijaz Mountain range . Other must visit sites are Jabal al Fil (Elephant Rock) , the rock-hewn tombs of Hegra , the mountain Jabal al Ahmar , and the Al Ula old town .

Combine your Umrah with a visit to Jeddah for a cultural city break, the second-oldest city in the country with historical alleyways, ancient souks and fresh bakeries.

Read our dedicated blog article: “Jeddah Ghair”: Jeddah is different for more information.

Visit the ultramodern capital Riyadh for a leisure break, and see the contemporary modern amenities, in stark contrast to the holy cities and visit sites and historical places like the Al Masmak Fortress , the historic town of Diriyah and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia , and attend the annual Riyadh Season Festival (starts in October and goes on for several months).

You can also go snorkelling in the nearby Red Sea in less than 24 hours from these cities as well, if you’re after more of a beach break.

Prepare for your Umrah experience spiritually as well as practically

Once you’ve taken care of the practical details of your DIY Umrah, you will be able to prepare for your trip in the best way possible, by focusing on spiritual activities that will have you counting down the days to your Umrah in a positive way. Start by reciting Duas and Durood Shareef to have a calming and uplifting effect on your spiritual journey ahead and remember to begin with the purest of intentions. We hope this guide has inspired you to feel confident in booking your DIY Umrah and that you come back with the many blessings that follow from a holy pilgrimage. Make your duas in the Holy cities everlasting ones.

• Middle East
• A Travellers Guide To Accessing...

A Traveller’s Guide to Accessing the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif

Located in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Temple Mount is one of the world’s most famous religious sites. But getting in is not so simple.

The Temple Mount, or Haram esh-Sharif (also known as Haram al-Sharif), is a hill located in Jerusalem’s Old City that is venerated as a holy site by the world’s three most prominent monotheistic religions. It’s believed to be the place where the First and Second Jewish Temples once stood, some 3,000 and 2,000 years ago, respectively.

The Temple Mount is the holiest site for Jews, so sacred in fact that many abstain from entering the compound. According to the Torah, God gathered the dust to create Adam from the top of this hill. It’s also said to be where the binding of Isaac took place and the point from which God’s divine presence was revealed to the Israelites. The Temple Mount is also believed to be where the Foundation Stone (the exact spot on which the world was created) is situated. Due to Jews being restricted from praying on the Mount itself (Jewish law forbids them from setting foot on the original location of the temples, or the ‘Holy of Holies’, though many Jews today do), the adjacent Western Wall – an ancient retaining wall that was once part of the Second Temple – has become a focal point and a site of pilgrimage for world Jewry.

After the destruction of the Second Temple at the hands of Roman conquerors in 70 CE, the Temple Mount lay destitute and in ruins for centuries, as early Christians shifted the centre of worship to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. It was not until the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in 638 AD that the site was cleared and that the Umayyad Caliphs (the ruling family of the caliphate during that time) ordered the construction of two architectural marvels: the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock (completed in 692 AD). Temple Mount is known to Muslims as the Haram esh-Sharif (translated as “Noble Sanctuary”), and forms the third holiest place in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The Dome of the Rock, with its famous golden roof, is one of Jerusalem’s most notable landmarks and one of the earliest extant examples of Islamic architecture. Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during his Night Journey from the sacred stone contained therein. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, with its silver-lined dome, is located on the opposite side of the plaza and is believed to be the second house of prayer built after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

With such a complex past, the Temple Mount is one of the most popular sites to visit in Jerusalem , although accessing it is no easy feat. While the adjacent Western Wall is open to everyone for prayer and visitation, the Temple Mount remains a point of major contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is therefore under high security and strict regulation at all times.

How to visit

While there are no admission fees for entering the Temple Mount, it is only accessible during very specific hours from Sundays to Thursdays. It is therefore highly recommended that visitors arrive early, as the queue to get into the complex can get very long.

There are seven gates surrounding the plaza. Muslims can access the Haram esh-Sharif through multiple gates located throughout the Old City, including the Lion’s Gate.

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Non-Muslim visitors can only enter the complex through the Mughrabi Gate (also known as Bab al-Magharibeh) via a wooden walkway situated near the entrance to the Western Wall plaza’s Dung Gate.

During the winter months (from October through March), the Mughrabi Gate is open from 7:30am to 10:30am and from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. From April through September, the hours are 7:30am-11:00am and 1:30pm-2:30pm. It’s also worth noting that the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif is closed to tourists on Fridays, Saturdays and on Muslim holidays.

Under an agreement between the Israeli government and the Islamic Waqf (a religious trust that manages the site) put in place in 1967, non-Muslims are prohibited from praying anywhere inside the compound and may not bring any religious artefacts during their tour. Those caught praying on site or even seen moving their lips quietly will be expelled.

While the plaza is open to people of all religious denominations, non-Muslim visitors are not permitted to enter the buildings of the Dome of the Rock or the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Practising Jewish visitors are escorted at all times by security and cannot walk around the plaza on their own.

To avoid having to plan and manage the logistics around entering the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif on their own, visitors can book one of the many guided tours offered by local travel agencies.

What to wear

As with other holy sites in Israel and the West Bank, remember to dress modestly when visiting the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif. For men, this means wearing long trousers and a shirt with sleeves. Women can wear either long trousers or a long skirt (covering the knees), in addition to a shirt that covers the shoulders, upper chest and elbows. Women are not required to wear a headscarf; however, clothes should be loose-fitting, since many people have been turned away for wearing tight clothes. Sandals are permitted.

Visitors are permitted to take photos during their visit, but it is best to avoid taking any pictures of the many armed security guards patrolling the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif, as they will likely request they be deleted.

Passports are required, and carrying anything that security could view as a weapon is not recommended. For those visiting during the hot summer months , remember to take sunscreen, water and a hat since there is little shade, especially as queueing can take a while.

Most importantly, remember to remain respectful and enjoy the unique history, architectural wonders and religious sites the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif has to offer. There is no other place like it in the world.

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