Fifth edition of Umrah event held in London - Alhamdulillah
As-salamu alaykum - The fifth edition of a gathering linking the UK travel market with top Umrah providers from Saudi Arabia was held in central London on Sunday.
Umrah+ Connect brought together travel agents, hoteliers, booking platforms, and industry figures with the goal of improving faith-based travel and the experience of pilgrims. Rashid Mohammed, the event organiser, said several new products and services were showcased by exhibitors such as TAIBA, MCDC Umrah and Tourism, MAQAM and umrahbookings.com.
“We’re seeing changes in how Umrah packages are put together and there are a variety of new options on display today, showing a diverse range of choices for those visiting the blessed cities of Makkah and Madinah,” Rashid said. “We hope Umrah+ Connect will keep growing as a place where people can collaborate, connect and offer great services for pilgrims in the future.”
One thing that drew attention was the recently opened Rixos Obhur Jeddah Resort and Villas, promoted as the first all-inclusive beachfront resort in Saudi Arabia. Located on Obhur Bay, it has 250 units, including rooms, suites and private villas.
Hassan Ahdab from Taiba Investments said the resort would particularly suit British families travelling for Umrah with young children. It features a large kids’ club supervised by professionals, separate male and female spas, marina and direct Red Sea access, pools, gyms and both indoor and seaside dining.
Ahdab suggested families could perform Umrah and then relax for a few days at the resort before travelling to Madinah, or visit Jeddah first and then go on to Makkah for the pilgrimage.
Junal Chowdhury from HMS Global Business described the event as a great networking chance and a useful snapshot of the Umrah travel sector. He added it’s an opportunity for businesses of all sizes to connect and contribute to the wider goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Overall it felt encouraging to see practical services and family-friendly options being developed for pilgrims - may Allah make it easy for those intending to visit the Two Holy Mosques.
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