January Umrah & Dubai Escape

Day 1: January 13 - Departure to Dubai

Depart from Saskatoon to Dubai.

Day 2: January 14 - Arrival in Dubai

Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, collect your luggage and transfer to your hotel.

Day 3: January 15 - Free Day

Free day in Dubai. Explore the city at your own pace.

Day 4: January 16 - Day Tour of Dubai

After breakfast, start your day tour of Dubai. 1. Old Dubai & Al Seef Heritage District Begin in Old Dubai, exploring the historic core around the Creek. Walk through Al Seef, a heritage-style waterfront promenade that recreates traditional Emirati architecture, souk-like lanes, and Creek views. Great spot for photos of old-style buildings, dhows, and the modern skyline in the background. 2. Dubai Creek View Pause along the Dubai Creek for views of traditional abras (water taxis) and cargo dhows. 3. Meena Bazaar & Bur Dubai Drive-Through Drive through Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai, a bustling market area popular for textiles, spices, and souvenirs. Point out key landmarks such as the Grand Mosque (exterior) and the lively shopping streets. 4. Dubai Frame (Zabeel Park) Stop at the Dubai Frame, the giant golden picture-frame structure that “frames” old and new Dubai. Guests can enjoy photo opportunities outside; optional paid visit to the observation deck if desired. 5. Zabeel Palace (Exterior View) Drive past Zabeel Palace, the official residence of the Ruler of Dubai. View the impressive gates and palace grounds from the outside (no entry). 6. Al Khail Road Drive-Through: Dubai Skyline Cruise along Sheikh Zayed Road / Al Khail Road for panoramic views of Dubai’s modern skyline. Highlight towers such as Emirates Towers, Cayan Tower, and other iconic skyscrapers. 7. Islamic Art Gallery / Museum Option (To Be Announced) A short visit to an Islamic art gallery or museum will be included to showcase Islamic heritage, calligraphy, ceramics, and manuscripts. The exact venue (e.g., a museum in the Al Fahidi area or a reputable private gallery) will be confirmed and announced prior to the tour. 8. Jumeirah Area & Jumeirah Beach Drive through the upscale Jumeirah residential and beachfront area. Short stop at Jumeirah Beach or a nearby viewpoint for photos of the coastline and villas. 9. Iconic View of Burj Al Arab Stop at a designated viewpoint (e.g., near Jumeirah Public Beach or a hotel access point) for the classic postcard shot of the Burj Al Arab on its island. 10. Palm Jumeirah Drive onto the Palm Jumeirah, the man-made palm-shaped island. Point out luxury villas, hotels, and the breakwater, with views of the Arabian Gulf. 11. Atlantis The Palm End with a stop at Atlantis The Palm at the tip of the Palm. Guests can take photos of the hotel’s iconic arch and surroundings; optional time for a quick walk through the resort or refreshments.

Day 5: January 17 - Free day

Free day in Dubai. Explore the city at your own pace.

Day 6: January 18 - Dubai to Madinah

Transfer to the airport, for your flight to Madinah. Upon arrival in Madinah, transfer to your hotel and check in. Rest and explore the city of the prophet at your own pace.

Day 7: January 19 - Free day in Madinah

Free day in Madinah, explore the city at your own pace.

Day 8: January 20 - Day tour of Madinah

After breakfast start your day tour of Madinah. Your Madinah tour begins with a visit to Masjid Quba, the first mosque built in Islam. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to enter the mosque, settle in, and pray two rakaat, following the Sunnah of the Prophet. From Masjid Quba, the tour proceeds to Mount Uhud and the Archers’ Hill, the historic site of the Battle of Uhud. Here, you’ll learn about the events of the battle, reflect on the sacrifices of the Companions, and take in the views of the mountain and surrounding area. Next, you’ll visit Masjid Al-Qiblatain (the Mosque of the Two Qiblas), where the command was heard by some companions to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, while in Salah. The tour then continues to the site of the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq), where you’ll hear about the strategic trench dug by the Muslims to defend Madinah and the key lessons from this pivotal event. After this, you’ll return to your hotel with time to rest, reflect, or explore the city of the Prophet at your own pace. Please note: The itinerary schedule may be amended due to operational considerations.

Day 9: January 21 - Madinah to Makkah

Transfer from Madinah to Makkah via the Haramain High-Speed train. Upon arrival in Makkah, transfer to your hotel and perform Umrah.

Day 10: January 22 - Jummuah in Makkah

Pray salatul Jummuah in Masjid al Haram.

Day 11: January 23 - Free day in Makkah

Free day in Makkah. Rest, explore the city at your own pace.

Day 12: January 24 - Day tour of Makkah

After breakfast, your Makkah city tour begins, taking you to the key historical and spiritual sites surrounding the Holy City. Your first stop is Mina, the valley known as the “City of Tents,” where pilgrims stay during the Hajj season. Here, you’ll see the area where millions of pilgrims gather each year and learn about its role in the Hajj rituals. From Mina, the tour proceeds to Arafat, focusing on Jabal al-Rahmah (the Mount of Mercy). This is the place where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon, and where pilgrims stand in worship on the Day of Arafah. Next, you’ll pass through Muzdalifah, the area where pilgrims collect pebbles for the stoning of the Jamarat. Your guide will explain its significance in the Hajj journey as you view the site. The tour then moves to the Jamarat, where you’ll see the pillars from an exterior viewpoint. Here, you’ll learn about the ritual of the stoning of the devil and its meaning and why it is performed during Hajj. Continuing onward, you’ll head toward Jabal al-Nour (the Mountain of Light) to view the Cave of Hira. This is the cave where the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qur’an. Return to the site another day if you wish to climb the mountain. Your final stop is Jabal Thawr, home to the Cave of Thawr, where the Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr (RA) took refuge during the migration to Madinah. From here, you’ll appreciate the story of their journey and the blessings associated with this site. After completing the tour, you’ll return to your hotel in Makkah with time to rest, worship, or explore the city at your own pace. Please note: The itinerary schedule may be amended due to operational considerations.

Day 13: January 25 - Makkah to Jeddah International Airport

Transfer to the airport for final departure to Saskatoon