Plenty of pilgrims from Britain already pass through Abu Dhabi on their way to Jeddah or Madinah.

They land, sit in the airport for three or four hours, and get on the next plane. Very few think about leaving the airport. That’s a shame, because Abu Dhabi is a calm, easy city to visit, and a day or two there can make the whole trip less tiring and a lot more memorable.

A stopover doesn’t have to add much to your Umrah package cost either. If your flights already go through Abu Dhabi, you’re mostly paying for a night or two in a hotel and a tour. For families with elderly parents or small children, breaking a long journey in half can be worth it for comfort alone. This guide explains how it works and what’s worth seeing while you’re there.

Why stop at all?

The flight from London to Abu Dhabi takes about seven hours, and from there it’s roughly three more to Jeddah. Add the time spent at airports, and you can easily be travelling for fifteen hours before you reach your hotel in Makkah. Then you go straight into Ihram and the Umrah itself.

A stopover changes that. You land, rest in a proper bed, see a little of a new place, and carry on fresh. Some families make the stop on the way home instead, as a chance to relax after the Umrah before going back to work and school. Either way works.

Sorting out the paperwork

You’ll need permission to enter two countries, so it’s worth getting clear on both early.

For the UAE, British citizens can usually get a visit visa on arrival at the airport at no cost, which allows a stay of up to 30 days. You don’t need to apply beforehand. Holders of other passports may have different rules, so check on the official UAE government website if anyone in your group travels on a non-British passport.

The Saudi side takes a bit more planning. Getting an Umrah Visa from UK addresses is done online now, either through your travel agent or on the official Saudi visa platform. British passport holders have a few options, including a tourist eVisa and a dedicated Umrah visa, and you should have it sorted before you leave home. Your Abu Dhabi stopover won’t affect it, but make sure the dates on your Saudi visa cover the day you’ll actually arrive, which is now a day or two later than the day you leave Britain.

You’ll also still need to book your Umrah permit through the Nusuk app, and to have your meningitis ACWY vaccination done at least ten days before you reach Saudi Arabia.

What about the Ihram?

This is the question everyone asks. If you’re flying from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah, you’ll cross the Miqat in the air, so you need to be in Ihram before you board that flight. Spend your stopover in normal clothes, then change at the hotel or the airport before your onward flight. Keep your Ihram in your hand luggage, not in your checked bag.

If your onward flight goes to Madinah instead, you won’t need Ihram until you later travel from Madinah to Makkah.

Things to see in a day

Abu Dhabi is spread out, so it’s easier to use a driver or a tour than to rely on taxis between each place. A good day might take in:

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This is one of the main reasons many people stop in Abu Dhabi. The mosque is famous for its white marble, grand architecture and enormous hand-knotted carpet. Entry fees currently apply: AED 10 for international visitors and AED 8 for visitors entering through tour operators. Free guided cultural tours are also available. Dress modestly: women need to cover their hair, arms and legs. Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the mosque in the softer light before sunset.
• Qasr Al Watan. The presidential palace, which is open to visitors. The great hall and its domed ceiling are worth the ticket.
• The Corniche. A long seafront path with gardens and beaches, good for a walk in the cooler evening.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi. If you like museums, this is a striking building on the water, with art from all over the world, including some lovely Islamic pieces.
• A desert trip. Many visitors go out for an afternoon in the dunes, often with dinner at a desert camp. It’s a big hit with teenagers. Pick a gentle option if you have elderly relatives with you.

With only a few hours, the Grand Mosque on its own is still worth it. Some tour companies run short tours from the airport for passengers with a long layover.

Food and prayer

One of the good things about Abu Dhabi for Muslim travellers is that you don’t have to think about either. All the food is halal, and there are mosques everywhere, along with prayer rooms in shopping centres and at the airport. You’ll hear the call to prayer from almost anywhere in the city.

For something local, try machboos, a spiced rice dish with chicken or lamb, and luqaimat, little sweet dumplings with date syrup. Arabic coffee and fresh dates are offered almost everywhere.

When to go

The best time for a stopover is between November and March. The weather is warm and pleasant, and you can be outside all day. From June to September, Abu Dhabi is very hot and humid, and you’ll want to stay indoors in the middle of the day. If you’re travelling in summer, keep the stopover short and plan your outings for early morning and evening.

These cooler months are also a good time for Umrah itself, so the two fit together well.

Booking It – You Have 2 Options to Do:

The first option is to ask your Umrah agent whether they can arrange flights through Abu Dhabi with a stop of a day or two. Booking your flights and accommodation together may offer greater convenience, and your package may qualify for ATOL financial protection if it meets the scheme’s requirements. Before paying, check that the responsible ATOL holder is licensed and ask for an ATOL Certificate confirming exactly what is protected.

The second option is to arrange your Abu Dhabi stopover separately from your Umrah package. Contact our team to plan your stopover tour, choose the attractions you want to visit, and make the most of your time in Abu Dhabi. We can help you find the right tour based on your arrival and departure times, whether you have a few hours or a full day to explore the city. Just share your flight details with us so we can help you plan a smooth and enjoyable stopover.

A few last tips

• Take a light shawl or jacket. Buildings, buses and malls are kept very cold.
• Carry some cash in dirhams for small purchases, though cards are taken nearly everywhere.
• Keep your Saudi visa and Nusuk details saved on your phone and printed.
• Don’t try to fit too much in. One good day is better than three rushed ones.

For most pilgrims, the Umrah is the heart of the trip, and that won’t change. But a gentle day in Abu Dhabi on the way, ending with sunset at the Grand Mosque, is a lovely way to begin the journey.

Useful Link:

The ultimate Abu Dhabi stopover guide in 2026 by local guides