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DIY Umrah for Young Muslims: Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Ready for the Journey

DIY Umrah for Young Muslims: Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Ready for the Journey

 

DIY Umrah for Young Muslims: Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Ready for the Journey

Umrah has always been a cherished dream for Muslims worldwide. But today, performing Umrah has become easier than ever—thanks to technology and improved services in Saudi Arabia. For younger generations like Millennials (Gen Y) and Gen Z, the idea of a DIY Umrah (Do-It-Yourself) is no longer intimidating. In fact, it’s an opportunity to combine independence, faith, and modern tools to make the journey smoother, more affordable, and deeply meaningful.


Who Are We Talking About? Millennials & Gen Z

  • Generation Z (Gen Z): 
    • Born roughly between 1997 and 2012 (Ages ~12-27 in 2024)
    • Digital natives: grew up with smartphones, apps, and online learning.
    • Value flexibility, adventure, and self-guided experiences.
    • Comfortable trying new foods, transport, and booking platforms.
  • Millennials (Gen Y): 
    • Born roughly between 1981 and 1996 (Ages ~28-43 in 2024)
    • Tech-savvy but also family-oriented.
    • Prefer convenience, price comparisons, and trusted reviews before booking.
    • Many are financially stable and may travel with spouses or children.

Both groups share a love for tech-driven solutions, making them ideal for the DIY Umrah trend.

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Quba Mosque : Medina Unveiled Private Tour by Trip.com

Why DIY Umrah Appeals to Young Muslims? Millennials & Gen Z

  1. Tech-Savvy Planning

    From visa applications to booking flights and hotels, every step can be managed online. Gen Z and Millennials are adept at using platforms like Trip.com for flight and hotel deals, and the official Nusuk app for Umrah permits.

  2. Cost-Effectiveness

    DIY Umrah can be 25–40% cheaper than packaged tours. Young travelers can prioritize spending on experiences that matter, such as extending their stay in Madinah or visiting historical sites.

  3. Flexibility and Personalization

    Unlike rigid group tours, DIY trips allow pilgrims to set their own pace. Whether it’s spending extra time at Jabal Uhud or exploring local food scenes, flexibility is key.


Essential Planning Steps for DIY Umrah

Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts under Vision 2030 mean Umrah pilgrims now have access to:

  1. Visa and Documentation

  • Apply online via the official Saudi Visa Portal
  • Requirements: Meningitis vaccination and biometric registration are mandatory.

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  1. Booking Flights

  • Smart Strategies: Use Trip.com’s price graphs and alerts to track fares. For example, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah/Madinah 
    (based on Trip.com search, Sept rates — subject to change):
    • Saudia Airlines – from RM 2,300 return (direct flight)
    • Malaysia Airlines + Codeshare – from RM 2,150 return (1 stop, quick layover)
    • AirAsia X – from RM 1,900 return (budget-friendly option)

With Trip.com’s Price Graph, Gen Z travelers can see which dates are cheapest, while Millennials can use Price Alerts to lock in family-friendly fares.

Tips : Layovers: Consider breaking up journeys with stopovers in Dubai or Istanbul for cost savings .

 

  1. Hotel Booking Flexibility 

    Use the hotel search form below to explore and book accommodations via Trip.com When booking, look for options that offer free cancellation and check verified guest reviews for honest feedback.

Below are some sample hotels in Makkah and Madinah (quad-sharing basis).

  • Sample Hotels in Makkah (Quad Sharing)

Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah (5★)

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• ~RM 696/night (quad) 
• Inside Abraj Al-Bait 
• Direct access to Haram. 
• More at  👉 Trip.com

Voco Makkah (4★) 

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~RM 330/night (quad) 
• Haram not in walking distance: 12 min drive (4.8 km)  
• Free shuttle 
• More at  👉 Trip.com

Al Kiswah Towers Hotel (3★) 

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• ~RM 152/night (quad) 
• Haram in walking distance: 19 min walk (1,220 m). 
• More at  👉 Trip.com

  • Sample Hotels in Madinah (Quad Sharing)

Al Muna Kareem Hotel (4★) 

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• ~RM 750/night (quad)
5-min walk to Haram 
More at  👉 Trip.com

Elaf Taiba Hotel (3★)

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• ~RM 600/night (quad)
• near Haram South Gate. 
• More at  👉 Trip.com

Madinah Aram Hotel (Budget Option)

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• ~RM 300/night (quad)
• Qurban area, 10–15 min walk
• More at  👉 Trip.com

These examples show there’s something for every budget, whether you’re a student (Gen Z) or a young parent (Millennial). 

 

 

  1. Transportation Options:

  • Book online via NwBus or the Haramain High-Speed Train for travel between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah.
  • Use Uber or Careem for convenient local travel within the cities.
  1. Food & Dining: 

    Adventurous Gen Z and Millennials are often eager to explore new tastes. In Saudi Arabia, they’ll find countless halal options—from authentic local Saudi dishes to a wide range of international cuisines. 

 

  1. Spiritual Preparation:

While sorting the logistics is important, understanding and preparing for the rituals of Umrah is the most critical part of your journey. This spiritual readiness will transform your trip from a vacation into a profound act of worship.

  • Learn the Rituals Online: Don't just search generally. Seek out specific, reputable YouTube channels known for their clear and reliable Islamic guidance. Channels like Islamic Guidance , Visualizing Islam and EQuran Educatio n offer detailed, step-by-step visual guides on performing Umrah correctly.
  • Leverage Digital Companions: Download apps like “Nusuk Apps ” or "Muslim Pro " or "Athan ", which contain built-in, easy-to-follow guides and du'as (supplications) for all the rites of Umrah and Hajj. Keep these on your phone for quick reference.
  • Tap into Community Knowledge: Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to DIY Umrah, such as the 'Umrah DIY' Facebook group . These are invaluable platforms to ask specific questions and get practical answers from those who have recently performed their pilgrimage.
  • Attend a Local Briefing: Strongly consider attending a pre-Umrah workshop at your local mosque or Islamic center. This is an irreplaceable opportunity to learn from scholars, ask questions in real-time, and clarify any doubts before you depart.
  • Follow Official Updates: Stay informed about the latest rules and regulations by following the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah on Twitter (@MoHU_En).

    Below is an example of a post about Tawaf shared by the Ministry on August 25, 2025.

    tawaf-ministry-of-haj.webp

Sample DIY Umrah Budget for Two People 

Here’s an example budget breakdown for two people planning a 7-night DIY Umrah trip.

Expense CategoryEstimated CostRemarks
Flights (Roundtrip)RM2,082.00See our blog 👉 DIY Umrah Budget Tips: Flight to Jeddah from RM2,082
Visa Fees, Accommodation (7 nights), Transportation, Food & MiscellaneousRM2,696.39Refer 👉 Umrah Your Way: A 7-Night DIY Umrah Plan with Trip.com (From RM2,696.39)
TotalRM4,778.39Based on twin-sharing hotel rooms

Notes 

  • Prices are subject to change depending on season, availability, and booking platform.
  • Total Budget above is based on twin-sharing hotel rooms and would be different if based on the sample hotels on quad sharing above.
  • Flight and hotel prices may vary depending on travel dates, airlines, and cancellation policies.

Disclaimer ⚠️

This budget is provided as a sample estimate only for informational purposes. Actual costs may vary at the time of booking. Always check latest rates on trusted platforms such as Trip.com  and plan according to your personal preferences and travel needs.


Why Umrah Young? Spiritual and Personal Benefits

  • Stronger Connection with Faith: Experiencing Umrah early in life nurtures taqwa and brings discipline.
  • Building Good Habits: Tawaf, Sa’i, and regular prayers help build lifelong ibadah routines.
  • Sense of Global Ummah: Meeting Muslims from all over the world broadens perspective and unity.
  • Resilience & Independence: DIY Umrah builds confidence to manage travel, worship, and logistics.
  • Family & Future Benefits (Millennials): Parents who perform Umrah early can guide children better when they grow up.

Practical Tips for Young DIY Umrah Pilgrims

  • Start Early with Planning: Book flights & hotels months in advance, especially for Ramadan or school holidays.
  • Budget Wisely: Use price alerts at Trip.com.
  • Learn the Rituals: Attend Umrah briefings at your local mosque or Islamic center.
  • Follow Official Updates: Keep track of rules/regulations via Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah’s Twitter.
  • Stay Flexible: Be open to hotels slightly farther from the Haram—cheaper and often less crowded.
  • Travel Light but Smart: Bring essentials for ihram, prayer, and daily convenience.

Final Thoughts

For Millennials and Gen Z, Umrah doesn’t have to wait until later in life. With the help of technology, online platforms, and a spirit of adventure, young Muslims are 80–90% ready for a DIY Umrah journey today. The rest is simply learning the rituals and approaching the journey with sincerity.

Performing Umrah young not only strengthens one’s personal faith but also empowers the next generation of Muslims to carry forward the love of worship, unity, and resilience.

✨ So why wait? If you’re a Millennial or Gen Z, the time to embark on your spiritual journey is now.

 

Saufi Sufian

Saufi Sufian

Terima kasih atas lawatan. 

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