Ramadan travel bookings in Saudi Arabia have increased significantly in 2026, with searches for accommodation in Makkah rising 20.67% and Madinah recording a 25.16% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from travel app Wego.
Demand peaked during the second half of the holy month. Wego said Umrah remains the primary driver of Ramadan travel activity, with spiritual priorities and family connectivity shaping most travel decisions.
Hotels Near the Haram Lead Ramadan Travel Bookings
Travellers show a strong preference for hotels located near the Haram in both Makkah and Madinah. Average nightly rates for these properties reach nearly US$400, equivalent to SAR 1,500, according to Wego data.
Furthermore, 49% of travellers book more than one month in advance. Wego said this reflects a calculated approach to early planning, aimed at managing costs and securing availability during peak demand periods.
Mobile Channels Drive 76% of All Bookings
Digital platforms dominate trip planning during Ramadan 2026. A total of 76% of all bookings at the start of the season are made via the Wego app, reflecting growing user confidence in mobile-first booking tools.
Users rely on these platforms not only for price comparison, but also for selecting accommodation locations and checking real-time availability before completing payment. Wego said this trend underscores a broader shift toward digital-first travel management.
Smart Tools Support Cost-Efficient Travel Planning
Wego’s platform offers tools including a Price Calendar, fare alerts, and flexible date selection. The company said these features contribute directly to more efficient spending and an improved travel experience for users across the Kingdom.
These digital booking solutions have become a core component of the modern travel experience, enabling users to compare flight and accommodation options within seconds.
Domestic Flights and Eid Season Outlook
Beyond Umrah, Ramadan travel in Saudi Arabia includes domestic movement linked to family gatherings. Domestic flight search volumes nearly match last year’s figures, with steady demand particularly on routes between Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Madinah.
These trips typically last up to one week. Travel timing is often influenced by Iftar and Suhoor schedules, religious commitments, and the desire to spend time with family during the holy month.
Regarding Eid Al-Fitr, data indicates growth in early planning and advance bookings. Wego said this shift reflects a broader transformation in traveller behaviour toward more structured travel and spending management, supported by the flexibility of digital platforms and the variety of offers available online.
“The performance recorded during Ramadan reinforces the season’s position as one of the key drivers of domestic travel activity and a direct supporter of the Kingdom’s hospitality and aviation sectors.”
Wego
Wego was founded in 2005 and is dual-headquartered in Dubai and Singapore, with regional operations in Riyadh, Cairo, Bangalore, Lahore, and Kuala Lumpur. The company operates the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa region.