Makkah
Accommodation
Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah
Rising majestically above the holy city, Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah is nestled within the world famous Abraj Al Bait complex. The hotel proudly gazes upon the Kaaba, offering direct access to the Masjid Al Haram mosque. With 1,624 inviting rooms and suites, this hotel offers a captivating ambiance, many boasting breathtaking views of the holy Kaaba.
Delight your refined palate at our exquisite restaurant and tea lounge. For a convenient shopping experience in Makkah, the hotel provides direct access to the shopping mall within the Abraj Al Bait complex. Whether you're embarking on Hajj and Umrah or seeking a peaceful retreat with your family, Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah is the ultimate destination.
Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah
SWISS AL MAQAM
Overlooking the holy city, Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah stands tall at the heart of the Muslim world. As part of prominent Abraj Al Bait complex, the hotel faces the holy Kaaba and has direct access to Masjid Al Haram. The 1,624 rooms and suites carry an embracing atmosphere, many of them have a graceful view of the holy Kaaba. Our refined restaurant and tea lounge vow to please refined palates. You’ll discover that our service combines the best of Alpine grace with the welcoming values of Arab culture. For a convenient shopping experience in Makkah, the hotel provides direct access to the shopping mall within Abraj Al Bait complex. Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah is the ultimate place to aim during Hajj & Umrah, or to merely unwind with your family.
SWISS AL MAQAM
Holiday Suites Inn Aziziyah
Located in Makkah, the Holiday Suites Inn Al Aziziah offers comfortable accommodations with convenient amenities such as a restaurant and free private parking. With spacious family rooms and a lovely terrace, this hotel is regarded as one of the best hotels in Makkah. Guests can enjoy the 24-hour front desk, room service, and free WiFi. Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel. For relaxation, indulge in the wellness area featuring a rejuvenating hot spring bath and a sauna.
Holiday Suites Inn Aziziyah
FAIRMONT CLOCK TOWER
Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower is a premier hotel proudly positioned in the heart of Makkah city. The hotel is close to the Masjid Al Haram, and the Makkah Clock Royal Tower. The location of the Fairmont Clock Tower Hotel is unrivaled as it the closest hotel to the Kaaba, making it the ideal choice for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. It is also one of the world's tallest buildings with 76 floors.
Fairmont Clock Tower
Makkah - Holy Site
Makkah holds the utmost significance for Muslims as the holiest city in Islam. It is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the most revered figure, the final messenger and seal of the prophets. It is the place from where he preached Islam to the world.
From Makkah, the message of Islam, with its profound tolerance, spread to every corner of the world after the revelation of the Holy Quran. Millions of Muslims flock worldwide to visit Makkah to perform Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
In this city, Prophet Muhammad, the most revered figure, the final messenger and seal of the prophets, our beloved Master Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born.
Makkah is the home of Masjid Al Haram, also known as the Great Mosque, and the Kaaba, the qiblah, towards which Muslims turn in their prayers five times a day.
Situated in the western part of Saudi Arabia, Makkah received great attention during the reign of the Saudi Arabian kings. It continues to prioritize providing the best services to pilgrims. The iconic Masjid Al Haram, its most prominent landmark, has witnessed numerous expansions, encompassing all sections of the mosque.
The holy sites have undergone a series of development works to ensure the utmost comfort and reassurance for all pilgrims from within and outside the Kingdom.
Umrah Desk is the leading Umrah and Hajj service provider in the UK, offering various services for pilgrims who visit there. If you are planning a pilgrimage to Makkah, we can help you with the visa application process. We provide complete guidance on how to get an e-visa and ensure that your experience is smooth and seamless from start to finish.
Mina
Mina, located six kilometers east of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, holds great significance for Hajj pilgrims. This sacred valley is designated as a resting place on the 8th, 11th, 12th, and sometimes even the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Among its serene surroundings lies the Jamarat - the three stone pillars pilgrims symbolically pelt as part of the Hajj rituals.
Around 3 million pilgrims annually find shelter in Mina, transforming it into a vibrant and bustling city of tents spread across its expansive 20 km2 area. It is often called the enchanting 'Tent City,' offering a unique accommodation experience with over 100,000 air-conditioned tents. The tents are equipped with modern facilities for the comfort and convenience of pilgrims, catering to their needs in a hot and humid climate.
Mina is also home to some of the Hajj's most important rituals, including Wuquf (Standing at Arafat) and the symbolic stoning of Jamarat. The remains of Mina provide a vivid visual of the historic Hajj rituals, and its monuments have become a part of Saudi Arabia's intangible cultural heritage.
Mina
Jabal Arafat
Jabal Arafat, a small granite mountain situated in the plain of Arafat, approximately 20km from the Ka'bah, holds immense significance in the Hajj pilgrimage. It is here that pilgrims journey from Mina on the second day of Hajj (9th Dhul Hijjah). This sacred mountain is also called Jabal al-Rahmah, which translates to "Mountain of Mercy".
Standing at Jabal Arafat is one of the essential rituals of Hajj. Here, pilgrims pray and supplicate from noon to sunset while seeking Allah's forgiveness on the Day of Arafah. Here, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Last Sermon, a reminder of its importance to Muslims worldwide.
The word "Arafat" commonly refers to "knowing." After being expelled from Paradise and placed on Earth, Prophet Adam and Hawa (Eve) were reunited at Jabal Arafat. "Arafah" represents the name of the day, while "Arafat" designates the land.
Jabal Arafat
Muzdalifah
Muzdalifah, situated southeast of Mina and along the route between Mina and Arafat, is an expansive open area. On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the second day of Hajj, pilgrims arrive here after sunset from Arafat to spend the night.
Stretching from the Valley of Muhassar to the mountains of Ma’zamayn, Muzdalifah spans four kilometers and covers an area of 12.25 square kilometers. This holy site is where pilgrims connect with their inner selves and strengthen their spiritual bond with Allah (SWT). Here, they gather pebbles to stone the Jamarat pillars, an integral part of the Hajj rituals.
Muzdalifah
Namirah Mosque
Masjid Nimrah is situated in the beautiful Waadi Urana. During the farewell Hajj on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah 10 AH, the Prophet (ﷺ) chose this spot as his camp when he reached Arafat. In the Urana Valley, he delivered his famous sermon while comfortably seated on his camel. Afterward, he led the salah, accompanied by over 100,000 Sahabah who joined him on this sacred Hajj journey.
Masjid Nimrah marks this historical moment and serves as a reminder of the Prophet's (ﷺ) sermons. With its intricate architecture, Masjid Nimrah showcases an impressive design. The mosque features 64 doors, 10 main entrances, three domes, and six minarets, offering a capacity for 350,000 people.
At Umrah Desk, we specialize in providing comprehensive Hajj services for all our guests. We offer professional guidance and assistance throughout your journey, from getting the necessary e-visa to ensuring a safe and comfortable stay at Masjid Nimrah. Contact us today to learn more about our Hajj and Umrah packages.
Namirah Mosque
Jamarat
The Jamarat consists of three stone walls that serve as a mandatory ritual of Hajj, emulating the actions of the Prophet Ebrahim (عليه السلام). These walls symbolize the three locations where Ebrahim (عليه السلام) stoned the Satan when he was prevented from sacrificing his only son Ismail (عليه السلام). The pillars are ‘Jamrat-al-Ula,’ ‘Jamrat-al-Wusta’, and ‘Jamrat-al-Qubra.’
On Eid al-Adha, pilgrims travel from Mina to Jamarat and throw seven stones at each wall. This ritual of stoning Satan is known as ‘Ramy al-Jamarat’ or ‘Stoning of the Pillar.’ It is a way for pilgrims to reenact Ebrahim's (عليه السلام) obedience to the command of Allah (SWT).
At Umrah Desk, we understand the importance of each ritual and ensure our pilgrims are well-informed about all the significant aspects of their Hajj journey. We provide comprehensive itineraries and dedicated staff to ensure a smooth transition between holy sites so you can complete your Umrah and Hajj correctly.
Jamarat
Makkah - Shopping
Makkah Mall
Makkah Mall is a unique destination where you can indulge yourself and have an extraordinary shopping experience across its two spacious floors. Discover the latest offerings from local and international brands for men and women and exquisite jewelry and cosmetics stores. The mall also has an exciting play area for children. You can also experience Arabic coffee and various savory snacks while watching a movie or browsing the latest fashion trends.
Makkah Mall
Souk Al Diyafa
Al Diyafa Mall, offers a world–class shopping experience with many local and international brands under its roof. The mall has everything you need to enhance your style, from exquisite clothing and unique timepieces to trendy bags, accessories, and dazzling jewelry. The mall has a diverse selection of restaurants, offering a wide array of delectable dishes. Al Diyafa Mall also has a delightful assortment of games for children that promises endless fun.
Souk Al Diyafa
Souk Al-Khalil
Souk Al-Khalil shopping mall is located under the Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah and Jabal Omar Hilton Suites Makkah. The Masjid Al-Haram grand mosque is just a walking distance away.
Souk Al-Khalil is among the biggest business centers in Makkah with hundreds of retailers offering products that caters to all guests. The souk has a impressive selection, from renowned international brands to beloved local favorites and upscale boutiques and luxury retailers like Sephora, Rolex, and many more.
At Umrah Desk, we ensure our pilgrims have a wonderful time in Makkah. We offer full-service Hajj packages, including shopping tours for those exploring the city’s markets and stores.
Souk Al-Khalil
Food & Drinks
Kabsa
Kabsa, the national dish of Saudi Arabia, is a delectable rice dish infused with fragrant spices and flavors. It is a culinary masterpiece, prepared with saffron, an assortment of meats like chicken, lamb, or goat. This mouthwatering delicacy is traditionally served alongside a medley of vegetables, nuts, and a spicy tomato sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
Kabsa
Harees
Harees is crafted by simmering a blend of wheat and meat, usually chicken until it transforms into a velvety porridge-like texture. This delectable creation is commonly savored during the sacred month of Ramadan, offering both comfort and nourishment.
Harees
Qamar al-Din
During the holy month of Ramadan, this delightful apricot juice is traditionally cherished as a means to break the fast. Renowned for its invigorating and rejuvenating properties, it offers a truly refreshing experience.
Qamar al-Din
Arabic Coffee (Qahwa)
Saudi Arabia is renowned for its fragrant Arabic coffee, crafted by infusing lightly roasted coffee beans with the delightful essence of cardamom. This aromatic beverage is often served with dates. Serving Qahwa is regarded as a gesture of hospitality and has been integral to Saudi Arabian culture for centuries.
