Individual tour bus packages have risen from SR110 ($30) to up to SR200, and are expected to increase to between SR250 and SR300 during Qiyam Al-Layl.

The price hike is due to the large number of pilgrims wanting to spend Ramadan in Makkah and Madinah, as well as an increase in value-added tax to 15 percent.

A Riyadh resident, Abdur Rahman Oomeri, expressed his concern about the rising prices when inquiring about Umrah packages.

A hundred Umrah travel operators are based in Riyadh, primarily in the districts of Hai Al-Wizarat and Batha.

Prices for Umrah packages increase during Ramadan, but were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the easing of restrictions, prices have surged due to a large number of pilgrims returning to the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Flights from Riyadh to Jeddah are also in high demand, with tickets selling out quickly.

In February 2024, a round trip ticket from Riyadh to Jeddah cost SR592 per person, but now ranges between SR1,000 to SR1,500 for regular travel, SR2,000 for next week, and SR2,500 for travel during Qiyam Al-Layl.

Ticket prices for domestic and international flights have increased significantly ahead of Eid Al-Fitr due to high demand from expatriates returning home to celebrate with their families.

Cheaper tickets are available for odd timings but will still cost around SR1,000.

Mohammed Serajuddin, an Indian worker at King Saud University, booked his Riyadh to New Delhi ticket for SR985 in February but now faces a SR215 increase for the same date in April.

Final exams in international schools have ended and classes will resume after Eid Al-Fitr.