MUIS advises Singaporeans to consider postponing Umrah to Saudi Arabia after MFA security warning

Singapore's Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) on Oct 14 advised Singaporeans planning to perform Umrah to consider postponing their trips to Saudi Arabia, citing a travel advisory from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that recommends deferring travel to the kingdom.

MUIS posted the guidance on its website and social media and said the move reflects the MFA's warning about heightened security risks after recent attacks that targeted civilian aviation and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

MUIS framed the guidance in personal terms, saying it recognises how much an Umrah journey matters to pilgrims and their families and asking for the community's understanding while safety precautions are taken. The council encouraged pilgrims and their families to follow official advisories as the situation evolves, repeating the MFA advice to defer travel to Saudi Arabia.

The council also addressed practical arrangements for those with bookings. MUIS urged Umrah travel agents to provide clear information to prospective travellers and to, where possible, offer flexible arrangements that allow postponing or rescheduling trips.

The advisory specifically asks agents to help those with existing bookings by giving up-to-date information and options for changing travel plans.

MUIS's statement cited recent security incidents in the region, noting that since the previous week Yemen's Iran-allied Houthis had targeted Saudi airports and oil facilities, a fact the article links to the MFA's heightened-risk advisory.

MUIS did not give casualty figures or operational details in its public advisory, and the MFA advisory text — as described by MUIS — focuses on elevated risks to civilian aviation and energy infrastructure.

The council balanced practical travel guidance with a plea for community patience, saying it appreciates pilgrims' preparations and savings for Umrah and urging that safety take precedence while the advisory remains. MUIS repeated its call for pilgrims and their families to remain guided by official advisories as developments continue.

Singapore headlines and other local outlets carried the advisory, reflecting the same core guidance that Singaporeans should heed the MFA travel advisory and consider deferring Umrah pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. The advisory places the immediate decision point with individual pilgrims and travel agents, asking agents to facilitate postponements or rescheduling where possible.