What changed, and what it means for your group
Since the Saudi authorities updated the rules, women have been able to perform Umrah without a mahram, and the effect has been exactly what you would expect: sisters' circles, mothers and daughters, colleagues and friends organising their own journeys on their own terms. Regulations can be updated, so we confirm the current position at the time of every booking, but the practical picture today is settled and women's groups travel routinely.
What has not changed is that the hotel arrangements decide how comfortable the trip feels. Rooms scattered across floors, a lobby check-in after a night flight, and dining that ignores the group's preference for privacy all take something away from the journey. Set up properly, the hotel disappears into the background, which is where it belongs.
How we set up a ladies' group inside the Clock Tower
| Arrangement | How it is handled |
|---|---|
| Rooms | Clustered together, adjacent floors requested, confirmed before you pay |
| Check-in | Coordinated in advance and staggered for larger groups, no lobby queues |
| Dining | Restaurant, in-room, or a mix, decided by the group, arranged across the block |
| Prayer logistics | Rooms near lifts on request, covered walkway access to the Haram from every hotel |
| Communication | One named consultant on WhatsApp for the group lead, start to finish |
Choosing the hotel
For groups prioritising value with deep room inventory, Swissôtel Makkah and Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana are the usual starting points. Groups that want shared living space between prayers, particularly those staying ten nights or more, often prefer the suite options at Swissôtel Al Maqam or Fairmont. As with every group we arrange, we quote two hotels side by side with real room photos so the decision is made by the group, with full information.
Arrange it once, properly
Send your dates and room count and we will send options with rooms kept together, dining arranged your way, and one consultant handling it all.
Get Options on WhatsAppLadies' Group Questions, Answered
Yes. Under current Saudi regulations, women may perform Umrah without a mahram. Rules can be updated by the Saudi authorities, so we confirm the current position at the time of your booking, but women's groups have been travelling on this basis since the rule changed.
We request clustered rooms and adjacent floors for every ladies' group, and hotels inside the Clock Tower accommodate this wherever occupancy allows. The earlier the block is requested, the more likely the group stays together.
Yes. Every Clock Tower hotel offers in-room dining, and for groups preferring privacy we can arrange the meal plan so breakfast or iftar works around the group's preference, whether in the restaurant or in rooms.
Groups prioritising value and deep room inventory usually start with Swissôtel Makkah or Al Marwa Rayhaan. Groups wanting suites for shared living space between prayers often prefer Swissôtel Al Maqam or Fairmont. We quote two side by side so the group can compare.
We arrange women's groups from 3 rooms to 20+ rooms. Larger groups receive the same block handling as any group booking: one rooming list, one consultant, adjacent floors requested, staggered check-in coordinated.
One named Meliora consultant on WhatsApp handles the whole booking from first enquiry to check-in. Your group lead deals with one person throughout, never a call centre.
Why book your Clock Tower stay with Meliora Escapes
- Meliora Escapes is a Dubai based luxury travel consultancy serving guests across the Gulf, the UK and beyond.
- We send real room and view photos before you pay, so you know exactly which view category you are booking.
- No hidden fees. The price we quote is the price you pay.
- A named consultant handles your booking from enquiry to check-in, reachable on WhatsApp in your time zone.