Tourism, flights, and festivals continue in Thailand, but visitors are urged to show respect during the mourning period for Queen Sirikit. / Thailand Travel Update: Key Guidelines for UAE Visitors Amid National Mourning । Flightnews24

Six Things Travellers from the UAE Should Know

1. A Quieter National Mood

Across Bangkok and other cities, flags are lowered, and citizens are dressed in dark colours. Visitors are not required to wear black, but modest, neutral clothing is appreciated—especially when visiting temples or official buildings. “Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the tone of public life,” TAT advised.

2. Tourist Attractions Remain Open

Thailand’s popular destinations—from Phuket’s beaches to Chiang Mai’s temples—are unaffected. Hotels, restaurants, and transport services continue as normal. Only select royal sites, including the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, will be closed from October 26 to November 8 for ceremonial events.

3. Cultural Festivals Proceed on a Smaller Scale

Major events like Loy Krathong (November 5) and Yi Peng in Chiang Mai will still take place, albeit with reduced festivities. Fireworks and parades will be limited, but traditional rituals such as lantern-floating and river offerings will continue.

4. Nightlife and Dining with Discretion

Restaurants, cafés, and bars remain open, and alcohol sales are not restricted. However, entertainment venues have been asked to lower music volumes and avoid overt celebrations during the early mourning period. As Bangkok Post noted, “Life continues with calm respect — visitors are expected to mirror that.”

5. Travel and Transport Unaffected

Flights, trains, and ferries are operating normally. Thai Airways confirmed its services remain “unaffected and on time.” There are no new restrictions on domestic or international routes.

6. Show Respect Through Small Gestures

Visitors are encouraged to show courtesy near memorials or portraits of the Queen Mother by speaking softly or pausing briefly. Wearing a small black ribbon — widely available in shops — is a simple yet meaningful gesture.

Bottom Line

Thailand’s tourism sector remains fully operational. For UAE residents, the country continues to offer its signature warmth and hospitality — this time framed by a quieter atmosphere of reverence and national unity.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced key deadlines for the current Umrah season, specifying that the issuance of Umrah visas will end on the first day of Shawwal. Pilgrims will be permitted to enter the Kingdom until Shawwal 15, while all Umrah pilgrims must depart by the first day of Dhul Qada.

The announcement was made during the ministry’s 17th periodic virtual meeting with licensed Umrah companies, held on Saturday. Officials used the session to reiterate compliance requirements ahead of the Hajj season, emphasizing that Hajj rituals must only be performed with a valid Hajj visa and not under an Umrah permit.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah praised service providers for their coordination during Ramadan, highlighting their role in assisting pilgrims, resolving cases involving stranded visitors, and ensuring their safe return home.

He also called for continued adherence to operational guidelines, including managing staggered arrival schedules at airports and regularly updating departure information through the Nusk Masar platform.

In addition, the minister encouraged companies to take part in the third Umrah and Visit Forum scheduled for 2026, aimed at strengthening collaboration and sharing expertise across the sector.

The meeting featured a review of performance indicators from the current Umrah season, along with discussions on preparations for the upcoming forum. Participants examined opportunities to enhance partnerships and improve service delivery for pilgrims.

These regular meetings form part of the ministry’s broader effort to maintain coordination with industry stakeholders and to advance service standards, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to improve the overall experience for Umrah pilgrims and visitors.