Saudi Arabia travel guides for Pakistani companies
Business cities, visas, events, Umrah and Hajj planning in one place. Saudi Arabia is where business and pilgrimage meet for many Pakistani companies, and the rules for each affect the other.
Cities and business visas
Riyadh is the capital and the base for ministries, giga-project companies and regional headquarters. Jeddah is the Red Sea trading city and gateway to Makkah. Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran form the energy region in the east, and AlUla and NEOM are remote development regions in the north-west.
Riyadh
KAFD, Olaya, the Metro and LEAP.
Open guideJeddah
Port, trading districts and Umrah add-ons.
Open guideDammam and Al Khobar
Energy, Jubail and the causeway.
Open guideAlUla and NEOM
Remote project sites.
Open guideSaudi business visa
The host-led visa step by step.
Open guideSaudi business travel
Our Saudi service page.
Open guideShows in Saudi Arabia
LEAP, in April, is the main technology week. Large shows fill Riyadh hotels and need early visa and room planning.
Pilgrimage planning for employers
Many Pakistani companies send staff for Umrah or give Hajj leave. The Umrah season calendar, the Nusuk permit system and the closure of Makkah before Hajj all shape when staff can travel. Go Global arranges corporate Umrah through our licensed Umrah partner.
Umrah visa rules
Season dates, permits and vaccinations.
Open guideEmployee Umrah programme
Designing the HR policy.
Open guideGroup Umrah for companies
Logistics for staff groups.
Open guideRamadan Umrah for staff
Planning for Ramadan 2027.
Open guideMakkah hotels for groups
Distance bands and access.
Open guideMadinah travel
Rawdah permit and Ziyarat.
Open guideHajj and company leave
Schemes, deadlines and policy.
Open guideCorporate Umrah and Hajj
Our Umrah and Hajj page.
Open guideHow Saudi trips differ from other Gulf trips
Three things set Saudi travel apart for Pakistani companies. First, the business visa starts with your Saudi host, so the host’s speed sets the timetable; ask for the request as soon as the trip is agreed. Second, the weekend is Friday and Saturday, so a Sunday meeting is normal and a Friday one is not. Third, the pilgrimage calendar matters even for business trips: Makkah closes to visit-visa holders before Hajj, Jeddah and Madinah flights fill in Ramadan and the Hajj season, and hotel prices in the holy cities rise sharply at peak times.
Distances are also long. Riyadh to Jeddah is about a 90-minute flight, and the Eastern Province is about an hour from Riyadh by air, so multi-city trips are usually planned with domestic flights rather than road transfers.
Key dates for 2026–27
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| LEAP 2027 | 12–15 April 2027, Riyadh |
| Ramadan 1448 | Expected from around 8 February 2027, subject to moon sighting |
| Last Umrah visa issuance | 9 March 2027 |
| Last Umrah entry | 23 March 2027 |
| Last Umrah departure | 7 April 2027 |
| Hajj 2027 | Expected around 14–19 May 2027, subject to moon sighting |
Saudi trips, planned end to end
Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips since 2020, including business delegations, exhibition teams and staff Umrah groups to Saudi Arabia. Our team works 24/7 for travellers already on the road.
Saudi travel questions
What visa do I need for a business trip to Saudi Arabia?
A business visit visa requested by your Saudi host, or the Visiting Investor e-visa if you are exploring investment. See our Saudi business visa guide.
Can staff perform Umrah during a business trip?
Yes, outside the Hajj season, with an Umrah permit booked in the Nusuk app.
Does Go Global arrange Hajj?
No. Hajj from Pakistan runs only through the Government Hajj Scheme or Ministry-authorised private organisers. We advise on leave and travel planning around Hajj, and Go Global arranges corporate Umrah through our licensed Umrah partner.
When is Makkah closed to business visitors?
For several weeks before and during Hajj each year. Hajj 2027 is expected in mid-May 2027, so expect restrictions from around April 2027.
Planning travel to Saudi Arabia?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips since 2020, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.