Their timing is governed by the Islamic lunar calendar. Business travel to the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan is also best avoided. During Ramadan devout Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. Office hours are shortened and shifted to the evening, and people may be affected by the fasting and customary late night social gatherings. During Ramadan business travelers should not drink, eat, or smoke in public during daylight or in the presence of fasting Muslims.
Hotels offer special daytime food services for their non-Muslim guests.
The Saudi national day is celebrated September 22. Almost all businesses and Government offices remain open on this day, with the notable exception of Saudi Aramco. Air travel is preferred for inter-Kingdom travel with public service restricted to the sole national airline, Saudia. One rail line carries passengers and freight between Dammam and Riyadh. Jeddah and Dammam are the main international seaports for moving containerized and bulk cargo.