Flying to Saudi for Business: Where to Wear Ihram for `Umrah?

If the primary intention of a muslim is to do business in Saudi Arabia, then it is enough to wear ihram for `Umrah in Jeddah or Madinah. Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada , said,

If the primary intention is related to business, then it is enough to assume ihram in Jeddah or Madinah, in case madinah is the first location. On the other hand, if the primary intention is `Umrah, then it is best that ihram be assumed before approaching the miqat (the place where pilgrims should wear ihram before passing it) or at the miqat. It depends on where you will be flying from; the miqat is usually announced during the flights of Saudi airlines. There is also a ruling that allows air travellers to assume ihram from Jeddah; this option is available for those who happen to experience any hardship.
Pilgrims in this situation are also allowed to pray qasr if their stay is less than four days or uncertain of how long they have to stay, as long as they will be praying alone or with other travelers. However, when they pray behind the local imam, they ought to pray the full number of rak`ahs.