Details
📍 Location & Meaning of the Name
- Taif means “the enveloped” or “the
circled” in Arabic, likely referring to the stone wall that
historically surrounded the city or to its location encircled by
mountains.
- Situated in the Hejaz region, about 70 km southeast of
Makkah, at an elevation of 1,800–2,000 m in the Sarawat
Mountains.
🏛 History
- Taif has ancient roots as a fertile oasis and trade hub on caravan
routes.
- Known for its agriculture—especially grapes, honey, and roses—it
was prized by tribes and rulers.
- In 630 CE, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ traveled to Taif seeking
support, but was rejected; later, the city accepted Islam after the Battle
of Hunayn.
- During the Ottoman era, Taif became a fortified garrison
town.
- It was captured by King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1924, playing a
role in the unification of modern Saudi Arabia.
🌤 Weather & Climate
- Taif enjoys a mild mountain climate compared to the hot
lowlands.
- Summers: warm, 25–35 °C, attracting
visitors escaping the heat of Makkah and Jeddah.
- Winters: cool to cold, with temperatures
dropping below 10 °C at night.
- Rainfall is relatively higher than most Saudi cities, making it
lush and green.
- Best time to visit: April–October.
👥 People & Culture
- Population: about 1.2 million.
- Known as the “Summer Capital” of Saudi Arabia, many Saudis
and Gulf residents retreat here during hot months.
- The culture reflects a blend of Hejazi traditions, Bedouin
heritage, and agricultural life.
- Taif is especially famous for its rose cultivation and
traditional perfumes made from Taif roses.
🏞 Best Places to Visit
- Shubra Palace – historic royal residence, now a
museum.
- Al-Rudaf Park – natural park with granite formations
and greenery.
- Taif Rose Gardens & Rose Factory –
showcasing the city’s iconic rose industry.
- Souq Okaz – revival of the ancient pre-Islamic
market and poetry festival.
- Al-Hada & Al-Shafa Mountains –
resorts and cool retreats with cable cars and panoramic views.
- Al-Kurr Waterfall & Wadis –
natural valleys and seasonal streams.
🍽 Food
- Local cuisine includes:
- Kabsa & Mandi –
traditional Saudi rice and meat dishes.
- Barbecued lamb and fresh honey
from mountain farms.
- Rose-flavored sweets and drinks
unique to Taif.
- The city also offers modern restaurants and traditional tea houses.
🎭 What It Offers Tourists
- Natural beauty: mountains, valleys, gardens, and cool
weather.
- Cultural heritage:
ancient markets, poetry traditions, and museums.
- Agriculture & roses:
famous Taif roses, perfumes, and festivals.
- Family leisure: parks, cable cars, and picnic areas.
- Spiritual proximity:
close to Makkah, making it a popular stop for pilgrims.
👉
Taif is often called the “City of Roses” and the “Summer Capital of
Saudi Arabia.” It offers tourists a refreshing mix of cool climate,
history, natural scenery, and cultural charm—a unique contrast to the
desert landscapes of much of the Kingdom.