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Taif. Photo by عباد ديرانية.

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Taif, Saudi Arabia

Located in the Mecca Region of Saudi Arabia, Taif stands at an elevation of 2,879 meters on the slopes of the Hejaz Mountains.

Taif is the 6^th most populous city in the kingdom with an estimated population as at 2020 of 688,693 people.

The city was inhabited by Banu Thaqif tribe and is still inhabited by descendants of the tribe to this day.

Sometimes in the early 7^th century, the city was visited by the Islamic prophet, Muhammad and there is a belief that the city is indirectly referred to in Quran 43:31.

The top 10 Fascinating Facts about Taif in Saudi Arabia includes the following.

1. Taif Has Been Called The Summer Capital Of Saudi Arabia

The many mountain resorts and moderate climate, even during the harsh summers of Arabia has made the city   popular among tourists.

It has been called the best summer destination in Saudi Arabia and as such has earned the unofficial name of the summer capital of Saudi Arabia.

Unlike most of the Arabian Peninsula, Taif enjoys moderate weather during summer which makes it an ideal tourist detination.

2. Taif’s Roses Produce The World’s Most Expensive Rose Oil

Taif. Photo by Basheer Olakara.

The famous 30-petaled Damask rose smell fills the air of Taif with a sweet scent every year. Over 300 million flowers are produced by more than 900 rose growers each year in Taif.

The world’s most expensive rose oil or atar is produced from the flowers once harvested.

Tourists can tour Taif’s Central Market to browse and purchase aromatic oils, water, perfumes, and rose-scented soaps or take a guided tour of one of the city’s rose factories.

3. Taif Is Called The City Of Roses

Late February and early March is the best time to visit the more than 900 rose growers who produce over 300 million flowers each year.

The roses are harvested in the second half of March every year. Grown in the surrounding valleys and mountains, Taif is famous for its fragrant rose flowers.

Home to majestic mountains, flower fields, and centuries-old markets, Taif is a beautiful city.

4. The Route To Taif Is Very Exciting

Makkah. Photo by Al Jazeera English.

Taif is a preferred tourist destination even for the locals and people from nearby cities as there are many beautiful and historical places to visit. From the holy city of Makkah, Taif is easily accessible via cab.

The route to Taif is also quite captivating apart from the city itself. From the interior of Makkah through the mountains, fruit markets, rose farms, and deep valleys leading to the Taif Plateau, travelers follow a beautiful winding road.

The road passes near the Shafa Mountains where the sun sits pretty amidst stunning peaks and where baboons roam freely.

5. Tourists Can Get Exciting Views From Cable Cars on Al Hada Mountain

Al Hada Mountain. Photo by Prof. Mortel.

Al Hada which is home to playful baboons, pink fields, and pristine open spaces towers over a valley stretching towards Makkah.

The winding path slopes gracefully along the hillside much like the ancient zigzag camel trail. As the sun sets on the valley, the mountains lined up on the horizon turn grey ombre.

At the Taif tourist destination of Hejazistail Al Qar, a water park is present for visitors to enjoy. Tourists can hire cab, camel caravans, cable car or travel in private vehicles to reach Al Hada Mountain.

6. Al Shafa Mountain Is Home to quaint picnic spots

Al Shafa Mountain. Photo by Abdul Razzaq Phulpot.

Al Shafa, the highest mountain in the region can be reached via a paved road and is located 35 kilometers southwest of Taif.

On the top Mount Dhaka Park covering an area of ​​10,000 square meters, the mountain offers stunning views of the local mountain range. For those who wish to stay longer, there are several basic spas in the area.

It takes approximately 40 minutes via hire or self drive vehicles to reach Al Shafa Mountain. For family picnic and barbecue evening, the park is an amazing location.

7. Al-Wahba Crater Is A Stunning Volcanic Crater

Al Wahba Crater. Photo by Prof. Mortel.

Located approximately 250 km from Taif on the western edge of the HarratKishbbasalt plateau, Al-Wahba Crater is a volcanic crater. The crater measures 2 kilometers in diameter and is 250 meters deep.

White sodium phosphate crystals cover the bottom of the crater and it is one of the most adventurous places to visit in Taif due to the sheer beauty of the crater. There are paved roads which connect the crater from the city center.

8. Saiysad National Park Is A Beautiful Park

With several gates but only one open for entry, Saiysad National Park is among the top Taif tourist places and is an ideal place for a group walk and family vacations.

The park has many recreational activities for children including many slides. The park is located between Taif Airport and the city.

The park can easily be reached via road as it is 13 km away from the Taif city center.. The park is a good place to go camping with friends, have family picnics and walk around in the park’s natural environment.

9. Tourists Can Have Their Lazy Evenings At The Al Faisaliah Garden

Al Faisaliah Garden has many fountains, slides, swings and seating areas and is one of the most calming places to visit in Taif with family.

The garden is famous for its barbecue as it is very well maintained. The garden  is an excellent place to take a break from the fast-paced life of the city and enjoy among others the manually controlled dancing fountain within its grounds.

10. The Beautiful Shubra Palace Is Located Within Taif

Built in 1905 by order of Sheriff Ali Pasha, the Shubra Palace is a beautiful home. Boasting of lattice windows and balconies, the palace has an interior made of Carrara marble.

The palace which is easily accessible to tourists as it is open 24 hours and entrance is free. The palace  was formerly the home of King Abdulaziz and later  King Faisal  who made it his residence.

The palace is easily accessible to the tourists visiting Taif as its 3.1 kilometers from the city’s center