Travel Guide Taif

Taif is the gateway to the high mountains of the southern Hejaz range. The peaks here are between 2,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level. For this reason, the city enjoys a pleasant climate all year round and people from the coast do not hesitate to come in summer when the weather is suffocating in the plains. The city is famous for its production of Damascus roses. In the spring, between February and April, the deep pink buds appear in the surrounding valleys and perfume the fresh morning air. Taif is the center of production of rose water and rose oil, which is much rarer and very expensive. The first seeds are said to have been sown in the 14th century, when merchants from Turkey were looking for a favorable location near Mecca to plant roses. Rose oil is burned at the Kaaba. Today, rose production supports 900 farmers who collect more than 3 billion petals every year. Rose water and essential oil are exported all over the world. But you can also find them in the souk of the old city, which has preserved its character. 30 km west of the city, the mountain of Al Hada has become a very popular mountain resort. The Saudis have built their longest cable car there, which flies over the peak, offering spectacular views.