Taif: The Summer Sanctuary of Saudi Kings
Tucked away in the Sarawat Mountains and just a short drive from the megacity of Jeddah, the city of Taif offers a refreshing respite from Saudi Arabia’s punishing summer heat. It’s no wonder then that this scenic highland oasis has long been a favoured summer destination for Saudi kings and their royal entourages escaping the scorching climes. It is also part of a new Summer Initiative by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism called “Your Summer of Discovery”.
With its fragrant rose fields, lush greenery, mild weather, and abundance of historical sites, palaces, and recreation – Taif exemplifies the splendour of an Arabian paradise. Here is an in-depth look at what has made Taif so alluring to royalty and visitors alike for centuries.
A Cooler Climate
The biggest draw for Taif is undoubtedly its temperate summer weather compared to most of the Kingdom. Sitting at an elevation around 1,700 meters (5,600 ft), the thin air and mountain breezes help Taif avoid the extreme desert heat.
Average summer highs hover around 33°C (91°F), while overnight lows can dip to a refreshing 19°C (66°F). This moderate climate is a stark contrast from scorching summer temps that routinely exceed 45°C (113°F) in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other Saudi cities.
It is no surprise then that Taif has been considered a summer capital and vacation spot for Saudi royals seeking refuge from the heat. King Abdulaziz Al Saud began the tradition in the 1920s by spending summers in Taif along with his court. And Kings ever since have carried on this custom at resorts and palaces like the famed Shubra Palace nestled in the scenic Al Hada area.
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Agricultural Bounty & Nature
Beyond the comfortable climate, Taif’s natural bounty has made it a beloved summer oasis. Fed by plentiful rainfall, the fertile lands surrounding the city produce an abundance of agricultural crops and roses. In fact, Taif is renowned as the “City of Roses” due to the fragrant damask rose fields carpeting nearby hillsides.
Farmers cultivate these roses to produce precious rose water and aromatic oils sold locally and exported globally. The rose harvest occurs in April, with the annual Taif Rose Festival celebrating this colourful tradition. A must-visit is the Taif Rose Factory to see the centuries-old process of extracting prised essences from local rose petals.
Thanks to the verdant valleys and cooler temps, Taif is also a rich farming region for pomegranates, grapes, figs, citrus fruits and honey. Just outside the city limits, you’ll find lush orchards, vineyards, farms and nature reserves teeming with wildlife like the famous Arabian baboon troops. Popular eco-tourism sites include the Al Shubra Palace Gardens and Shubra Trail for hiking, Thayib Park with its artificial lake, and the scenic mountain village of Al Hada where royals have secluded palaces.
Historical Treasures
This idyllic natural setting in Taif has served as the perfect summer refuge for centuries. And the city’s storied history dating back over a millennium and connection to Saudi royalty is visible everywhere.
One of the top attractions is the impressive Shubra Palace. Constructed in the early 1900s as a summer retreat for King Abdulaziz, the regal complex contains ornate Ottoman-inspired architecture, lavish interiors, and lush gardens. Other restored royal palaces and forts like Shubra Khashbu, Okaz Palace, and Shubat Aman Palace allow fascinating glimpses into Taif’s regal past.
The Talhi Fort dates back over a thousand years and offers stunning panoramic views of Taif. You can also explore remnants of the city’s ancient walled village of Okaz, once the setting of a renowned poetry festival that drew famous bards from all over Arabia in pre-Islamic times.
To appreciate Taif’s deep roots, wander through museums like the Taif Cultural Museum housed in an Ottoman house and Shubra Palace Museum complex. The Saudi Badawi Museum takes you even further into history with exhibits on traditional Bedouin desert culture and life.
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Rose Indulgence
You simply can’t experience Taif without indulging in its famous rose products, customs, and hospitality. First, sample the rosewater lemonades and teas at cafes, or pick up fragrant soaps, oils, and rosewater products at shops and the bustling rose souq downtown. Taif’s famous qamriah rosewater cake is another must-try treat.
A quintessential experience is to enjoy traditional Saudi Arabian hospitality at one of the city’s shaded showers or rose gathering houses where locals have long escaped the heat with rose-infused refreshments and socialising. Simply sit back under the leafy grape arbours or rose trellis and sip fragrant iced rose syrup or fresh lemonade as you soak in the gentle Taifi vibe.
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It’s no wonder that Taif held such strong appeal as a summer refuge for Saudi royalty through the centuries. With its mild mountain climate, thriving rose industry, wealth of history, and opportunities to embrace the famous Saudi hospitality – Taif is undoubtedly an iconic Arabian paradise.
Whether you come to breathe the rose-scented breezes and stroll fragrant valleys or explore ancient sites like a king, Taif is sure to linger in your memory as an oasis of tranquility away from the blazing desert heat. And today, as it continues modernising for tourists and business opportunities, this scenic highland region remains an intriguing summer sanctuary to experience the charms of traditional Arabia.
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