Taif

Taif

Attraction Introduction

Taif is the summer capital of Saudi Arabia. Located in the central part of the Sarawat Mountains in the western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is a mountainous city with an elevation of 1,682 meters, covering an area of 175 square kilometers and a population of about 390,000. It is 160 kilometers from Jeddah and 88 kilometers from the holy city of Mecca, and falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Mecca region. The city is built on Mount Qizwan at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, making it a popular summer retreat.

The city features luxurious residences and villas, while the royal palace and airport are located in nearby Al-Hawiya, about 30 kilometers north of Taif. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the city without permission from the highest authorities. Taif and its surrounding areas are rich in water sources and fertile land, forming an important agricultural zone. The produce grown here—including fruits, wheat, barley, and vegetables—is used not only for local consumption but also supplied to cities such as Mecca. Rose water is also produced here for use by pilgrims.

Taif serves as a key transportation hub connecting eastern and western regions of Saudi Arabia to the south, functioning as a national road transport nexus. Historically, it has been a strategic passage for defending eastern Saudi Arabia and is the main city for managing the flow of pilgrims. Its important geographic location makes it a significant strategic city in the country.

Taif enjoys a mild climate, with average summer temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C and average winter temperatures between 10°C and 22°C. It is a renowned summer retreat in Saudi Arabia and is often referred to as the country’s “summer capital.”

Due to its favorable climate, abundant groundwater, well-developed irrigation systems, and high-quality topsoil, the Taif region has long been one of Saudi Arabia's most famous agricultural areas and serves as a major center for crop production and animal husbandry. Major crops include barley, wheat, corn, and millet. The region also produces a wide variety of fruits, such as pomelos, apricots, citrus fruits, olives, figs, peaches, pomegranates, watermelons, grapes, jujubes, and dates.

Taif is a historic city with roots that predate the founding of Islam. Historical records suggest that the Taif Valley has been inhabited for 5,000 years. Throughout history, tribes such as the Makhzumi, Amalek, Tamud, and Thaqif have lived in the area. The first three tribes have since disappeared, while the Thaqif tribe continues to thrive to this day.

Historically, Mecca and Taif have maintained close ties. The Quran references both Mecca and Taif together. The holy city of Mecca has relied heavily on Taif for food supplies, which led to Taif gradually becoming Mecca’s economic supply base. Western traveler Du Ta praised Taif as “Mecca’s Eden, with fresh air, flowing streams, rose gardens, vineyards, and apple orchards.”

Its proximity to Mecca and pleasant climate have made Taif an important tourist destination in Saudi Arabia. A local saying goes, “Spend the winter in Mecca, enjoy spring in Jeddah, and escape the heat in Taif.”

On September 5, 1916, Taif officially became part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On June 23, 1934, the Taif Agreement, which ended hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, was signed here. On November 9, 1953, King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, passed away in Taif. On January 25, 1981, the Third Islamic Summit Conference was held in Taif.

In 1989, King Fahd invited leaders of various Lebanese factions to Taif for talks, where the Taif Agreement was signed, bringing an end to 15 years of civil war in Lebanon. After Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Taif served as the seat of the Kuwaiti government-in-exile.

Taif preserves many ancient relics, including castles built during the Ottoman Empire, military fortresses constructed during the Arabian Peninsula wars, and the iconic 6th–7th century Abdullah Al-Ali Mosque. The city is also home to the Subayrah Palace, a former summer residence of King Faisal.

The King Fahd Park, completed in 1983, along with the more recently built Radwa Nature Park and Zoo, are also notable attractions in Taif. The city is one of the three primary work centers of the Saudi government’s National Commission for the Conservation and Development of Wildlife, where efforts have successfully revived endangered species such as the Arabian oryx and the houbara bustard. To boost tourism, an expensive cable car system leading directly to the mountaintop was put into operation in 2002.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia