Ta’if is a city in Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia at an elevation of 1,879 m (6,165 ft) on the slopes of Sarawat Mountains (Al-Sarawat Mountains). It has a population of 1,200,000 people and is the unofficial summer capital. The city is the center of an agricultural area known for its grapes, pomegranate, figs, roses and honey. Ta’if was still little more than a medieval city when the Saudis took control of it. However, they later embarked on a project of modernizing the city. Saudi Arabia’s first public power generator was set up in Ta’if in the late 1940s. In terms of building roads to the isolated city, in 1965 the then King Faisal inaugurated the 54 mi (87 km) mountain highway between Mecca and Ta’if, and in 1974 the 400 mile Ta’if-Abha–Jizan highway was started. By the 1991 Gulf War, Ta’if was such a modern city in terms of communications that it was chosen as the site of the Rendon Group‘s television and radio network, which used to feed the news to Kuwait during the occupation of Kuwait by Iraq.
When driving to Jeddah from Ta’if, non-Muslim travellers will have to use the non-Muslim bypass to get around Mecca, this adds about 110 km (70 mi) to the trip. Ta’if has an airport, Ta’if Regional Airport, offering both domestic and international destinations. The airport is located 30 km to the east of Taif, and 70 km (43 mi) from Mecca.
Al Rudaf Park: A large natural park in the south of Taif, where trees stand amidst magnificent weathered granite rocks. The site also has a small zoo.
Wadi Mitna: Muhammed’s sanctuary in 619 AD. Muhammed came here to gain support of the Hawazeen and the Tawfiq but was stoned by the tribes. He was later given sanctuary by his fellows in a small house now used as a mosque.
Ta’if rose plantation. In the month of April the rose fields are filled with these small fragrant pink roses that are picked at dawn and later distilled into expensive ta’if rose oil. Ta’if perfume has been used in several luxury perfumes including Ormonde Jayne Perfumery, Chanel and Guerlain.
Shubra Palace, the regional museum of Ta’if, located in a building of around 1900, which served King Abdul Aziz as a lodging in the 1930s at several places on this page about Taif.
Rock-carving site: Located 40 km (25 mi) north of Taif, this was the site of the Okaz Souk, the largest and best known of the pre-Islamic souqs or gathering places. The souq was a scene for annual social, political and commercial gatherings. It was also the location of competitive recitation of poetry and prose. The buildings remain, including prominent outlines of walls of basaltic stone.
Turkish Fort: The remains of the fort are located near the Rock Carvings, legend has it that Lawrence of Arabia fought here in 1917. Many battles have been fought there and many graves can be found
Nature reserve: Between Al Hada hospital and the Sheraton Hotel at the top of Al Hada mountain is a large nature preserve at an elevation of 2100 meters above sea level. Al Hada means “tranquillity”, and this preserve of trees and plants offers a true respite. It is also good location to catch the sunset over the mountain.
Al Shafa: A small village situated high upon the Sarawat mountains at an elevation of 2200 to 2500 meters above sea level, rich in agricultural products. The fruit gardens of Taif are located here. Great view for the camera buff and for those with an adventurous heart, try a camel ride.
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