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CULTURE & HERITAGE

Explore the highlights of Taif

The unofficial summer capital of Saudi, Taif is a place of rich history, dramatic natural beauty and roses...

Words by Sheila Russell

Located a couple of hours from Jeddah and east of Mecca, high in the mountains, Taif enjoys a moderate climate so is always lush and bursting with flowers.

A true hidden gem, the spectacular landscape of mountain peaks and green valleys is a perfect backdrop to the many beautiful buildings, historic palaces, tower forts, museums and traditional souq. The spring blossoms and summer fruit create a colourful patchwork for all to enjoy. Camel racing in the summer months is not to be missed. Always cooler than the lower surrounding areas, Taif has been a meeting point and place of relaxation for generations.

Visit a rose factory

Also called the City of Roses, Taif has hundreds of family farms that burst into flower during the spring months. Row upon row of pink Damask roses fill the air with their intoxicating scent. Unexpected in Saudi, it has been a vibrant part of the local culture for over 400 years. Join in the picking at dawn, filling your basket with these glorious blooms and visit the factories to see how the petals are distilled in copper pots, the same method uses for generations. A myriad of products is produced, from rose oil, rose water and scents, to a huge range of lotions, soaps and even rose scented oud. The pure oil is also used as an ingredient in many famous perfumes around the world. Open all year round, many of the factories and shops also have café’s where you can enjoy Saudi coffee, tea or a cappuccino, buy the products and learn about this most special of traditions.

Summit Al-Hada Mountain by cable car

The Al Hada road which takes you up to Taif is considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular roads in the region. From the Ramada Hotel at the top, is Telefric AlHada, the longest cable car in the Middle East, which travels down to Al Kar Tourist Village. During the 4.2km journey you can view the ancient zig-zagging caravan pilgrim trail, used for hundreds of years, along with the new road and take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Sarawat Mountains. A water park and toboggan ride, along with shops and restaurants await you at the bottom.

Picnic with a view on Al-Shafa Mountain

An alternative route to Taif is via the town of Ash Shafa where the mountain road closely follows every twist and turn, showcasing the glorious geology in a spectacular way. A much quieter road, it meanders up and through fabulous valleys, providing majestic views of streams and wadis below. Often covered in a blanket of wildflowers, herds of goats and wild baboons can be seen along the way. The ideal place for a picnic with a view is Jabal Daka, the highest peak in the region, (over 2,500m), where wild lavender also grows.

Spy a volcanic wonder in the Wahba Crater

North of Taif is one of Saudi’s greatest natural wonders. Wahba Crater is an enormous volcano, the scale of which is difficult to comprehend until you see it for yourself. This massive hole in the ground is 2km wide and 250m deep. Diamond like salt crystals form in the base which shine like jewels from the organic central mass. Around the edge trees and succulent plants form a beautiful green halo and add to the feeling of it being another world. Several picnic spots along the western rim provide the ideal spot to enjoy the dramatic view.

Explore Saysed National Park

Taif is blessed with many parks and gardens. If you want to get out of the city and explore nature, then Saysed National Park is for you. Named after a dam built there in the 7th century, it is an open area of countryside with a wadi and modern dam. Ar Ruddaf Park nearer the centre is popular with locals and visitors alike, namely around the annual Taif Rose Festival to celebrate the arrival of spring. Other parks include King Abdullah Park, Al Anoud Park and Umm Al Araad Park.

Admire regal history at Shubra Palace

Shubra Palace Heritage Museum is the place to immerse yourself in regal history. Finished in 1905, it became the summer residence of King Abdulaziz during the early years of the Kingdom. It is a very impressive building of 100 rooms on 4 floors plus cellar, featuring stone columns and marble specially imported from Italy. Described as an architectural wonder of Taif, it is festooned with glorious chandeliers which have witnessed many grand events. Displays include historical collections from the area, Islamic antiques, manuscripts and writing tools. A prominent historical landmark, one really feels the majesty of its history within the walls.

Shop like a local

The Central Market is the heart of the renovated historic area and home of Taif Souq, also known as Al-Balad market. Certainly a place not to miss, it is split up into many sections selling an enormous range of items. Local honey is a specialty, as is ghee, along with a huge selection of brightly coloured local sweets. Leather products, belts, sandals and daggers, along with scarves, traditional clothing, coffee pots and kitchen supplies are in abundance. Gold, silver, perfumes and a whole range of products made from Rose Oil area also available. The antique shops are ever changing and those interested in cooking will enjoy the spice shops. Wander through the pedestrian streets and immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy a coffee or locally popular mint tea in the traditional cafes and restaurants, before setting off again to explore the seemingly never ending traditional souq.

Try the local food

Taif has a wonderful selection of foods but the most well known locally is Malah, a sweet bread, served with honey, ghee, dates and sometimes goat’s cheese. It is popular at breakfast, often after picking the roses, enjoyed with Saudi coffee or sweet black tea with fresh mint. Fatah is also made from malah, but is ground up and soaked in honey. Saleeq is very typical in Taif, a rice-based dish with chicken and milk. During the cooler winter months it is very warming. Mashed banana is mixed with crumbled bread, sweet cream and honey to make Masoob. A similar dish is Areekah, but this time the bananas are replaced by mashed dates and spices are added to the cream and honey. Coffee is a deep part of Taif culture with cafes found everywhere. They range from the very modern where you can enjoy an espresso made with single roasted beans to traditional Saudi Coffee, served with dates.

Visit Al-Sharif Museum

Al-Sharif Museum is one of the largest and most impressive heritage museums in the region, transporting you back in time to see what life was like in Taif in bygone days. The collection is huge and beautifully laid out, with many examples of weapons, pots, kitchenware, camel water bags, coffee pots and jewellery to name but a few. Passing under the arches you see the inside of a house, a Bedouin tent (both the male and female sections) and even a garage with an impressive collection of vintage cars. Many crafts are also featured including farming, carpentry and tailors.

(Shutterstock)

Feel regal at its palaces

Taif has some of the most impressive and elegant grand houses in the Kingdom. They were all built around 100 years go and feature Hejazi style with flourishes of Roman architecture. Jubra Palace also has a magnificent pool and hosted Crown Prince Saud in 1953 just before he became King. Al Kateb House was the residence of the late King Faisal when he was the Viceroy of the Hejaz. Al-Kaaki Palace also has many of the special details including Islamic inscriptions and arches throughout. AlBogari House is the biggest and has a very large walled garden.

King Abdullah Grand Mosque, Thuwal (Shutterstock)

Practical information

Visas

It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).

Getting there & around

It’s really easy to reach Taif and you have a couple of different options. You can take a domestic flight from either Jeddah (55 minutes) or Riyadh (one hour and 30 minutes). Or, we’d recommend hiring a car in Jeddah and enjoying the scenic two-hour drive to Taif. Getting to Saudi from both the UK and the USA is easy as well. Saudi’s national airline SAUDIA flies to Riyadh three times daily from London Heathrow, while British Airways also offers a regular service from Heathrow with daily flights to the capital. SAUDIA also operates twice daily flights to Jeddah from London Heathrow and once daily from London Gatwick. If you’re travelling from the US, SAUDIA offers direct flights to Riyadh from both New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as direct flights to Jeddah from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

Local customs

To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.

Weather

You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit the country is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime, depending on where in the country you are, and rarely exceed 30°C. The summer months between June and September can get extremely hot, with temperatures often north of 40°C. But, do as the locals do and head out after dusk when it’s much cooler!

FAQ

Is English spoken in Saudi?

Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.

What is the currency of Saudi?

The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.

What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?

We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.

What’s the time difference in Saudi?

Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.