By .. Ahmed Alzahrani

Taif “City of Roses
Taif is like a sweet melody composed by nature, written in letters of beauty and tranquility. Its towering mountains harmonize with the gentle, refreshing breeze, forming a scene that captivates hearts. Its flowers bloom as if they were fragrant verses of poetry, while its valleys flow like soft melodies that delight the ears. In Taif, the charm of nature meets the richness of history, turning the city into a living poem told to all who seek beauty and serenity

.
Taif is known as the the “City of Roses.” In ancient times, it was called “Wajj.” The name “Taif” is derived from the wall (ṭawf) built by the tribe of Thaqif around the city in pre-Islamic times for protection. In Islamic heritage, it is also referred to as one of the “two cities” mentioned in the Qur’an:
“And they say: “Why is not this Quran sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta’if)?” (Az-Zukhruf: 31)
Taif is located in the heart of the Makkah region is about 100km (or 62 mi) east of Makkah. The roughly two-hour drive offers stunning vistas on an ascension from an elevation of 280m to 1880m. and is renowned for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Saudi Arabia, distinguished by its mild climate throughout the year, fresh air, lush green orchards, and towering mountains. This makes it an attractive tourist destination and an ideal retreat for relaxation and recreation. Taif is also regarded as one of the most important tourist destinations in the Kingdom, thanks to the diverse attractions it offers.

Taif is nicknamed the “City of Roses”” comes from the abundance of fragrant flowers that bloom in the surrounding mountains and valleys. The city also enjoys a mild climate and features many tourist attractions and stunning natural landscapes, including valleys and mountains. Taif is known for its cool weather in winter and moderate temperatures in summer.
: The most prominent tourist destinations
Shubra Palace: This grand palace, once the summer residence of King Abdul-Aziz, now houses a museum showcasing Taif’s rich history.
Al-Shafa mountainous area
you can start the trip by visiting the Al-Shafa mountain region, which is famous for its farms, orchards, and fresh air. It also offers panoramic views of the city of Taif.

After that, you can head out on a nature trip to a Taif rose factory and enjoy watching the process of extracting rose oil, which Taif is well known for.

At the end of the day, you can go in the evening to shopping centers to enjoy a modern shopping experience and choose from a variety of delicious local and international foods in the dining areas.
Al Hada
For even more adventure, you can head to Al Hada, a perfect destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. There, you can enjoy hiking along winding mountain trails surrounded by dense trees, then take in breathtaking views of valleys

Taif Cable Car
It is located in Al-Huda City, where you can embark on a journey of approximately 4 kilometers amidst the mountains and plains, and you can enjoy viewing them from a height of 2 kilometers.
Festivals
Many annual festivals are held in Taif, such as the Taif Rose Harvest Festival, the Camel Racing Festival, Al-Hada Festival, Taif Winter Festival, Taif Summer Festival, Al-Bahita Spring Festival, and Taif Flower Festival. You can enjoy these festivals—for example, the Taif Flower Festival is an annual event held in April, where you can learn about rose production, watch traditional performances, and enjoy local cuisine.
Souq Okaz
one of the most famous and oldest markets of the Arabs in both the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. It is located northeast of Taif and dates back1500 years. Saudi Arabia revived it in 2007, transforming it into a prominent annual cultural and tourist destination that blends heritage with modernity. Its activities include Okaz Avenue, historical plays, traditional handicrafts, and poetry evenings
The village of Halima Al-Sa’diyah
The village of Halima Al-Sa’diyah is located in the Banu Sa’d area, southeast of Taif
• The village is named after Halima Al-Sa’diyah, the foster mother of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.S he breastfed and raised the Prophet during his early childhood. The Prophet ﷺ lived in this area for about 4–5 years. Some accounts mention that the event of “the splitting of the chest” (Shaqq Al-Sadr) occurred here. oday, only remains of the old village exist, such as:
• Old ruins Ancient graves
• A site believed to be the house of Halima Al-Sa’diyah