# Taif

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{{Short description|City in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia}}
{{other uses|Taif (disambiguation){{!}}Taif}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Taif
| native_name = {{transliteration|ar|Aṭ-Ṭāʾif}} ({{lang|ar|ٱلطَّائِف}})
| nicknames = {{transliteration|ar|Madīnat al-Wurūd}} ({{langx|ar|مَدِيْنَة ٱلْوُرُوْد|lit=City of the Roses}}) <br /> Summer capital of the Kingdom
| settlement_type = [City](/source/List_of_cities_and_towns_in_Saudi_Arabia)
| image_skyline = الطائف من جبل الهدى1.jpg
| image_caption = Taif, as seen from [Al Hada](/source/Al_Hada)
| pushpin_map = Saudi Arabia#Middle East#West Asia
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_relief = 1
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| coordinates = {{coord|21|16|30.34|N|40|24|22.16|E|type:city|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = [Country](/source/List_of_sovereign_states)
| subdivision_name = {{KSA}}
| subdivision_type1 = [Province](/source/Provinces_of_Saudi_Arabia)
| subdivision_name1 = [Mecca](/source/Mecca_Province)
| subdivision_type2 = [Governorate](/source/List_of_governorates_of_Saudi_Arabia)
| subdivision_name2 = Taif
| unit_pref = Metric
| elevation_m = 1879
| population_density_sq_mi = 5554
| population_urban = 751634
| postal_code_type = Postal Code
| postal_code = 26XXX
| area_code = +966 12
| website = http://www.taifcity.gov.sa
| area_total_km2 = 321
| timezone = [GMT + 3](/source/Arabian_Standard_Time)
| utc_offset = +3
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Taif Governorate |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/saudiarabia/makkah/0203__a%E1%B9%AD_%E1%B9%ADaif/ |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref>
| population_total = 563,282
| population_as_of = 2022 census
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_note = 
| population_metro = 913,374 (Taif Governorate)
| native_name_lang = ar
| image_seal = 
| population_rank = 6
| demographics_type1 = [GDP (PPP, constant 2015 values)](/source/GDP)
| demographics1_footnotes = 
| demographics1_title1 = Year
| demographics1_info1 = 2023
| demographics1_title2 = Total (Metro)
| demographics1_info2 = $26.2&nbsp;billion<ref name="TelluBase">{{cite web |title=TelluBase—Saudi Arabia Fact Sheet (Tellusant Public Service Series) |url=https://tellusant.com/repo/tb/tellubase_factsheet_sau.pdf |publisher=Tellusant |access-date=2025-03-31}}</ref>
| demographics1_title3 = Per capita
| demographics1_info3 = $37,000
| population_demonym = Taifian
}}

'''Taif''' ({{langx|ar|{{Script|Arab|اَلطَّائِفُ}}|translit=Aṭ-Ṭāʾif|lit=The circulated or encircled}}, {{IPA|acw|atˤˈ tˤaː(j)ɪf}}) is a city and governorate in [Mecca Province](/source/Mecca_Province) in [Saudi Arabia](/source/Saudi_Arabia). Located at an elevation of {{convert|1,879|m|abbr=on}} in the slopes of the [Hijaz Mountains](/source/Hijaz_Mountains), which themselves are part of the [Sarat Mountains](/source/Sarawat_Mountains),<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-cities-and-towns-in-Saudi-Arabia-2066809 |title=List of cities and towns in Saudi Arabia |encyclopedia=[Encyclopedia Britannica](/source/Encyclopedia_Britannica) |language=en |access-date=2019-04-12}}</ref> the city has a population of 563,282 people in 2022, making it one of the most populous cities in the kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.taifcity.gov.sa/pages/%D9%86%D8%A8%D8%B0%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%81-57.aspx |title=Brief about Ta'if City |website=Ta'if City |access-date=April 26, 2016 |archive-date=September 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925180640/http://www.taifcity.gov.sa/pages/%D9%86%D8%A8%D8%B0%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%81-57.aspx }}</ref>

There is a belief that Taif is indirectly referred to in [Quran 43:31](/source/Quran_43%3A31).<ref>[https://www.islamawakened.com/quran/43/31/ Q43:31], 50+ translations, islamawakened.com</ref> The city [was visited](/source/Muhammad's_visit_to_Ta'if) by the [Islam](/source/Islam)ic [prophet](/source/Prophets_and_messengers_in_Islam) [Muhammad](/source/Muhammad), sometime in the early [7th century](/source/7th_century), and was inhabited by the tribe of [Banu Thaqif](/source/Banu_Thaqif). It is believed that they did not like the idea of him entering the city.  It is still inhabited to this day by their descendants. As a part of the [Hejaz](/source/Hejaz), the city has seen many transfers-of-power throughout its history, with the last being during the [Saudi conquest of Hejaz](/source/Saudi_conquest_of_Hejaz) in 1925.

The city has been called the unofficial [summer capital](/source/summer_capital) of Saudi Arabia<ref>{{Cite news|date=1977-08-09|title=Taif Is Saudis' Summer Capital|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/08/09/archives/taif-is-saudis-summer-capital.html|access-date=2020-07-26|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Pesce, Angelo.|title=Taif: the summer capital of Saudi Arabia|date=1984|publisher=Immel|isbn=0-907151-27-2|location=Jeddah|oclc=498664227}}</ref> and has also been called the best summer destination in Saudi Arabia<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2019-07-03|title=Taif emerges as top local tourist destination in Saudi Arabia|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1519671/saudi-arabia|access-date=2019-07-10|website=Arab News|language=en}}</ref> as it enjoys a moderate weather during summer, unlike most of the [Arabian Peninsula](/source/Arabian_Peninsula). The city owes its popularity among tourists to its many [mountain resort](/source/mountain_resort)s and moderate climate, even during the harsh summers of Arabia. The city is connected to the nearby [resort town](/source/resort_town) of [Al-Hada](/source/Al_Hada) via the iconic Highway 15 (Taif – Al-Hada Road). It stands out from the rest of the Hijazi region as it is a city that plays an active role in the [agricultural output of Saudi Arabia](/source/Agriculture_in_Saudi_Arabia) and is the center of an agricultural area known for its cultivation of [grapes](/source/Viticulture), pomegranate, figs, roses and [honey](/source/Apiculture).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Al-Ṭāʾif {{!}} Saudi Arabia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Al-Taif|access-date=2019-04-11|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> Taif is also very active in the manufacturing of traditional [attar](/source/attar), and is known locally as "City of the Roses" ({{Langx|ar|مَدِيْنَة ٱلْوُرُوْد|Madīnat al-Wurūd}}). Taif also hosts the historic [Souq 'Okaz](/source/Souk_Okaz).

The Taif governorate is divided into 15 smaller municipalities, with Ta'if as the capital.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Department|first=IT|title=التقسيم الإداري بمحافظة الطائف|url=https://www.taifcity.gov.sa/pages/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A-72.aspx|website=أمانة الطائف|language=ar|access-date=2020-07-26|archive-date=2022-06-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621085810/https://taifcity.gov.sa/pages/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A-72.aspx}}</ref> The administration of the city itself is carried out by five municipalities, named North Taif, West Taif, East Taif, South Taif and New Taif. Taif is served by the [Taif International Airport](/source/Taif_International_Airport), with a larger international airport planned to open by 2030.<ref>https://matarat.com.sa/en-us/PrivatizationOpportunities/Pages/Privatization-Opportunities-Details.aspx?ItemID=57</ref><ref>Taif International Airport is targeting a capacity increase from 600,000 to four million passengers annually by 2030</ref>

== Name ==
Much like many of the cities in the Hejazi region, the city of Ta'if had an older name: ''Wajj'' ({{lang|ar|وَجّ}}).<ref name="Wajj">{{cite web|title=وج، أشهر أودية الطائف|url= http://alriyadh.com/173521|website=[Al Riyadh](/source/Al_Riyadh_(newspaper))|language=ar}}</ref> This was also the name of the [Valley of Wajj](/source/%3Aar%3A%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A_%D9%88%D8%AC), a significant valley within Arabian and Islamic history.<ref name="Wajj" />

The etymology of the city's current name, Taʾif ({{langx|ar|اَلطَّائِفُ}}), comes from the [Arabic root](/source/Abjad) {{lang|ar|ط و ف}}, which could translate to "wanderer", "roamer", or "circulator"; the latter of which is the basis of the word ''[Ṭawāf](/source/Tawaf)'' ({{lang|ar|طَوَاف}}), which literally translates to "circulation" or "circumambulation", and is used in the context of the circumambulation of the [Kaaba](/source/Kaaba).<ref name="Maqsood1994">{{cite book |last=Maqsood |first=Ruqaiyyah |title=World Faiths, teach yourself – Islam |year=1994 |url=https://archive.org/details/islam0000maqs/page/76 |page=[https://archive.org/details/islam0000maqs/page/76 76] |publisher=Hodder & Stoughton |isbn=0-340-60901-X}}</ref><ref name="Shariati2005">{{Cite book |last=Shariati |first=Ali |title=HAJJ: Reflection on Its Rituals |publisher=Islamic Publications International |year=2005 |isbn=1-889999-38-5}}</ref><ref name="Denny2010">{{Cite book |last=Denny |first=Frederick Mathewson |title=An Introduction to Islam |publisher=[Prentice Hall](/source/Prentice_Hall) |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-13814477-7}}</ref>

Taʾif was given this name due to the wall that was built by the tribe of [Banu Thaqif](/source/Banu_Thaqif) that circulated the city.<ref>{{cite web|title= الطائف القديمة حاصرها الرسول "صلى الله عليه وسلم" ونالت اهتمام الرحالة والمؤرخين|url= https://www.alriyadh.com/266322|website=[Al Riyadh](/source/Al_Riyadh_(newspaper))|language=ar}}</ref> In short, the city of Taʾif literally means the circulated or encircled city.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}

== History ==
In the [6th century](/source/6th_century) [A.D.](/source/Anno_Domini), the city of Ta'if was dominated by the [Thaqif tribe](/source/Banu_Thaqif), which still lives in and around the city of Ta'if today. It has been suggested that [Jewish](/source/Jews) tribes who were displaced in the wars of the [Himyarite Kingdom](/source/Himyarite_Kingdom) by Ethiopian Christians settled near Ta'if.<ref>Hirschberg, Haim Ze'ev (1972). "Arabia" In Encyclopaedia Judaica. 3. Jerusalem: Macmillan. p. 234.</ref> The walled city was a religious centre as it housed the idol of the goddess [''Lāt''](/source/Al-l%C4%81t), who was then known as "the lady of Ta'if." Its climate marked the city out from its dry and barren neighbours closer to the [Red Sea](/source/Red_Sea). [Wheat](/source/Wheat), [vine](/source/vine)s and [fruit](/source/fruit) [orchard](/source/orchard)s were grown around Ta'if, and this is how the city earned its title "the Garden of the Hejaz."<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://www.islamawareness.net/Muhammed/saw.html |title=The Prophets of Islam - Muhammad |publisher=Islamawareness.net |access-date=2012-01-17}}</ref><ref name="Skylife">{{Cite web |title=Garden Of The Hejaz: Taif |url=https://www.skylife.com/en/2012-11/garden-of-the-hejaz-taif |access-date=2020-07-27 |website=Skylife |language=en |archive-date=2013-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901213524/http://www.skylife.com/en/2012-11/garden-of-the-hejaz-taif }}</ref> Both Ta'if and [Mecca](/source/Mecca) were resorts of pilgrimage.<ref name="alislam">{{cite web|title=The Excellent Exemplar - Muhammad|url=http://www.alislam.org/library/zafar/exampler.html|access-date=2012-01-17|publisher=[Al-Islam.org](/source/Ahlul_Bayt_Digital_Islamic_Library_Project)}}</ref> Ta'if was more pleasantly situated than Mecca itself, and their people of Ta'if had close trading relations. The people of Ta'if carried on agriculture and fruit‑growing in addition to their trade activities.<ref name=alislam/>

In the early [7th century](/source/7th_century) [C.E.](/source/Common_Era), [Muhammad](/source/Muhammad), who was born in Makkah, preached Islam to the inhabitants of Mecca and the Hijaz, and encountered resistance from many of the people there. In 630, a [battle](/source/Battle_of_Hunayn) took place at [Hunayn](/source/Hunayn_(Saudi_Arabia)), close to the city. Shortly after that, the unsuccessful [siege of Ta'if](/source/siege_of_Ta'if) took place. The city was assaulted by catapults from [Banu Daus](/source/Banu_Daws), but it repelled the attacks. The [Battle of Tabuk](/source/Expedition_of_Tabuk) in 631 left Tā'if completely isolated, so members of Thaqīf arrived in Makkah to negotiate the conversion of the city to [Islam](/source/Islam). The idol of ''Lāt'' was destroyed along with all other signs of the city's pagan past.<ref>{{cite book| title = Hisham Ibn Al-Kalbi - The Book of Idols}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| title=Ibn Ishaq - Sīratu Rasūlu l-LāhHawting}}</ref>

The city then went through many exchanges-of-power, but most of the action within these conflicts took place between Makkah and Medina, and Ta'if dwindled in importance in contrast to the two holy cities.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book|last=Badr|first=Abdulbasit A.|title=Madinah, The Enlightened City: History and Landmarks|year=2015|isbn=978-603-90414-7-4|location=[Medina](/source/Medina)}}</ref>

=== Under Ottoman rule ===
On 17 July 1517, the [Sharif of Mecca](/source/Sharif_of_Mecca) capitulated to the [Ottoman](/source/Ottoman_Empire) [Sultan](/source/Sultan) [Selim I](/source/Selim_I). As a sign of this, he surrendered to him the keys of the Islamic cities of Mecca and [Medina](/source/Medina). As part of the Hijaz, Ta'if was also given over to Ottoman control and the city remained Ottoman for a further three centuries, until in 1802, when it was taken by rebels allied with the [House of Saud](/source/House_of_Saud). These forces then proceeded to take Mecca and Medina. The loss was keenly felt by the Ottoman Empire, which viewed itself as the protector of the holy cities. The Ottoman sultan, [Mahmud II](/source/Mahmud_II), called upon the ''Wali'' of [Egypt](/source/Egypt), [Muhammad Ali](/source/Muhammad_Ali_of_Egypt), who launched an attack on the Hejaz and reconquered Ta'if in 1813.<ref name=":8" />

In 1813, the [Swiss](/source/Switzerland) traveler and [orientalist](/source/Oriental_studies) [Johann Ludwig Burckhardt](/source/Johann_Ludwig_Burckhardt) visited Ta'if and left an eyewitness account of the city just after its recapture by the Muhammad Ali, with whom he obtained several interviews while he was there. Burckhardt reported that the wall and ditch around the city had been built by Othman el-Medhayfe. There were three gates and several towers on the city walls, which, however, were weak, being in some places only {{convert|45|cm|abbr=on}} thick. Burckhardt stated that the castle had been built by [Sharif](/source/Sharif_of_Mecca) [Ghalib ibn Musa'id](/source/Ghalib_ibn_Musa'id). He noted the destruction of the city caused by the conquest of 1802. Most of the buildings were still in ruin while he was there, and the tomb of ['Abdullah ibn 'Abbas](/source/Ibn_Abbas) – cousin of Muhammad and ancestor of the [Abbasids](/source/Abbasid_Caliphate) – had been severely damaged. He also recorded that the population of the city was still mostly [Thaqīfi](/source/Banu_Thaqif). In terms of trade, the city was an [entrepôt](/source/entrep%C3%B4t) for [coffee](/source/coffee).<ref>{{cite book|last1=Burkhardt|first1=John Lewis|url=http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/b/burckhardt/john_lewis/arabia/chapter3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080825045144/http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/b/burckhardt/john_lewis/arabia/chapter3.html|archive-date=August 25, 2008|title=Travels in Arabia|date=1829|publisher=John Colburn|location=London|access-date=27 November 2017}}</ref>thumb|right|Landscape from south of Ta'if

The castle and military barracks in Ta'if were repaired by the Ottomans in 1843, a ''{{lang|tr|[hükûmet](/source/%3Awikt%3Ah%C3%BCk%C3%BBmet) konağı}}'' – mansion for government business – was built in 1869, and a post office was established sometime later.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|date=2016-10-29|title=Taif|url=http://www.saudiarabiatourismguide.com/taif/|access-date=2020-07-26|website=Saudi Arabia Tourism Guide|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Arab Revolt ===
[[File:Taifroad.jpg|thumb|right|Road to Ta'if in the foreground, with the [Hijaz Mountains](/source/Hijaz_Mountains) in the background]]

Prior to the [Arab Revolt](/source/Arab_Revolt), [Ahmed Bey](/source/Ahmed_Bey) had been made the commander of Ottoman forces in Tā'if. He had under him a force of 3,000 soldiers and 10 pieces of [mountain artillery](/source/mountain_artillery). Ghalib Pasha, the governor of the Hejaz was also present in the city. In 1916, the [Hashemite](/source/Hashemite)s launched their revolt against the Ottoman Empire in Mecca in June. That city had fallen and then in July, [Abdullah](/source/Abdullah_I_of_Jordan), the eldest son of the Hashemite leader and [Sharif of Mecca, Husayn ibn Ali](/source/Hussein_bin_Ali%2C_Sharif_of_Mecca), came with seventy men to Tā'if.

Whilst his activities in the area aroused the suspicion of Ahmed Bey, Ghalib Pasha was unconcerned by so small a force. Abdullah secretly built up his army to 5,000 men. He then cut the telegraph wires to the city and took the offensive. All Hashemite assaults on the city were repelled by the mountain guns, and both sides settled down to an uneasy siege. However, Hashemite guns were slowly brought up to Tā'if, and then the city held out a little longer; before finally surrendering on 22 September. The city thus later became a part of the self-proclaimed [Hashemite](/source/Hashemites) [Kingdom of Hejaz](/source/Kingdom_of_Hejaz).<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite book|last=Holden, David.|title=The House of Saud: the Rise and Rule of the Most Powerful Dynasty in the Arab World|others=Johns, Richard.|date=January 1982|isbn=0-03-043731-8|edition=1st American|location=New York|oclc=7575513}}</ref>

=== Saudi conquest and modern history ===
Ta'if did not remain in Hashemite hands for very long. Tensions between the King of the Hejaz, Husayn ibn Ali, and [Abdulaziz al-Saud](/source/Ibn_Saud), the [Emir of Nejd and Hasa](/source/Third_Saudi_State), soon broke out into violence. Although hostilities subsided in 1919, by September 1924, the then Saudi-sponsored [Ikhwan](/source/Ikhwan) [militia](/source/militia), under the leadership of [Sultan bin Bajad](/source/Sultan_bin_Bajad) and Khaled bin Luwai', was ready to attack Ta'if. The city was supposed to have been defended by the king's son, ['Ali](/source/Ali_of_Hejaz), but he fled in panic with his troops. Three hundred of 'Ali's men were slain by the Ikhwan in what became known as the [Ta'if massacre](/source/Ta'if_massacre).<ref name=":10" /> In 1926, Abdulaziz al-Saud was officially recognized as the new King of Hejaz. Ta'if remained a part of the Kingdom of Hejaz until Abdulaziz al-Saud unified his two kingdoms and [consolidated](/source/Unification_of_Saudi_Arabia) them into the [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia](/source/Saudi_Arabia) in 1932. In 1934 the [treaty](/source/Treaty) was signed here that established the boundary lines between [Yemen](/source/Yemen) and the kingdom.<ref>Merriam-Webster's geographical dictionary. (1997). (Third edition). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster Inc. p. 1152. {{ISBN|0-87779-546-0}}.</ref> The king himself was later to die in the city on 9 November 1953, as did [King Khalid](/source/King_Khalid) on 13 June 1982.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}

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.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/198206/foundations-the.pillars.htm |title=Foundations: The Pillars |magazine=Saudi Aramco World |access-date=2012-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202115900/http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/198206/foundations-the.pillars.htm |archive-date=2012-02-02 }}</ref> In terms of building roads to the isolated city, in 1965 the then King Faisal inaugurated the {{convert|54|mi|abbr=on}} mountain highway between Mecca and Ta'if,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/196603/masterpieces.by.the.million.htm |title=Masterpieces By The Million |magazine=Saudi Aramco World |access-date=2012-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202110445/http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/196603/masterpieces.by.the.million.htm |archive-date=2012-02-02 }}</ref> now part of Highway 15 and known as the Taif – Al-Hada Road. In 1974, the approximately-650-kilometer Ta'if-[Abha](/source/Abha)–[Jizan](/source/Jizan) highway was commissioned part of the Highway 15.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/197403/made.in-saudi.arabia.htm |title=Made In: Saudi Arabia |magazine=Saudi Aramco World |access-date=2012-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202120740/http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/197403/made.in-saudi.arabia.htm |archive-date=2012-02-02 }}</ref> By the [1991 Gulf War](/source/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](/source/Rendon_Group)'s television and radio network, which was used for communication with [Kuwait](/source/Kuwait) during the [Iraqi occupation](/source/Gulf_War).{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}

== Geography ==
alt=|thumb|320x320px|Historic ''sadd'' ({{lang|ar|سَدّ}}, dam) in Ta'if

The entirety of the Ta'if governorate is situated on a [raised valley](/source/Plateau) surrounded by the Hejaz Mountains (part of the [Sarat mountains](/source/Sarawat_Mountains)) to the west and south. The city is situated at an elevation of {{convert|1,879|m|ft|abbr=on}} [above mean sea level](/source/Above_Mean_Sea_Level). For comparison, the surrounding [mountains](/source/Ibrahim_Mountain) which separate Ta'if from nearby villages such as Al-Hada and [Ash-Shafa](/source/Ash_Shafa), range in height anywhere from {{convert|2,000|–|3,500|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Ta'if is known to have had many [''wadis''](/source/Wadi) with running water before, suggested by the presence of dams along many of these. Taif's highest point, the Jebel Daka is even the fifth highest peak of Saudi Arabia.

=== Climate ===
Ta'if has a hot [desert climate](/source/desert_climate) ([Köppen climate classification](/source/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification) ''BWh''), with hot summers and mild winters. It is much cooler in Ta'if during the summertime than in other parts of Saudi Arabia, particularly compared to Riyadh. Precipitation is low, but all months see some rain, with more rain in spring and late autumn than in other months.<ref name="JRCC 12-2016">{{cite web |url=http://jrcc.sa/climate_data_observatory_sa.php |title= Jeddah Regional Climate Center |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161211044841/http://jrcc.sa/climate_data_observatory_sa.php |archive-date=11 December 2016}}</ref><ref name= "PME 12-2015">{{cite web |url=http://jrcc.sa/reports_files/1985_2010Reports/Taif.RTF |title=Surface annual climatological report |publisher=PME |access-date=23 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052523/http://jrcc.sa/reports_files/1985_2010Reports/Taif.RTF |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref>

{{Weather box
| location = Ta'if (1991-2020)
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan record high C = 32.0
| Feb record high C = 33.0
| Mar record high C = 34.0
| Apr record high C = 35.2
| May record high C = 39.0
| Jun record high C = 40.2
| Jul record high C = 41.0
| Aug record high C = 40.0
| Sep record high C = 40.0
| Oct record high C = 36.0
| Nov record high C = 32.5
| Dec record high C = 30.0
| Jan high C = 23.1
| Feb high C = 25.3
| Mar high C = 27.7
| Apr high C = 30.6
| May high C = 33.9
| Jun high C = 36.3
| Jul high C = 35.6
| Aug high C = 36.0
| Sep high C = 35.2
| Oct high C = 31.1
| Nov high C = 26.8
| Dec high C = 24.2
| Jan mean C = 15.8
| Feb mean C = 17.7
| Mar mean C = 20.2
| Apr mean C = 23.2
| May mean C = 26.5
| Jun mean C = 29.6
| Jul mean C = 29.3
| Aug mean C = 29.5
| Sep mean C = 28.2
| Oct mean C = 23.7
| Nov mean C = 19.6
| Dec mean C = 16.9
| Jan low C = 8.7
| Feb low C = 10.3
| Mar low C = 12.8
| Apr low C = 16.0
| May low C = 19.3
| Jun low C = 22.8
| Jul low C = 23.6
| Aug low C = 23.8
| Sep low C = 21.0
| Oct low C = 16.0
| Nov low C = 12.5
| Dec low C = 9.8
| Jan record low C = -1.5
| Feb record low C = 0.0
| Mar record low C = 0.5
| Apr record low C = 4.0
| May record low C = 5.6
| Jun record low C = 13.9
| Jul record low C = 13.3
| Aug record low C = 13.3
| Sep record low C = 11.4
| Oct record low C = 8.0
| Nov record low C = 5.0
| Dec record low C = -1.0
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 9.7
| Feb precipitation mm = 1.1
| Mar precipitation mm = 12.4
| Apr precipitation mm = 34.1
| May precipitation mm = 34.8
| Jun precipitation mm = 3.8
| Jul precipitation mm = 2.4
| Aug precipitation mm = 17.2
| Sep precipitation mm = 9.1
| Oct precipitation mm = 16.1
| Nov precipitation mm = 23.1
| Dec precipitation mm = 5.0
| year precipitation mm = 168.8
| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 1.2
| Feb precipitation days = 0.3
| Mar precipitation days = 1.3
| Apr precipitation days = 3.7
| May precipitation days = 3.9
| Jun precipitation days = 0.5
| Jul precipitation days = 0.6
| Aug precipitation days = 1.9
| Sep precipitation days = 0.9
| Oct precipitation days = 2.1
| Nov precipitation days = 2.5
| Dec precipitation days = 1.0
|year precipitation days = 20.0
| Jan humidity = 61
| Feb humidity = 54
| Mar humidity = 47
| Apr humidity = 47
| May humidity = 38
| Jun humidity = 25
| Jul humidity = 27
| Aug humidity = 31
| Sep humidity = 33
| Oct humidity = 42
| Nov humidity = 56
| Dec humidity = 61
| Jan sun = 260.4
| Feb sun = 265.6
| Mar sun = 285.2
| Apr sun = 294.0
| May sun = 306.9
| Jun sun = 321.0
| Jul sun = 334.8
| Aug sun = 331.7
| Sep sun = 270.0
| Oct sun = 291.4
| Nov sun = 255.0
| Dec sun = 244.9
| year sun =
|Jand sun = 8.4
|Febd sun = 9.4
|Mard sun = 9.2
|Aprd sun = 9.8
|Mayd sun = 9.9
|Jund sun = 10.7
|Juld sun = 10.8
|Augd sun = 10.7
|Sepd sun = 9.0
|Octd sun = 9.4
|Novd sun = 8.5
|Decd sun = 7.9
|yeard sun = 8.6
| source 1 =[World Meteorological Organization](/source/World_Meteorological_Organization),<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/4.4/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/SaudiArabia/CSV/Taif_41036.csv
| title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991–2020
| publisher = World Meteorological Organization
| access-date = 2 August 2023}}</ref> [Deutscher Wetterdienst](/source/Deutscher_Wetterdienst) (sun)<ref name="DWD">{{cite web |url=http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_410360_kt.pdf |title=Klimatafel von Taif (at-Ta'if al-Hawiya) / Saudi-Arabien |work=Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world |publisher=Deutscher Wetterdienst |language=de |access-date=25 January 2016}}</ref>
| source =
| date = May 2015
| source 2 = <ref name="JRCC 12-2016" /><ref name= "PME 12-2015" />
}}

=== Natural landmarks ===
[[File:Jabal Dakka, Al Shafa.jpg|thumb|328x328px|[Jabal Dakka](/source/Jabal_Daka) near [Ash-Shafa](/source/Ash_Shafa)]]

Al-Rudaf Park is a large natural park in South Ta'if, where trees stand amidst weathered granite rocks. The site also has a small zoo. Additionally, the park has a large lake with fountains and cannons.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-06-29|title=ThePlace: Saudi Arabia's Al-Rudaf Park, located in the heart of Taif|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1517746/saudi-arabia|access-date=2019-07-10|website=Arab News|language=en}}</ref> The Ta'if rose plantation is a complex of rose fields filled with small fragrant pink roses that are distilled into expensive Ta'if rose oil.<ref name="ormondejayne.com%20">http://www.ormondejayne.com%20 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928010523/http://www.ormondejayne.com/|date=2011-09-28}}</ref> This especially concerns the famous 30-petal [Damask rose](/source/Rosa_%C3%97_damascena) (''Rosa damascena trigintipetala''), whose scent has been described as a robust, spicy, and dizzyingly complex scent<ref>{{cite web|date=2017-03-13|title=Guide to Exploring Taif a.k.a City of Roses|work=Gurfati Blog |url=http://blog.gurfati.com/ultimate-guide-taif/|access-date=2017-05-02|publisher=Gurfati|archive-date=2017-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313152342/http://blog.gurfati.com/ultimate-guide-taif/}}</ref> which has been used by several luxury perfume brands, including [Ormonde Jayne](/source/Ormonde_Jayne),<ref name="ormondejayne.com%20" /> [Chanel](/source/Chanel), [Guerlain](/source/Guerlain) and [Hermès](/source/Herm%C3%A8s).<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|title=Taif Rose perfume ingredient, Taif Rose fragrance and essential oils Rosa damascena trigintipetala|url=https://www.fragrantica.com/notes/Taif-Rose-115.html|access-date=2020-07-26|website=www.fragrantica.com}}</ref>

The ''Nuqbat al-Hamra''' park near [Al-Hada](/source/Al_Hada) is a large nature preserve at an elevation of {{convert|2100|m|ft|abbr=off}} above sea level.<ref name="Cuddihy2001">{{cite book|last=Cuddihy|first=Kathy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lxQ6inTiMbMC&q=Shafa|title=An A to Z of Places and Things Saudi|publisher=[Stacey International](/source/Stacey_International)|year=2001|isbn=1-9009-8840-2|location=[London](/source/London)|pages=174–209|chapter=18}}</ref><ref name=":2">[http://up.arab-x.com/July09/zao28050.jpg "zao28050.jpg"]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707154545/http://up.arab-x.com/July09/zao28050.jpg|date=July 7, 2011}}</ref><ref name=":3">[http://up.rabe7.com/get-1-2010-k74v2goq.jpg] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715141804/http://up.rabe7.com/get-1-2010-k74v2goq.jpg|date=July 15, 2011}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite web|title=المنتديات - الطائف نت|url=http://www.taifcity.net/up/uploads/44b62130c5.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102052126/http://www.taifcity.net/up/uploads/44b62130c5.jpg|archive-date=2014-11-02|access-date=2013-04-06|publisher=Taifcity.net}}</ref> [Ash-Shafā](/source/Al-Shafa%2C_Saudi_Arabia) is a small village situated high up in the mountains at an elevation of {{convert|2,200|to|2,500|m|ft|abbr=off}} above sea level, rich in agricultural products. The fruit gardens of Ta'if are located here. A [camel](/source/dromedary) ride is available,<ref>[https://archive.today/20120720085423/http://www.al-taif.net/gallery/files/1/8/8/8/alshafa.jpg "Al Shafa"]. Al-taif.net</ref> and [Jabal Dakka](/source/Jabal_Daka) is within view of the village.<ref name="Cuddihy2001" /> The Saiysad National Park is located in New Ta'if.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}

== Economy and development ==
{{update section|date=July 2020}}
[[File:Rosa damascena ps.jpg|thumb|313x313px|[Rosa × damascena](/source/Rosa_%C3%97_damascena) (''R. damascena trigintipetala'') flower in Ta'if]]

Historically, Ta'if's economy depended on [agriculture](/source/agriculture) and the cultivation of [rose](/source/rose)s, which were traded throughout [Central Asia](/source/Central_Asia) and [Transoxiana](/source/Transoxiana).<ref name="Prothero86">{{cite book|last=Prothero|first=G. W.|url=http://www.wdl.org/en/item/11767/view/1/86/|title=Arabia|publisher=H.M. Stationery Office|year=1920|location=London|page=86}}</ref> Ta'if's modern economy is still mostly dependent on agriculture and [perfume](/source/perfume)s, but an increasing diversification project has been taking place in order to combat the city's heavy dependence on these two industries.<ref name="Skylife" /> The distilled [rose oil](/source/rose_oil) from the ''[Rosa × damascena](/source/Rosa_%C3%97_damascena)'' plant has been traditionally used as an [attar](/source/attar) in the Middle East, usually as a masculine fragrance, and due to its cultivation in Ta'if, it has gained the name "Ta'if rose", which in 2024 was included in the [UNESCO](/source/UNESCO) [Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity](/source/UNESCO_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage_Lists).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/02089 |title=Cultural practices related to Taif roses|date=2024  |access-date=December 14, 2024 |publisher=UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage |language=en}}</ref>

On October 1, 2017, [King](/source/King_of_Saudi_Arabia) [Salman of Saudi Arabia](/source/Salman_of_Saudi_Arabia) inaugurated the "New Ta'if" project, a $3.9 billion project<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-02-06|title=Prince Khaled announces SR14.6bn projects in Taif, Moya and Misan|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1240951/saudi-arabia|access-date=2019-05-07|website=Arab News|language=en}}</ref> aiming at establishing a new, international airport in the city, dubbed the Ta'if International Airport, renovation and modernization of the historic [Souk 'Okaz](/source/Souk_Okaz),<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|title=Here are the plans for 6 key projects in New Taif City|url=https://www.argaam.com/en/article/articledetail/id/507327|access-date=2020-07-27|website=ArgaamPlus|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web|date=2018-02-06|title=Makkah governor opens first phase of solar plant in Taif|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1240236/saudi-arabia|access-date=2019-05-07|website=Arab News|language=en}}</ref> establishment of the Oasis of Technology, which is expected to include an [Antonov](/source/Antonov) aircraft manufacturing and assembly plant, an industrial airport with a 3.5-km runway, a [solar farm](/source/Photovoltaic_power_station) covering {{convert|25,000|m2}} expected to produce 30&nbsp;MW of electricity,<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" /> the Residential Suburb, which is expected to include 10,000 residential units,<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" /> the Industrial City, an {{convert|11|km2|adj=on}} industrial city with a complex for heavy, medium and light industries along with a vocational training center,<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" /> and the University City, a {{convert|16|km2|adj=on}} university projected to be built in the Saiysad National Park.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" />

== Culture ==

=== Arts ===
The Souk 'Okaz, one of the best known pre-Islamic ''souks'', was not only a market, but in many ways, a historic theater, where [sociopolitical](/source/Political_sociology) and commercial exchanges took place between the tribes of [pre-Islamic Arabia](/source/pre-Islamic_Arabia).<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|last=Hariri-Rifai, Wahbi.|title=The heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia|date=1990|publisher=GDG Publications|others=Hariri-Rifai, Mokhless.|isbn=0-9624483-0-3|location=Washington, D.C.|oclc=23255261}}</ref> People from around the peninsula would come to visit the idol of the goddess [''Lat''](/source/Al-Lat).<ref name=":5" /> This is proof that Ta'if has long been a historic center for trade and the arts in the [Arabian Peninsula](/source/Arabian_Peninsula); contemporary theaters in the area include the 'Okaz Market Theater<ref>{{Cite web|title=Riyadh Daily|url=http://www.alriyadhdaily.com/article/66eb306d8a054c589aced7d85e0739cb|access-date=2020-07-26|website=www.alriyadhdaily.com}}</ref> and the recently opened King 'Abdullah Park Theater.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-30|title=Saudi city Taif set to open first park cinema for festival season|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1533276/saudi-arabia|access-date=2020-07-26|website=Arab News|language=en}}</ref> A [performing arts](/source/performing_arts) theater is also located in the nearby town of Qia and is known as the Folk Theater of Qia.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}

In the framework of Saudi Seasons initiative, the first Ta'if Season took place on August 1, 2019. Artists from seven countries participated in the event and a wide range of activities were overseen. Three main events have taken place during the season including the Souk 'Okaz festival and a [camel race](/source/Camel_racing). As a sideline to the event, a rose festival in the city as well as a number of concerts and plays were held.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-06-29|title=Taif Season set to open on Aug. 1 with eight countries participating|url=http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/570333/SAUDI-ARABIA/Taif-Season-set-to-open-on-Aug-1-with-eight-countries-participating|access-date=2019-07-10|website=Saudigazette|language=en}}</ref>

=== Sports ===
Like most of Saudi Arabia, the most popular sport among Saudis in Ta'if is football. [Wej SC](/source/Wej_SC) ([Saudi Arabian Football Federation](/source/Saudi_Arabian_Football_Federation)) plays at [King Fahd Sports City](/source/King_Fahd_Sports_City) in North Ta'if near [as-Sayl as-Saghir](/source/As_Sayl_as_Saghir) and is the football team representing the city. The expatriate minority in the city has brought several other games with them to Ta'if, including [cricket](/source/cricket), [badminton](/source/badminton) and [volleyball](/source/volleyball).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sports in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia forum|url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=596419|access-date=2020-07-26|website=www.expat.com/|language=en}}</ref> [Al Hawiyah Stadium](/source/Al_Hawiyah_Stadium) is the local football pitch.

== Infrastructure ==

=== Education ===
In 2004 [Taif University](/source/Taif_University) was established which offers both undergraduate and graduate programs across four colleges and 16 faculties.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=2023-05-12 |title=Taif University |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/taif-university |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Universities in Taif {{!}} Colleges in Taif {{!}} KSA Universities |url=https://www.ksauniversities.com/en/universities-in-taif-saudi-arabia.html |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=KSA University |language=en-GB}}</ref> It has four campuses located in the Taif Governorate, with the main campus in Al-Hawiyya.<ref name=":14" />

In 2014 the [Canadian](/source/Canada) [Niagara College](/source/Niagara_College) opened a campus in Taif with programs in tourism, hospitality, and business.<ref name=":15">{{Cite news |date=21 January 2016 |title=Niagara College campus in Saudi Arabia for men only |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/headlines/niagara-college-campus-in-saudi-arabia-for-men-only-1.3413243 |access-date=20 May 2023}}</ref> This effort is part of the Colleges of Excellence program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NCKSA – Niagara College |url=https://ncksa.com/en/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |language=en-CA}}</ref> The college faced criticism for being open to men only, including from the [Canadian Association of University Teachers](/source/Canadian_Association_of_University_Teachers).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Craggs |first=Samantha |date=10 December 2016 |title=University teachers threaten to censure Niagara College over its Saudi campuses |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/university-teachers-threaten-to-censure-niagara-college-over-its-saudi-campuses-1.3890493 |access-date=20 May 2023}}</ref><ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=LaFleche |first=Grant |orig-date=1 February 2016|date=9 June 2020 |title=LaFleche: No excuse for Niagara College's Saudi campus |work=Niagara Falls Review |url=https://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/opinion/columnists/2016/02/01/lafleche-no-excuse-for-niagara-college-s-saudi-campus.html |access-date=20 May 2023}}</ref> As of 2023 it is unclear whether the campus in Taif is still active, with even the main website of Niagara College KSA having mixed information.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Foundation Program – NCKSA |url=https://ncksa.com/en/home/foundation-program/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why NCKSA – NCKSA |url=https://ncksa.com/en/home/why-ncksa/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |language=en-CA}}</ref>

=== Mosques ===
{{See also|List of mosques in Saudi Arabia}}

There are a number of historical mosques in the city.<ref name="ArabNews 01-2018">{{cite news |last=Al-Kinani |first=Mohammed |title=Taif mosque is a historic Saudi jewel with a story to tell |newspaper=[Arab News](/source/Arab_News) |location=Taif, Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1223181/saudi-arabia |date=2018-01-11 |access-date=2024-02-27}}</ref><ref name="ArabNews 07-2023">{{cite news |last=Al-Thaqafi |first=Tareq |title=Taif's weather, rich culture and history attract pilgrims |newspaper=Arab News |location=[Makkah](/source/Mecca), Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2337951/saudi-arabia |date=2023-07-14 |access-date=2024-02-27}}</ref> The [Abdullah ibn 'Abbas Mosque](/source/Abdullah_Ibn_Abbas_Mosque%2C_Ta'if) houses the remains of Abdullah [ibn Abbas](/source/ibn_Abbas), a [cousin](/source/Banu_Hashim) and [companion](/source/Companions_of_the_Prophet) of [Muhammad](/source/Muhammad_in_Islam).<ref name="Wafy 01-2024">{{cite web |last=Al-Wazani |first=Nadeen |title=The deep history of Abdullah bin Abbas Mosque |website=Wafy (وافي) |url=https://www.wafyapp.com/en/article/the-deep-history-of-abdullah-bin-abbas-mosque |date=2024-01-12 |access-date=2024-02-27}}</ref><ref name="IslamicLandmarks">{{cite web |website=Islamic Landmarks |title=Masjid Abdullah Ibn Abbas |date=26 January 2014 |url=https://www.islamiclandmarks.com/saudiarabia-additional-places/masjid-of-abdullah-bin-abbas-ra |access-date=2024-02-27}}</ref> The [Mosque of Addas](/source/Addas_Mosque) is named after [Addas](/source/Addas), an [Iraqi Christian](/source/Christianity_in_Iraq) who embraced Islam after meeting Muhammad.<ref name="AtlasIslamica">{{cite web |website=Atlas Islamica |title=Addas Mosque |date=19 May 2021 |url=https://atlasislamica.com/addas-mosque/ |access-date=2024-02-27}}</ref><ref name="Islam&Ihsan 03-2020">{{cite news |website=Islam & Ihsan |title=Prophet Muhammad's Visit To Taif |url=https://www.islamandihsan.com/prophet-muhammads-visit-to-taif.html |date=2020-03-11 |access-date=2024-02-27}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed">
File:مسجد عبد الله بن العباس بالطائف.jpg|[Abdullah ibn 'Abbas Mosque](/source/Abdullah_Ibn_Abbas_Mosque%2C_Ta'if)
File:مسجد عداس.jpg|[Mosque of Addas](/source/Addas_Mosque)
File:مسجد المدهون 8.jpg|[Masjid Al-Qantarah](/source/Al_Qantara_Mosque),<br/>abandoned and partially ruined
File:The Mosque in Taif 2010.jpg|<!-- Mosque name is not known. Please help if you can. Thanks. -->
</gallery>

=== Museums and historic landmarks ===
[[File:سوق عكاظ.JPG|right|thumb|304x304px|Map of the historic [Souk 'Okaz](/source/Souk_Okaz) from the book Sahih al-Akhbar<ref name="Bulaihad1952" />]]

Located {{convert|40|km|abbr=on}} north of Ta'if is the site of the [Souk 'Okaz](/source/Souk_Okaz),<ref name="Bulaihad1952">{{Cite news |last=Bulaihad |first=Muhammad |year=1952 |title=صحيح الأخبار عما في بلاد العرب من الاّثار}}</ref> the largest and best known of the pre-Islamic [''souks''](/source/souk).<ref>[http://www.ysljdj.com/photo/images/Taif%20%AA%BA%20Okaz%20%AA%BA%A5%AB%B3%F5%BF%F2%B8%F1.JPG "Stone arch"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801024252/http://www.ysljdj.com/photo/images/Taif%20%AA%BA%20Okaz%20%AA%BA%A5%AB%B3%F5%BF%F2%B8%F1.JPG |date=2013-08-01 }}. Ysldj.com</ref> The ''souq'' was a scene of 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 [basalt](/source/basalt)ic stone. Wadi Mitna is a ''[wadi](/source/wadi)'' believed to be the location where Muhammad sought refuge from the tribes of [Hawazin](/source/Hawazin) and Thaqif in 619 AD, after he was stoned by the tribes. He was later given sanctuary by his fellows in a small house, which has now been converted into a [mosque](/source/mosque).

Shubra Palace is the regional museum of Ta'if, housed in a building built around 1900, which served as [Ibn Saud](/source/Ibn_Saud)'s lodging in the 1930s,<ref>{{cite web|date=1953-11-09|title=Taif City Profile, Saudi Arabia|url=http://www.the-saudi.net/saudi-arabia/taif/Taif%20-%20Saudi%20Arabia.htm|access-date=2012-01-17|publisher=The-saudi.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2222/2377127830_15d3848e3d.jpg |title=Photo_unavailable.gif (500x374 pixels) |website=farm3.static.flickr.com |access-date=3 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716201516/http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2222/2377127830_15d3848e3d.jpg |archive-date=16 July 2012 }}</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20120720124241/http://www.al-taif.net/gallery/files/3/t6_66403.jpg "Shubra Palace" (image)]. Al-Taif.net</ref> and was also used as the Presidency of the [Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia](/source/Council_of_Ministers_of_Saudi_Arabia) during [King Faisal](/source/Faisal_of_Saudi_Arabia)'s reign.<ref name=":0" /> The Turkish Fort was a fort located near the Souk 'Okaz, many battles have been fought here and many prominent graves can be found, though only a small part of the original fort remains. Legend has it that [Lawrence of Arabia](/source/Lawrence_of_arabia) also fought here.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> The Badawi Fortress is located in the southern reaches of East Ta'if.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}

=== Transportation ===
[[File:ISS-42 Taif, Mecca and Jeddah at night.jpg|thumb|Left to right: Ta'if, [Mecca](/source/Mecca) and [Jeddah](/source/Jeddah) seen from the [ISS](/source/International_Space_Station) at night]]

Due to Ta'if's location in the mountains, most major highways either bend around the city or avoid the region completely. The only major highway in the Saudi Arabian network to pass through Ta'if is Highway 15 (known to locals as the Taif – Al-Hada Road) which arrives from Mecca in the west, bends around the mountains through Al-Hada, passes through the center of Ta'if, and travels to [Abha](/source/Abha) and [Khamis Mushait](/source/Khamis_Mushait) via [Baha](/source/Al_Bahah) and [Baljurashi](/source/Baljurashi). Ta'if is connected to [Highway 40](/source/Highway_40_(Saudi_Arabia)) via Highway 267 and Highway 287. Highway 267 forms the western part of the Ta'if beltway, but then continues southward toward [Ash-Shafa](/source/Ash_Shafa), bypassing Mecca by using a longer route and gives access to Highway 304, Highway 301, Highway 40 and Highway 290 via Highway 298.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}

Ta'if is served by the [Taif International Airport](/source/Taif_International_Airport). It was scheduled to open in 2020, but this had been delayed due to the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Saudi_Arabia). The new airport is mainly designed to cater to pilgrims of [Hajj](/source/Hajj) and '[Umrah](/source/Umrah), and to relieve pressure off the [King Abdulaziz International Airport](/source/King_Abdulaziz_International_Airport) in Jeddah.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Department|first=IT|title=مستكشف الطائف الجغرافي|url=https://gisapps.taifcity.gov.sa/basemap/index.html#|website=أمانة الطائف}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|date=2019-07-16|title=Set for opening in 2020, Taif airport still in designing stage|url=http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/572035|access-date=2020-07-26|website=Saudigazette|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Saudi Arabia: Taif Airport to be completed by 2020|url=https://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-42202-saudi-arabia-taif-airport-to-be-completed-by-2020|access-date=2020-07-26|website=Construction Week Online Middle East|date=8 December 2016 |language=en}}</ref>

== Notable people ==
{{More citations needed section|date=September 2021}}

=== Tribes ===
{{Further|Tribes of Arabia|Adnanites|Qahtanite|label3=Qahtanites}}

The historically well-known tribe of [Thaqif](/source/Banu_Thaqif) still lives in and around the city of Ta'if. 'Utaibah is another [Adnani tribe](/source/Adnanites) which still lives in Ta'if. [Banu Harith](/source/Bani_Hareth) is one of the [Qahtani Arabs](/source/Qahtani_Arabs) tribes living around Ta'if in Saudi Arabia. The tribe claims a very large area around the city in the area between Ta'if and [Qunfudhah](/source/Al_Qunfudhah) in Saudi Arabia. Thu al-Isba' al-'Adwani was an [Arabic poet](/source/Arabic_poetry) and a man of wisdom from the Banu 'Adwan tribe that historically lived in the northern parts of Ta'if. Furthermore, Banu Thabit are people descended from Thabit and the tribe is originally part of [Hawazin](/source/Hawazin) clan.

=== Births in the pre-modern era ===
'''Pre-Islamic leaders of Banu Thaqif'''
During the [pre-Islamic](/source/Pre-Islamic_Arabia) era, the city was populated by the tribe of Thaqif. The city had then the following chieftains:
* '[Urwah ibn Mas'ud](/source/Urwah_ibn_Mas'ud)
* ['Abd-ya-Layl ibn 'Amr](/source/Abd-Ya-Layl_ibn_Amr)
* ['Uthman ibn Abu al-'Aas](/source/Uthman_ibn_Abu-al-Aas)

'''Other important Islamic figures'''
* ['Uthman ibn 'Affan](/source/Uthman_ibn_Affan) (579–656) — 3rd [Rashidun](/source/Rashidun) [Caliph](/source/Rashidun_Caliphate) and [son-in-law](/source/son-in-law) of Muhammad
* [Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf](/source/Al-Hajjaj_ibn_Yusuf) (661–714) — [Umayyad](/source/Umayyad_Caliphate)-era [Governor of Iraq](/source/Governor_of_Iraq) and general
* [Muhammad bin Qasim](/source/Muhammad_bin_Qasim) (695–715) — [Umayyad](/source/Umayyad_Caliphate) general who conquered the [Sindh](/source/Sindh) and [Punjab](/source/Punjab) regions along the [Indus River](/source/Indus_River).<ref>{{cite book |title=Religion and Society in Arab Sind |pages=22–29 |last=Maclean |first=Derryl |publisher=[Brill Academic Publishers](/source/Brill_Publishers) |year=1989 |isbn=90-04-08551-3}}</ref>
* [Al-Hurr ibn Abd al-Rahman](/source/Al-Hurr_ibn_Abd_al-Rahman_al-Thaqafi) Fourth ruler of Al-Andalus during the Umayyad rule
* [Sharif Ali](/source/Sharif_Ali) ibn Ajlan ibn Rumaithah ibn Muhammad, son-in-law and successor of [Sultan Ahmad of Brunei](/source/Sultan_Ahmad_of_Brunei), father of [Sultan Sulaiman](/source/Sulaiman_(Brunei)), and a descendant of Muhammad<ref name=history-centre>{{cite web |title=Pusat Sejarah Brunei |url=http://www.history-centre.gov.bn/sultanbrunei.htm |language=ms |publisher=www.history-centre.gov.bn |access-date=2016-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415152209/http://www.history-centre.gov.bn/sultanbrunei.htm |archive-date=April 15, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Births in the modern era ===
'''Monarchs and royals'''
* [King Faisal I of Iraq](/source/Faisal_I_of_Iraq) (1885–1933) — 20th-century [King of Syria and Iraq](/source/Kingdom_of_Iraq)
* [Prince Nayef bin 'Abdulaziz Al Saud](/source/Naif_bin_Abdul_Aziz) (1934–2012) — former [Crown Prince](/source/Crown_Prince_of_Saudi_Arabia) and [Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia](/source/Ministry_of_Interior_(Saudi_Arabia))
'''Others'''
* [Hadi Soua'an Al-Somaily](/source/Hadi_Soua'an_Al-Somaily) (1976–present) — First Saudi Olympic medal winner.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Great Leaps: Saudi Arabia's First Olympic Medals|url=http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200101/great.leaps-saudi.arabia.s.first.olympic.medals.htm|magazine=Saudi Aramco World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202114323/http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200101/great.leaps-saudi.arabia.s.first.olympic.medals.htm|archive-date=2012-02-02|access-date=2012-01-17}}</ref>
* [Mutlaq Hamid Al-Otaibi](/source/Mutlaq_Hamid_Al-Otaibi) (1937–95) — poet and writer; member of the Faculty of Sharia' at the [Umm al-Qura' University](/source/Umm_al-Qura_University)
* [Hani Hanjour](/source/Hani_Hanjour) (1972–2001) — 9/11 hijacker pilot who crashed [American Airlines flight 77](/source/American_Airlines_flight_77) into [The Pentagon](/source/The_Pentagon).
* [Mohammed Alzeer](/source/Mohammed_Alzeer), businessman

=== Deaths ===
* ['Abdullah ibn 'Abbas](/source/Ibn_Abbas) (619–687) — [cousin](/source/cousin) of Muhammad
* [Midhat Pasha](/source/Midhat_Pasha) (1822–83) — Ottoman [grand vizier](/source/grand_vizier); assassinated by strangulation in prison
* [Ibn Saud](/source/Ibn_Saud) (1875–1953) — founder and 1st king of the [Third Saudi State](/source/Third_Saudi_State), the modern [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia](/source/Kingdom_of_Saudi_Arabia)
* [Khalid of Saudi Arabia](/source/Khalid_of_Saudi_Arabia) (1913–1982) — 4th king of Saudi Arabia and son of Ibn Saud

=== Governors ===
{{Empty section|date=February 2021}}

== See also ==
* [Al-Kateb House](/source/Al-Kateb_House)
* [Banu Jadhimah](/source/Banu_Jadhimah)
* ''[Miqat](/source/Miqat)'' of Qarnul-Manazil at [As Sayl al Kabir](/source/As_Sayl_al_Kabir)
* [Ta'if Agreement](/source/Taif_Agreement)
* ['Utaybah](/source/'Utaybah)

{{ELU}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{commons category-inline|Ta’if}}
* {{wikivoyage inline|Ta'if}}

{{Characters and names in the Quran}}
{{Mosques in Saudi Arabia}}
{{Saudi cities}}
{{Authority control}}

Taif
Category:Populated places in Mecca Province
Category:Cities in Saudi Arabia

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Taif](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taif) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taif?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.