Taif, Summer Capital

Taif (means "encompassing") is located in the mountains of Saudi Arabia I the Hijaz area, 2 hours driving time from Jeddah. Because of its 6,000 foot elevation and generous rainfall, the city has a pleasant year round climate with mild summers (80-90F degrees) and cool winters (40F, warm clothing is needed).

The normal population of approximately 300,000 may double during the summer months when Taif becomes the summer capital. Throughout the year, the city is one of the most popular holiday resorts. Taif is a contrast of the old and new. There are ultra modern government offices of marble and glass besides the old mud structures with wooden louvre windows and carved wooden doors. The plantings of oleander and palms enhance the old and new building.

Shopping: If you know where to look, goes the saying, you will find everything you want. Knowing where to look requires some time, energy and patience. Shopping is excellent in Taif. The shops range from small general shops (souqs) to well-established boutiques and a department store. Shopping if fun and eventually you will e able to find everything to meet your needs. The best buys are electronic equipment, French perfume and gold jewellery. Shopkeepers are honest and in the "souq" bargaining is an artful skill. The traditional Bedouin Taif souqs are among the most famous in the Kingdom especially for collectors of Bedouin jewellery, carpets, etc.

The grocery stores are unique. There are many small grocery stores and three large supermarkets. The fruit and vegetable shop has beautiful, fresh products; again, bargaining is proper. Food prices are for fresh meats and vegetables are reasonable. They do carry a good range of canned frozen and meats and vegetables are reasonable. They do carry good range of imported canned frozen and packaged foods but prices are high on these items. Good bakeries are located throughout the city. Locally made bread is inexpensive and delicious.

Sunburn: The sun is extremely strong in Saudi Arabia throughout the year. Always protect yourself against the sun to prevent sunburn.

High altitude & low humidity: Al Hada is located in the Taif Mountains at an altitude of 6,000-Ft. (1,800 meters). At this altitude, oxygen is less readily available and new arrivals will normally feel somewhat short of breath, especially when exercising, climbing stairs or carrying heavy burdens.

These symptoms will subside spontaneously with acclimation in a few days. Decrease smoking, don't overeat and drink plenty of fluids.

CNN 4 day weather report for Taif

Taif-Jeddah Escarpment Road: This spectacular escarpment is a beauty, which one never expects to encounter in this part of the world. It is a marvel of engineering. Breathtaking and majestic, the road rears 6,500 feet in 21 kilometres and 93 bends. However, beware this is a dangerous road to travel especially after sunset. You will travel this road on your way to Al Hada from Jeddah.

The people of the Taif region are hard working settled Bedouins who have become herders and farmers. The landscape is terraced for irrigating the fields, which are very productive. Much of what you find in the vegetable shops have been grown locally. Taif is famous for their pomegranates, roses and grapes.

Taif has a modern airport. There are frequent direct flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. The second highest mountain in Saudi Arabia, Ibrahim Jebel is located near the Wadi Turabah 40kn from Taif. This is an excellent spot for climbing, picnicking and camping.

Places of Interest

Al Rudaf Park: Located south of Taif is a large natural park where clumps of tree lie scattered amidst magnificent weathered granite rocks. The site also has a small zoo.

Wadi Mitna: The Prophet Mohammed's sanctuary in 662AD, first year of Hegira. Mohammed 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.

Al Shafa: A small village situated high upon the Sarawat mountains, 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.

Rock Carving Site: Located 40km north of Taif, this was the site of the largest and most well 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.

Nature Reserve: Between Al Hada hospital and the Sheraton Hotel a the top of Al Hada mountain is a large nature preserve. 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.

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.

Jeddah: Jeddah is a beautiful large modern city with a population of over 2 million. It is not only the terminal of international commercial air and sea traffic but also the point of entry to Mecca. It offers great dining, shopping and access to beaches and diving on the Red Sea.