Ta'if can be explored through two distinct themes: rose cultivation and the history of Souq Okaz. One leads to an agricultural culture, the other to a historic trade and cultural fair. Together, they offer different perspectives on the destination: its rose production and the history of its fair.

Rose Cultivation and Tasheer

Ta'if is known for its rose cultivation. Around 650 million roses are produced there each year. This approximate figure conveys the scale of cultivation and makes rose culture a clear way to explore the destination. Cultivation and harvesting represent two different aspects of the same theme.

Visits to Ta'if rose harvest sites focus on Tasheer rituals and the traditional atmosphere. The focus is therefore not only on the rose as a product, but also on the rituals associated with the harvest. If you are planning such a visit, check in advance whether access is possible.

The History of Souq Okaz

Historically, Souq Okaz was the largest trade and cultural fair on the Arabian Peninsula. In this historic role, trade and culture came together. This adds a different focus to rose cultivation: while the annual rose production reflects Ta'if's agricultural character, Souq Okaz represents the history of a historic fair.

Makkah as the Broader Travel Destination

The broader travel destination of Makkah offers additional cultural and landscape themes. Historic Jeddah lies on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. Bab Makkah, a restored historic gate used as a place for shopping and purchasing goods, is located in historic Jeddah. Here, the coastal setting, city history and trade come together in a different way from Ta'if's rose culture.

Landscape in Al Lith Governorate

Mount Abu Sadaq lies in the southern coastal area of the broader Makkah travel destination, north of Al Lith. Its distinctive rock formations were shaped by natural erosion over thousands of years. Visitors are interested in desert excursions and photography there; Abu Sadaq thus offers a landscape perspective distinct from Ta'if's rose and fair history.

Ghumaiga Park and viewpoint are also in Al Lith Governorate. The site has walking trails and offers views of the surrounding mountain formations and sand dunes. As visitor facilities may be affected by maintenance changes, it is worth checking the condition of the trails before your visit. Also in Al Lith Governorate, in Wadi Dhahab, is Rahwa Centre with its waterfalls. It is a destination for picnics and adventure activities.

Culture in Makkah

The Hira Cultural District at the foot of Jabal al-Nour is a cultural and spiritual destination in Makkah. Together with the other examples, it shows how broad the range of themes is across the wider destination: from historic cities and trade to landscapes and trails, as well as cultural and spiritual sites. Ta'if's own focus remains rose cultivation and the historic significance of Souq Okaz.

Discover more destinations: Rabigh, Thuwal, Ghurabah, Dhahban, At Ta'if, Al Lith, Al Qunfudhah, Al Janah.

Go to the broader travel overview: Makkah.