Introducing Taif
After the cauldron-like coastal plain, Taif in summer can seem like a breath of fresh air. It is. Located 1700m above sea level, its gentle, temperate climate is its biggest attraction, and in summer, Taif becomes the Kingdom’s capital. With its wide, tree-lined streets, remnants of old Taif, a large and lively souq and beautiful surrounding scenery, it’s not hard to see why the King and his cronies relocate here.
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Taif is also known for the cultivation of roses and fruit (particularly honey-sweet figs, grapes, prickly pear and pomegranates). Over 3000 gardens are said to grace Taif and its surrounds.
The Taif to Mecca road was one of many roads built by the Bin Laden construction company (the largest construction company of its kind in Saudi, and specialising in mountain road construction).
Last updated: Sep 29, 2008
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