Taif: The Summer Capital of Saudi Arabia

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaeana]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathirana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluka?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'iinjilia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awadu 'an 'ara alqaimat, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا أتناول اللحم
  [ana la atnaul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid 'an 'udfi', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdat!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [adhhab baedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atawasal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atawasal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mariid]

• I'd like to buy...أود شراء...
  [awad sharai...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتصفح
  [ana faqat atasafah]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sairuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfid al'sair?]

• What time is it?كم الوقت؟
  [kam alwaqt?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alssa'at alwahidat]
• Half past (10)الساعة والنصف
  [alssa'at walnusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alssabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [baed alzuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaa]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sabaa]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'ainawan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an tarini ('ala alkharita)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata yaati alhafilat alqadima?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tazkirat ('iilaa...)]

Taif's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement in the region spanning thousands of years. The city's name is believed to be derived from the Arabic word 'ta'if', meaning 'circumambulating', which signifies its ancient significance as a place of refuge and sanctuary. Archaeological findings suggest that Taif was inhabited by various tribes and civilizations, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.

Taif holds a significant place in Islamic history. In the early 7th century, Prophet Muhammad visited Taif to invite its people to embrace Islam. Despite facing hostility and rejection, this event marked an important chapter in the spread of Islam. Taif later became an important center for the Islamic faith, with many of its inhabitants converting to Islam.

The Battle of Hunayn, fought in 630 AD, is one of the pivotal events in Taif's history. Following their victory in Mecca, the Muslim forces, led by Prophet Muhammad, faced the Hawazin and Thaqif tribes near Taif. Despite initial setbacks, the Muslim army emerged victorious, leading to the eventual submission of Taif to the Islamic state.

During the Ottoman period, Taif served as a strategic and cultural center. The city was known for its fertile land and pleasant climate, attracting settlers and traders. The Ottomans built several forts and defensive structures to protect the city, remnants of which can still be seen today. This era also saw the development of Taif's agricultural sector, particularly its famous rose industry.

In 1989, Taif gained international recognition as the site of the Taif Agreement, which aimed to bring an end to the Lebanese Civil War. The agreement, brokered by Saudi Arabia, led to significant political reforms in Lebanon and the disarmament of militias. Taif's role in this historic event underscored its importance as a center for diplomacy and peace-building in the region.

In recent decades, Taif has undergone significant modernization and development. The city has become a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and cultural festivals. Investments in infrastructure, including the construction of new roads, hotels, and leisure facilities, have transformed Taif into a vibrant and accessible destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Taif is accessible via Taif Regional Airport (TIF), which hosts several domestic flights from major cities in Saudi Arabia. International travelers can also fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah and then take a domestic flight or a taxi to Taif. The drive from Jeddah to Taif via the Mecca-Taif Road (Route 15) takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. There are also bus services operated by SAPTCO that connect Taif with other cities.

While in Taif, taxis are a convenient mode of transportation and are readily available. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem also operate in the city. For more flexibility, renting a car is a good option and several car rental companies have offices in Taif. Public buses and minibuses serve various routes within the city, though they can be less reliable. Walking is an option in the central parts of Taif where many attractions are located close to each other.

The local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors, markets, and in areas where card payments may not be accepted. ATMs are plentiful throughout Taif, so withdrawing cash is convenient.

Taif is generally a safe city for tourists with a low crime rate. However, it's always prudent to exercise standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it’s always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 997 for an ambulance, and 998 for fire services. Taif has several hospitals and medical centers, including King Faisal Hospital and King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital. It is also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, with both men and women advised to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing clothes. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially during religious practices. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, and for more traditional settings, use the right hand only. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Taif like a local, visit the traditional souks such as Souk Okaz and Al Hada Market, where you can buy local produce, spices, and handcrafted goods. Engage with locals who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their city. Don't miss visiting the Rose Gardens, especially during the Taif Rose Festival. For a unique experience, take a cable car ride at Al Hada, offering breathtaking views of the mountains.