The mountainous regions of Al-Hada and Al-Shafa, along with the agricultural expanses of Wadi Muharram, have established Taif Governorate as a pivotal agricultural hub, especially for the cities in the vicinity of Makkah. These areas are known not just for their fruit production but also for the cultivation of the renowned Taif roses, a major source of rose oil for the global cosmetic and perfumery industries.
Thanks to Taif’s rich soil and temperate climate, generations have cultivated the renowned rose bushes, meticulously caring for, harvesting, and distilling them to obtain their precious oil and water. This oil is of such cultural and religious importance that it is used in the annual cleansing of the holy Kaaba.
The Taif rose holds a deep cultural resonance as well, acting as an emblem of elegance and stirring emotions and tales, especially within poetry. It signifies a deep-rooted connection shared by the people with the land of Taif.
From their rare existence atop the highest mountain peaks, the Taif roses have blossomed into a significant emblem. The burgeoning industry, with investments surpassing SAR64 million, has seen the Sarawat Mountains’ farms produce around 550 million roses annually. The district is home to over 910 farms and collaborates with roughly 70 factories and laboratories, giving rise to more than 80 sought-after rose-based products in both local and global markets.
In a conversation with the Saudi Press Agency, Khalid Al Kamal, an agricultural specialist hailing from a lineage devoted to rose cultivation, shed light on the process and the deep connection he has with the Taif roses. As a seventh-generation custodian, he emphasized the roses’ significance and detailed the production process of their derivatives.
Al Kamal explained that distillation of the roses results in three distinct products: standard rose water, a concentrated version of rose water, and the highly coveted rose oil, regarded as the most expensive of its kind in the world.
The season for Taif roses spans 40 to 50 days when the bushes are adorned with flowers that bloom in staggered phases. The blossoms are gathered in the early morning, at their freshest. Adding to their value is the fact that the Taif rose blooms just once per year, making it an exceptionally rare and cherished botanical treasure.