Taif: Taif roses, celebrated for their petals, oils, and exquisite fragrances, have secured a spot on the United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Nestled in the heights of the Al-Hada Mountains and surrounding wadis, these roses symbolize heritage and global adornment, leaving a profound cultural and civilizational impact. Local efforts have played a crucial role in advancing their traditional cultivation, with their fragrant essence etching these flower plants into the annals of cultural heritage.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Taif Rose, deeply intertwined with regional heritage and culture, thrives in Taif’s conducive environment. Generations have passed down the knowledge of cultivating, harvesting, distilling, and extracting oil from these roses, relishing their fragrant history amid the region’s picturesque landscapes. These plants play a significant role in various spheres, including the annual washing of the H
oly Kaaba in Makkah.
Local farmer Raddad Al-Talhi, in an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, highlighted the expansion of Taif rose cultivation, transforming into a lucrative investment valued at over SAR64 million in the Saudi market. Approximately 550 million roses are harvested annually from Taif rose farms in the Sarawat Mountains, with more than 910 farms in the Taif Governorate. Around 70 factories produce over 80 sought-after rose-derived products.
He also noted that the traditional process of distilling Taif rose oil involves using copper pots that expedite the distillation process, ensuring superior results. This meticulous method yields various products, including regular rose water, concentrated rose water, and the world’s most expensive rose oil.