Taif Season 2019
Taif Season 2019 was a tourism season held in Taif Governorate, part of the Emirate of Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the slogan “Arab Summer Resort.” It was the first edition of Taif Season, organized by the Saudi Seasons initiative, an initiative of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (currently the Ministry of Tourism). The season lasted for thirty-one days, from August 1 to August 31, 2019.
Events of Riyadh Season 2019
Taif Season 2019 featured more than seventy diverse events across four main locations: Souq Okaz, Ward Village, the Crown Prince Camel Festival, and Saddat Al-Baid in Al-Hada and Al-Shifa mountains. The events reflected the historical and cultural significance of the region, as well as the cultural and artistic diversity for which Taif Governorate is known.
Objectives of Taif Season 2019
Taif Season 2019 contributed to achieving several objectives related to the development and growth of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia. These included: highlighting Taif’s historical and cultural significance, showcasing its cultural and artistic diversity, promoting the city’s moderate climate and abundance of natural products, and offering a range of events that connect the past with the present. The season also aimed to improve the quality of life, raise living standards, and create job and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Tourism activities during Taif Season 2019
Tourism activities and events during Taif Season were diverse, with facilities, services, transportation, and accommodations fully prepared and equipped, along with the necessary infrastructure for visitors. These events and activities included:
- Souq Okaz: One of the historic markets, featuring numerous venues and events, such as the Arab District, which hosted several Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia. Souq Okaz also held international competitions for classical Arabic poetry and featured a lineup of renowned Arab artists performing in musical evenings. The site included historical and cultural venues such as Okaz Avenue, the Knights’ Square, historic markets, and a square dedicated to literature and culture.
- Ward Village: Located in Al-Ruddaf Park, it featured various rose-themed events and exhibits, including a rose museum, perfume lab, rose orchestra, rose circus, and crafts related to rose production. The village also offered entertainment shows, an amusement park, Art Street, and a Fruit Boulevard.
- Crown Prince Camel Festival: The festival highlighted the deep-rooted history of Arab civilization and included several activities, such as a camel museum, tent, mural, traditional market, circus performances, and sport challenges.
- Saddat Al-Baid: A variety of events held in the mountains of Al-Hada and Al-Shifa, including mountain hiking, a color marathon, sports challenges, evening gatherings, and barbecue nights. The area also offered shopping in major commercial centers, cinema experiences, and trips to historical landmarks and sites.
Role of productive families in Taif Season
Taif Season provided a platform to support the local community by offering productive families various opportunities and facilitation services, including organizational and supervisory support, along with the implementation of health and safety standards. A dedicated area was allocated for them in Souq Okaz, featuring around forty types of culinary arts.