Taif City of Roses: Saudi Arabia’s Fragrant Desert Miracle
Saudi Arabia’s City of Roses — In the hills of Taif, where desert meets elevation, Khalaf Allah al-Talhi has spent decades nurturing the iconic pink roses that give the region its nickname: the “City of Roses.” From his flower farm in western Saudi Arabia, the 80-year-old rose farmer has mastered the delicate art of distilling scent from bloom to bottle.
“I love roses and take care of them more than I care for my own children,” Talhi said, standing among rows of vibrant pink blooms. Each spring, Taif’s 800 rose farms produce nearly 300 million flowers, with Talhi’s farm alone cultivating five to six million annually.
Spring Blooms: Beauty in the Desert
As spring’s mild air sweeps across the landscape, Taif transforms into a floral paradise. From sunrise to sundown, workers hand-pick delicate petals that will later be soaked and boiled in traditional distillation vats. The resulting oil forms the foundation for rosewater, perfumes, and high-end cosmetics.
Taif City of Roses
The scent of Taif’s roses is so treasured that rosewater is used to purify the Kaaba in Mecca. While demand is strong, supply remains limited. “We have many rose lovers here in Saudi Arabia who only use Taif rose perfume,” Talhi shared. Much of the production stays within the Kingdom, with only small quantities exported for perfumes and skincare products.
Rose Farming Faces Climate Pressures
Despite its fragrant legacy, Taif’s rose industry is increasingly vulnerable to shifting climate patterns. Extreme cold, intense summer heat, and irregular flooding have impacted yields. “Last year and the year before, it was extremely cold. Some farmers didn’t harvest a single flower,” Talhi recalled.
While this year’s conditions have been kinder, experts warn that climate change poses long-term risks to Saudi Arabia’s agriculture, including wheat and date palm production. But for Talhi, rose farming remains a calling. “This farm is my soul and beating heart,” he said. “God willing, nothing will separate me from it, except death.”
A Fragrant Heritage Worth Preserving
Now in his 80s, Talhi continues to lead by example—rising before dawn and working into the night. His dedication, like the roses he grows, has become a symbol of resilience in the desert. As climate challenges loom, his story offers both a warning and a reminder: beauty, when nurtured, can thrive even in the harshest of environments.
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