Saudi Arabia Promotes Taif as the Jewel of the 'Umrah Plus' Experience - By Tanzim Anwar

DHAKA, 26 March 2025 (BSS) — As the sun dips behind Al-Shafa Mountain, casting a golden glow over the rose fields of Taif, Saudi Arabia’s Umrah Plus initiative is introducing a fresh dimension to spiritual travel, placing the “City of Roses” at the heart of an enriched pilgrimage experience.

Umrah Plus: Bridging Faith and Exploration

The Umrah Plus programme is a forward-thinking initiative designed to enhance the traditional Umrah pilgrimage by merging the religious rites with cultural, historical, and leisure activities across Saudi Arabia. This aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and establish Saudi Arabia as a premier global tourism destination.

"Under this vision, the Saudi government launched the Pilgrim Experience Program to simplify visa processes and expand infrastructure, targeting 15 million international Umrah pilgrims annually by 2025 and 30 million by 2030," explained Robayan Mohammed Alrobayan, Media Manager of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), in an interview with BSS.

In addition to improving infrastructure, the STA has developed initiatives to encourage pilgrims to visit Islamic historical sites and experience the rich Saudi heritage, all while enhancing service quality to ensure a seamless and spiritually fulfilling journey.

A Seamless Experience for Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in infrastructure and hospitality to ensure a smooth journey for pilgrims taking part in the Umrah Plus programme.

Participants can expect efficient transport services, a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to cosy guesthouses, and knowledgeable guides who provide in-depth insights into local culture and history.

"The Umrah Plus initiative is more than just a tourism programme — it is a bridge between faith and discovery, offering pilgrims the opportunity to embrace Saudi Arabia’s vibrant culture," added Alrobayan.

Taif: A City of Natural Beauty and Rich Heritage

Nestled in the cooling embrace of the Sarawat Mountains, Taif provides a refreshing escape from the desert heat, offering lush landscapes and a wealth of historical significance. As part of the Umrah Plus experience, visitors can explore Taif’s diverse attractions, each offering a unique glimpse into Saudi culture.

Al-Shafa Mountain: Rising more than 2,500 metres above sea level, Al-Shafa Mountain offers breathtaking views often shrouded in mist and the aroma of juniper trees. Visitors often gather around fires at night, sipping tea and enjoying grilled corn under the moonlit sky, with food caravans offering both local and international delicacies.

Al-Hada Mountain: Known for its winding roads and scenic cable car rides, Al-Hada provides a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. The Al-Kar Tourist Village features attractions such as water games and a "flying carpet" ride that glides between the mountain slopes.

Wahba Crater: Located around 250 kilometres from Taif, Wahba Crater is a vast volcanic wonder. Its glistening salt dome sparkles in the sunlight, and after the rainy season, the crater transforms into a lush green sanctuary, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscape.

The Roses of Taif: In spring, the rose fields of Taif burst into bloom, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Visitors can tour local factories and witness the delicate process of crafting rose water and perfumes, which are highly regarded worldwide for their exquisite quality.

A Vision Realised

“By blending spiritual fulfilment with cultural tourism, Umrah Plus allows pilgrims to explore Saudi Arabia beyond the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, with Taif standing out as a true jewel in this initiative,” said Emad M. Kashmiri, CEO of Hamza Camel Tours, a prominent Saudi tour operator known for catering to international visitors.

As Saudi Arabia continues to open its doors to the world, Taif shines as a symbol of Saudi hospitality, natural beauty, and cultural richness.