Taif
About the Creative City:
In Taif, literature and culture form the cornerstone of opportunities and challenges, as the city leverages its rich cultural heritage to create a unique style that attracts tourists, generates revenue, and increases employment. Events like the Rose Caravan contribute to the preservation and education about Taif’s culture, aligning with the SDG’s by using literature to promote education and cultural heritage while fostering community inclusion.
Taif, stands as a city with significant cultural assets and an expanding creative industry. Historically, Taif pioneered literature in the Arabian Peninsula by establishing the first library, the Abdullah bin Abbas library, serving as a foundation for scholars and researchers. This legacy continued with another library established in 1943.
The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission (LPTC) plays a pivotal role in advancing Taif’s literary sector. Collaborating with public and private agencies, LPTC is initiating plans to establish literary salons and clubs, providing vital support to local writers. The city envisions a future rooted in its literary past and is committed to nurturing professional literary skills at all levels, showcasing the enduring power of literature, and integrating its rich past into a vibrant future.
Literature is supported by numerous libraries, cultural centres, events, book fairs, and writing workshops. Souq Okaz, dating back to 501 A.D., has historically been a hub for trade, literary exchange, and intellectual discussions. The Souq Okaz Festival has evolved into a major cultural, commercial, and tourism event, attracting thousands of visitors annually, featuring poetry competitions, arts performances, crafts, and showcasing Taif’s heritage, culture, and traditions.
Added Value:
As a Creative City of Literature, Taif is dedicated:
To collaborate closely with stakeholders to develop creative hubs, fostering innovation and expanding opportunities for cultural sector professionals;
To implement policies, including the printing and publishing policy, content clearance policy, and tax exemption procedures, to strengthen the creation, production, distribution, and dissemination of cultural activities, goods, and services;
To support creative industry programmes, integrating culture and creativity into local development strategies; and
To foster international collaborations, sharing literary traditions with institutions across bordering countries.
