At Ta'if, (also Taif), city in western Saudi Arabia, in Al Hijaz (Hejaz) Province, situated on a plateau. Grain (sorghums, wheat, rice), fruit (grapes, oranges, dates, apricots, pomegranates, lemons), and vegetables are grown in the surrounding agricultural region. Quarries and clay deposits are located south of the city, and gold and iron deposits have been found in the vicinity. In the city handicrafts, pottery, woven rugs, coats, and rose oil are produced. AtTa'if is a resort and home to Saudi Arabia's royal family during the summer. It is the site of the Shubra Palace, built by the Ottoman Turks. One of the oldest cities in Al Hijaz and once besieged by Muhammad, the founder of Islam, it was ruled by the Turks for centuries before being captured by Husein ibn Ali, in 1916. In 1924 it was seized by Abdul Aziz ibn Saud and incorporated into his kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A treaty was signed in AtTa'if in 1934 ending the Saudi war with Yemen (now the Republic of Yemen). Population 204,857 (1974 estimate).Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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