Taif
Western Saudi city reporting two MERS cases, one fatal, in 2026.
The 1934 Treaty of Taif took the city's name and settled the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How does Taif fit Saudi Arabia's scattered pattern of 2026 MERS cases?
Timeline for Taif
Mentioned in: Six Saudi MERS cases had no camel link
Pandemics and BiosecurityBackground
Taif is a city in western Saudi Arabia's Mecca Province. It lies on a plateau in the Hijaz mountains, inland from the Red Sea coast. Its elevation gives it a milder climate than many lower-lying parts of western Saudi Arabia.
The city has a history extending for more than two thousand years. It developed as an agricultural and trading centre and is known for fruit, grapes and roses. Taif's position near Mecca also placed it on long-standing travel and pilgrimage routes. The 1934 Treaty of Taif, which settled the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, took the city's name.
Government services, commerce, culture and health care make Taif a regional centre. Its roads connect it with Mecca and Jeddah, while an international airport links it more widely. The city's plateau setting, agricultural hinterland and historic role distinguish it from Saudi Arabia's nearby coastal cities.
Where is Taif in Saudi Arabia?
What MERS cases were reported in Taif in 2026?
Why is the source of Saudi Arabia's 2026 MERS cases uncertain?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.