The season
In the Taif region, the work starts in winter. From December to February farmers feed and water the land, prune the rose bushes and plant cuttings.
The harvest begins in March and lasts 35 to 45 days. Pickers gather the roses early in the morning and take them to local markets, or home to be distilled.
Water, oil and welcome
The roses become rose water and essential oil, used in beauty products, traditional remedies and traditional dishes, and to flavour drinks. They are given as gifts, inside and outside Taif, and fresh roses or petals are thrown before guests to welcome them.
The roses are part of social and religious rituals and an important source of income. Children learn by helping their parents to grow, pick and distil, and cooperatives run training. UNESCO listed the practices in 2024.