Taif New City stands among the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious urban and economic projects under Vision 2030. Designed to diversify the sources of national income and create new engines of growth, the master development spans an expansive area and aims to transform Taif into a modern urban centre that combines technological progress with natural environments. The project marks a major step towards the Kingdom’s goals of building sustainable, smart cities aligned with international standards.
Key Components of Taif New City
Taif International Airport
At the heart of the project is the new Taif International Airport, set to strengthen air transport between the Kingdom and global destinations. The airport is expected to play a central role in advancing tourism and increasing trade volumes while serving as a vital gateway for pilgrims and visitors to Makkah and Taif, thanks to its strategic proximity to the Holy City.
Technology Oasis
A prominent component of the project, the Technology Oasis will foster research, innovation and advanced industries. Dedicated to renewable energy ventures — including solar and wind power — as well as biotechnology and information technologies, the Oasis is set to become a global centre for research and development. Partnerships with leading universities such as MIT and Stanford will further reinforce the Kingdom’s ambition to build a thriving knowledge-based economy.
The University City
Education forms another vital pillar of Taif New City. The University City is designed as a world-class academic district with state-of-the-art research facilities and integrated learning environments. It is anticipated to attract students from across Saudi Arabia, nurturing talent while elevating higher education standards in the region.
Souk Okaz
In a nod to cultural heritage, Souk Okaz is being revitalised as a major cultural and tourism destination. Hosting artistic and literary events, the market will celebrate authentic Arab traditions while drawing both domestic and international visitors. Beyond its tourism appeal, Souk Okaz reinforces Taif’s cultural identity and positions it as a leading heritage destination.
Economic and Developmental Impact
The New Taif City project is designed to be a fully integrated urban environment, driving economic activity and generating new employment opportunities. The plans include multiple residential suburbs, commercial facilities and public amenities to accommodate a population of between 750,000 and 1 million people.
Residential Districts
The residential suburb will introduce more than 10,000 homes complemented by service facilities such as parks, schools and retail centres. The residential suburb is considered a part of the efforts aimed at providing an elevated quality of life and creating an integrated living environment.
Industrial City
Spanning 11 million square metres, the Industrial City will host heavy, medium and light industries, supported by a vocational training centre dedicated to developing Saudi talent. This ecosystem will expand job opportunities while advancing the Kingdom’s manufacturing and industrial capacity.
Urban Planning and Infrastructure
Taif New City is envisioned as a smart city, harnessing advanced technologies to improve everyday standard of living. Its urban masterplan includes advanced road networks linking the city to wider Saudi Arabia, alongside efficient internal public transport solutions that ease connectivity across districts.
Smart Infrastructure
Leveraging its latest smart city technologies, the city will feature intelligent energy systems and advanced resource management for water and electricity — designed to optimise consumption and minimise environmental impact. These innovations will reduce carbon footprints and set new benchmarks in urban sustainability.
Green and Public Spaces
A wealth of landscaped public parks, gardens and recreational areas, designed to provide a comfortable environment for walking and recreation, will contribute to residents’ quality of life while reinforcing the project’s sustainable ethos. Complementary amenities — including mosques, dining destinations and retail centres — will ensure a vibrant urban lifestyle.
Sustainability and Innovation
The Taif New City project is considered a model of sustainable development with a strong focus on reducing negative impacts on the environment. Large-scale solar power plants reinforce its renewable energy initiatives, and are expected to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while significantly cutting carbon emissions. Water and energy efficiency measures further strengthen the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship by improving the use of natural resources.
Taif New City: A Vision for the Future
As one of Vision 2030’s flagship projects, Taif New City symbolises the Kingdom’s ambition to achieve a dynamic balance between economic expansion and ecological preservation. By advancing key sectors — tourism, technology, education and industry — the city will not only enhance local prosperity by increasing employment opportunities, but also cement Taif’s reputation as a cultural and economic hub.
Beyond its immediate impact, the project represents a sustainable investment for generations to come. With its smart infrastructure, renewable energy focus and integrated urban design, Taif New City will attract both investors and visitors, enrich quality of life and place Taif firmly on the map of the world’s most advanced cities.
