Taif - The ancient water systems for which Taif Governorate was renowned—including springs, dams, and old wells—reflected its capability and strategies in managing the water sector and its supply. This was evident through water projects that carved through the rugged Sarawat Mountains, transporting water from the depths of the earth to the peaks of Taif’s mountains using the latest available technologies.
For over 120 years, Taif has been distinguished by its unique irrigation and water supply system, marked by a series of advancements and initiatives to ensure water security. Since the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the late King Abdulaziz, Taif has experienced significant developmental progress.
Today, it stands as one of the Kingdom’s key water sources and strategic reservoirs, serving as a foundation for building a comprehensive and sustainable water system.
Taif and Maysan Governorate enjoy over 97% coverage of water networks and large dams, serving residents and farmers. Taif is renowned for hosting some of the oldest dams, dating back to the Umayyad era, such as the Ekrimah Dam and other notable structures.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Historian Issa Al-Qasir stressed that Taif is home to numerous ancient dams built centuries ago, which have played a crucial role in people’s lives by preserving water, protecting properties, and sustaining agriculture.
He indicated that Taif contains around 70 dams, many of which bear inscriptions, historical markings, and religious dates, reflecting Taif’s deep-rooted history.
One of these dams, built before the Islamic era, is adorned with Kufic Arabic inscriptions engraved on its stones. Measuring 200 meters in length and 10 meters in width, it serves as an advanced architectural model of its time, Al-Qasir said.
&uuid=(email))