Al Taif

Project Name: Taif Masterplan
Client: Saudi Downtown Company (SDC)
Location: Taif, Saudi Arabia
Services Provided: Planning & Urban Design
Site Area: 505,000 m²
Built-Up Area: 571,700 m²
Construction Cost: 566,000,000 SAR
Starting Date: 2021
Completion Date: 2021

Challenge

Taif, a city rich in religious, agricultural, and cultural history, required a masterplan that could reflect its multifaceted identity while addressing the demands of modern urban life. The core challenge was to create a vibrant downtown that respects and amplifies the city’s heritage and natural assets, while introducing a smart and sustainable urban destination that appeals to both residents and visitors throughout the year.

Approach

DAO developed a comprehensive urban vision that positions downtown Taif as a national platform for Saudi hospitality, cultural exchange, and peaceful dialogue. The masterplan blends mixed-use developments with spaces for festivals, outdoor gatherings, arts, and entertainment. It was essential that the urban fabric reflect Taif’s character—rooted in tradition yet open to innovation. Key design components emphasize accessibility, year-round activation, and integration with other city-scale developments.Landscape and public spaces were designed to accommodate large-scale cultural events and family-oriented activities while maintaining a human-scale experience. Sustainability and smart-city strategies were embedded from the outset, ensuring efficient infrastructure, mobility, and long-term adaptability.

Impact

The Taif Masterplan redefines the city’s core as a cultural and economic powerhouse in the Makkah region. It celebrates the city’s legacy while projecting it into the future as a model for inclusive, sustainable urban development. Through its strategic position and programmatic diversity, the project will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by elevating Taif into a first-tier hub for tourism, culture, and economic vitality—where community, heritage, and innovation converge.