Souq Okaz
سوق عكاظ
The former site of the most famous market and poetry fair in pre-Islamic Arabia, now rebuilt as a cultural park that hosts a large festival each summer.
Before Islam, Okaz was the most important annual market on the Arabian Peninsula, where tribes traded goods and held poetry contests. The legend of the Suspended Odes is linked to it. The site lies about 40 km northeast of Taif and now features a re-created market quarter in traditional style, a poetry square and exhibition halls. The Okaz Festival, held every summer (roughly June to August), is the liveliest time to visit, with poetry recitals, camel caravan parades, traditional crafts and theatrical performances. Facilities are limited outside festival periods, so plan your trip around the festival and check the official announcements for dates. A car or hired vehicle is required.
Opening hours
During festivals, approx. 16:00–24:00
Nearby sights
- Shubra Palace
- Abdullah ibn Abbas Mosque
- Taif Rose Farms (Bin Salman Farm)
- Bait Kaaki
- Al Rudaf Park
- Al-Kou Mosque
- Ikrima Dam
- Al Hada Mountain & Road