Described as one of the most beautiful cities by an Arab traveler, Ta'izz is literally waits to be discovered. Modernity seeps in its roots, making it a candidate for development. Urbanization bombards the city, bruising its soul; however, Tai'zz has maintained its dramatic scenery with the imposing backdrop of the Sabir Mountain that guards the city. Separated by a diverse relief of mountains, wadis (valleys) and a long coastline along Bab Al Mandad strait, Ta'izz explodes with the scent of pomegranates, lemon and mangoes in addition to its famous coffee, giving rise to the description of the city as the "Damascus of Yemen." Ta'izz was actually Yemen's capital under the Ayyubid Dynasty, circa 1100's, but it was moved to Sana'a under the Taharid dynasty in the 15th centurty.
The topsy-turvy scene of the market (Souq Al Dhabab) throughout Ta'izz, held on the banks of Wadi Al Dhahab, is a contrast to the old yet organized quarters of the city. Among the salvaged remains of the old city are the renowned mosques of Al Modhafer and Al Mu'tabiya Dome, the Rasulide Madrassah (with its two minarets still standing amid the volcanic rocks at the foothills), and the old citadel and governor's palace that rest on the top of the mountain above the city center.
Ta'izz charms every sun worshipper to take a stroll on the Yakhtoul and Al-Moulk beach dotted with palm and coconut trees, near Mokha, a port that served as a jump-off point for the export of coffee to Port of Aden in the 19th century. Cotton weaving, tanning and jewelry production are among the city's main industries apart from coffee growing.