The Edge of the World is one of the most stunning places in Saudi Arabia, and a highlight of our Saudi Arabia tours. While it is officially closed until further notice, it is still possible to visit it!
What is Edge of the World?
Situated 120 kilometres west of Riyadh, the Edge of the World (locally know as Jebel Fihrayn) is a unique spot earnt its name as it offers stunning viewpoints from the top of the 300-metre-high cliffs overlooking the surrounding plains. These cliffs were forged by the tectonic movement of the Arabian plate, due to the spread of the Red Sea rift located 1000 kilometres to the west.
From the escarpment, we had an uninterrupted view of the horizon, hence the feeling of being at the Edge of the World!
How to go to Edge of the World?
The site has been officially closed for several years known, and it announced as it on Saudi’s official websites. This doesn’t mean that it is not allowed to go, simply that due to the poor conditions of the road and the absence of any infrastructure there, it is not an official tourist site that can be advertised as “opened”.
A big chunk of the drive is done on dirt roads along the desert, making it impossible for buses or rental cars to get there. It is however reachable in 4×4 cars, so while many travel agencies do not get there because they don’t have such vehicles, others do organize Edge of the World day trips. YPT is one of those: Edge of the World is a highlight of both all our Saudi Arabia group tours and can be added to any of our bespoke tours to Saudi Arabia.
The departure is from Riyadh. You’ll get in 4×4 cars, which can each accommodate 5 passengers, and will drive around 1.5 hour towards a small village called (80km from Riyadh). Then, the rest of the journey is on unmarked dirt roads and take an extra hour, until you reach the site’s parking lot. Another 15 minutes walking and you get to the cliffs.
Is it worth going to Edge of the World?
Yes! Edge of the World is a highlight of our Saudi Arabia tours and one of our pioneers’ favourite activities. You’ll have your breath taken away as you approach reach the cliff by foot and all of a sudden, grasp the gigantic scale of the desert, with a view unlike any other. You will feel like you’re in an alien world!
Edge of the World is big (ok, technically it is hundreds of kilometres long, but even the part we visit is massive) and we usually spend around two hours walking around, taking photos or simply enjoying the views. There are viewing spots everywhere if you want to isolate yourself and enjoy the silence and isolation, or simply fill up your Instagram-worthy portrait photos. You can get close to the Edge, walk up the hills for better views, and go to the popular peak that looks like it’s popping out of the cliff.
There, you may dare taking a photo on the boulder overlooking the plain, 300 metres below. Don’t worry, it’s not as unsafe as it looks: there’s actually another rock underneath that do not show up on pictures. Here, we spilled the secret!
Our favourite time to go to Edge of the World is in the afternoon, so we can stay there until sunset. We then organize a picnic on the site: 120 kilometres away from the closest major city, the night sky is incredible!
What is the second Edge of the World?
Because Edge of the World is hard to get to, some local operators advertise another site, only a 30-minutes drive from Riyadh. Don’t be deceived! While Tuwaiq is also a beautiful place, it is not as big as the real Edge of the World. If you have limited time in Riyadh, we can organize a trip to it, but if you have enough time, we recommend opting for the real deal!
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