nº89 / THE EDGE OF THE WORLD / SAUDI ARABIA
- Zoltan Alexander
- May 6
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
We are in Saudi Arabia. The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) earned its name through an uninterrupted view of the horizon. The breathtaking landscape is an unexpected and dramatic geological wonder that lies some 100km from the northwest of Riyadh.
Review by Zoltan Alexander
THE EDGE
OF THE
WORLD Saudi Arabia’s wonder with
a dramatic height, dramatic view
The Edge of the World is an extension of the Tuwaik Mountains, the province of Najran, all the way to the southern border of Qassim, ending in Az-Zulfi.
The 1.000feet (300m) high cliff, dropping down 1,000 feet into an ancient ocean bed, rises dramatically from the desert, stretching toward the sky like a giant wall. It is a lifetime challenge to mount the cliff to reach its top and enjoy the astonishing view overlooking a deep valley and an extending desert.
Millions of years ago, this whole area was under the ocean, and the fossils still found are the indisputable evidence. It is the appearance of the relief that suggests the presence of water from the past. The characteristics of the carved mountains with their intriguing sight tell the story of their long resistance to erosion and survival against time.
PHOTOS / The Edge of the World / Saudi Arabia / Photos © Courtesy of Saudi Arabia and Omen Travel Specialists
The Edge of the World is the ideal day trip if you are rich and famous, or simply adventurous. To get here, you have to drive through the desert, oases with palm trees, acacia trees, dried rivers, and camels, a typical landscape of Saudi Arabia.
The camels and their herders follow a well-trodden path as an ancient caravan route once passed within its shadow. As we know well, not only is the final destination worth enjoying, but also the journey itself. It is a unique experience. Climb onto the famous pillar, and then the best thing to do at the Edge of the World is nothing. Simply breathe and enjoy the epic view.
PHOTO / The Edge of the World / Saudi Arabia / Photo © Courtesy of Saudi Arabia and Omen Travel Specialists
To know before you go:
There are two different routes you can take to the Edge of the World, but both require that you first get near the town Al Uyaynah العيينة. The drive takes around two hours from Riyadh. The most popular one is via the Acacia Valley, but it is only open on certain days. The other approach via the Sadus Dam is open at all times. Both roads are rough.
It's best to go with another vehicle in case you get stuck, as there is no public transportation or any cellular reception out here, not even TikTok, so you might have to reconsider.
No guide is needed; however, you might join a small tour group to take you there. Self-driving will be optional once Google arrives here.
PHOTOS / The Edge of the World / Saudi Arabia / Photos © Courtesy of Saudi Arabia and Omen Travel Specialists
Once you are there, it is possible to hike down to the bottom of the cliff for more unique views, depending on your fitness.
Bring plenty of water and food, as there is absolutely nothing down there.
The Edge of the World can be visited year-round, but winter is definitely advisable, as during the summer months temperatures will reach above 50°C, and even standing around at the shadeless viewpoints would be impossible; you would burn like in an oven.
The best recommended time is arriving an hour or two before sunset. The lights at this time of day are splendid, and the entire valley turns into a gorgeous orange colour.
Safety is equally important before you fall to your death, especially when you stand right at the edge of the cliff to take a selfie. Just remember, selfies are never a good idea wherever you are.
The Edge of the World might fundamentally change your point of view on Saudi Arabia.
PHOTO / The Edge of the World / Saudi Arabia / Photo © Courtesy of Saudi Arabia and Omen Travel Specialists
INDEX
COVER
The Edge of the World
Photo © Courtesy of Saudi Arabia and Omen Travel Specialists
Cover design © ZOLTAN+MEDIA Paris
PLACE
The Edge of the World
Near Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)
PHOTOGRAPHERS
© Saudi Arabia and Omen Travel Specialists
VISUALS & WEBDESIGN
© Zoltan Alexander ZOLTAN+MEDIA Paris
WEB LINK
EDGE OF THE WORLD TOURS