Just a few hours north of Riyadh lies a natural wonder known as the Edge of the World. Its stunning 300-meter-high cliffs overlook a vast plain where an ancient caravan route once passed through.
Edge of the world, officially known as Jebel Fihrayn, is the most popular day trip from Riyadh. This doesn’t necessarily mean there are thousands of visitors, but it will likely become a hotspot over time, especially in the high season. With Saudi Arabia now offering tourist visas, the number of visitors is only expected to increase.
These beautiful cliffs are the result of tectonic movements of the Arabian Plate. If you look closely, you can spot fossils in the rock such as snails and marine life fossils, remnants from a time when the region was a tropical sea…
Getting to the Edge of the World
Departures to the Edge of the World are from Riyadh. Most tour operators include a stop at an ancient village, a cave, and a buffet after sunset. Some of them might also offer a quad or camel riding experience, but aside from that, they all provide similar activities.
The Edge of the World lives up to its name as it is only accessible via gravelled roads. It is located under 100 km north of Riyadh, which takes about 1.5 hours to reach. Most visitors arrive shortly before sunset to enjoy the beautiful colours.
As there is no public transportation, there are only 2 options to reach the End of the World: you can either book a day trip with a travel agency in Riyadh or rent a 4×4 vehicle. While not mandatory, it’s advisable not to attempt the drive with a low-riding car. Most of the route involves driving through sand and rocks that can easily scrape the underside of your vehicle. If you prefer to go on your own, download the Map.me app; the roads are marked.
What to wear at the Edge of the world?
It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear for climbing and descending rocks. Sneakers are enough as the rock provides good grip. That said, I still saw some tourists in flip-flops… but they struggled with the descent. Make sure to bring plenty of water. Temperatures can reach nearly 50 degrees Celsius in summer, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also advisable. I visited the End of the World in September and it was very hot. In winter, temperatures drop significantly in the evening, so bring warm clothing from November to March.
How to dress (Women)
Most women on site were not wearing an abaya but opted for loose-fitting clothing, paired with a hijab or a hat. I did come across a few foreigners in leggings. Since 2019, the rules have been relaxed, and wearing an abaya is no longer mandatory. I usually like wearing one as it protects me from the sun and allows me to wear a T-shirt underneath.
