The cliffs of the Tuwaiq escarpment
Edge of the World, near Al-Uyaynah, west of Riyadh, is one of the peaks of the Tuwaiq escarpment, which runs for more than 800 km across the centre of Saudi Arabia. It rises to about 1,131 m; according to Saudipedia, it once overlooked an ancient trade route across the peninsula.
Fossil shells and marine creatures can be found on the site: the area was once covered by the sea, the Saudi Press Agency points out.
The way in: a desert track, a 4x4
The last part of the drive is on a rough track: Visit Saudi recommends a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and Saudipedia notes that one is usually required. We therefore plan the outing by 4x4, provided by a member of the Federation subject to availability; your quote states the vehicle assigned. If you would rather join an organised desert excursion, it is run by the organiser chosen, under its own responsibility, and your chauffeur takes you to the meeting point and collects you afterwards.
The site is wild country with no services, and there may be no mobile signal: Visit Saudi advises going as a group or with a guide. Before you set off on foot, your chauffeur agrees with you when to be back at the car.
Access conditions to the site can change: we check them before confirming the outing and, if the weather is not suitable, we reschedule it with you.
The season and the time of day
Autumn and winter, with their milder temperatures, are the favourite seasons for walkers, according to Saudipedia; winter also brings cold weather and rain, Visit Saudi notes. Summer, when temperatures in Riyadh can reach 48°C, is poorly suited to walking.
According to Visit Saudi, sunrise and sunset bring out the full colours of the view. An afternoon outing leaves time to walk to the edge of the cliffs, watch the sun go down and be back at the car at dusk.
Walking to the edge
The climb to the top usually takes between fifteen and thirty minutes, according to Saudipedia. Bring walking shoes, water and, in winter, a warm layer: there is nothing on site.
Your chauffeur waits for you at the car during the walk and does not act as a guide. For a guided hike, mention it in your request.
Planning your outing
Edge of the World makes a half-day outing, ideally in the afternoon.
What to tell us
- your pick-up address and time in Riyadh;
- the number of passengers, any children’s ages and how comfortable the group is walking;
- whether you would like a guide or an organised excursion;
- your preferred return time, with some leeway for sunset.
With these details, we send you a personal quote stating the vehicle assigned. For other journeys out of town, see long-distance chauffeur; for choosing a vehicle, see the Vehicles page. Write to us.