Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
What is the Edge of the World near Riyadh?
Edge of the World, Riyadh's classic desert day trip, is a line of sheer cliffs on the Tuwaiq escarpment north-west of the city. Its Arabic name is Jebel Fihrayn. From the top you look out across a wide plain that was once an ancient seabed.
People go for the views, a walk along the cliff top and the sunset. The site is out in the desert, so you take everything you need with you and come back the same evening.
How do you get there from Riyadh?
The site is about 100 km by road from central Riyadh. Most of the drive is on normal roads, but the last stretch is an unpaved desert track, which is why we send an SUV rather than a sedan.
Allow extra time for the track, as it is slow going and drivers take it carefully. Access can close in bad weather, and access arrangements can change, so we check before you set off. If you land in Riyadh the same day, the Riyadh Airport taxi takes you to your hotel first.
Why go by SUV with a driver?
- High ground clearance for the unpaved last stretch.
- Room for up to 7 people, with water, food and warm layers.
- The driver waits while you walk, so you can stay for the sunset.
- No need to find your own way along desert tracks after dark.
- If you plan to drive yourself instead, check whether your rental agreement allows unpaved tracks.
What does the day trip cost?
We price the Edge of the World as an hourly booking, because the driver waits for you. An SUV with driver costs from SAR 180 per hour with a 3-hour minimum, and a 10-hour day rate is available; ask for it on WhatsApp. The quote is fixed before you go and includes fuel.
| Option | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SUV by the hour | Up to 7 people, waiting included | From SAR 180 per hour, 3-hour minimum |
| SUV for the day | Sunset trips and longer walks | 10-hour day rate, quoted on WhatsApp |
| Two SUVs | Groups of 8 to 14 | From SAR 180 per hour for each vehicle |
When is the best time to go?
October to April is the best season. Summer days around Riyadh are very hot, and the open cliff top has little shade.
Most people time the trip for sunset, leaving Riyadh in the early afternoon and driving back after dark. In winter the evenings on the cliffs can be cold, so bring warm layers.
What should you bring?
- Plenty of water for everyone in the group.
- Snacks or a picnic.
- Comfortable shoes with good grip for rocky paths.
- A sun hat and sunscreen for the afternoon.
- Warm layers in winter.
- A torch or phone light for the walk back after sunset.
- A charged phone and a power bank.
Staying safe at the cliffs
The cliffs are high and the edges are natural rock. Stay well back from the edge, especially in wind and when taking photos, and keep children close at all times.
Stay on paths you can see clearly, and start back to the car before it is fully dark. Tell the driver your plan, and keep his number in your phone.
Combine it with other Riyadh trips
If you have more days in Riyadh, Diriyah and Bujairi Terrace make an easy evening out. Wadi Hanifah, a long valley on Riyadh's western side with walking paths and lakes, is good for an early morning walk.
Ushaiqer Heritage Village, a restored mud-brick village north-west of Riyadh, is a separate day trip of about 200 km each way.