Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn)

About this place

A towering cliff on the Tuwaiq escarpment about 100 kilometres north-west of Riyadh, known as Jebel Fihrayn and rising to 1,131 metres above sea level. The plateau ends abruptly in a drop of some 300 metres onto a plain that was once an ancient ocean floor, so the horizon seems to go on for ever, hence the name: the Edge of the World. The Tuwaiq escarpment is a narrow rock ridge that cuts across the Najd plateau for about 800 kilometres, from the southern edge of Al-Qassim to the fringes of the Empty Quarter, and stands about 600 metres high. It was raised by movements of the Arabian plate, and its cliffs show layers of Jurassic rock. Visitors come for the layered cliffs running to the horizon, walks along the plateau's rim and sunsets over the plain. On clear days the view carries far into the distance; on dusty days the horizon melts into a golden haze. There is no entry fee, per visitor guides, but the last stretch of track is rough, so go by four-wheel drive or on an organised tour, and check access before setting out. There are no railings at the edge, so keep well back and carry plenty of water; October to March is the best season.