Edge of the World

The Edge of the World is a natural site at the far end of the Tuwaiq mountain range, which extends for 800 kilometres through the centre of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and it is one of the most prominent natural landmarks in the Kingdom.[1]

The site stands at an elevation of about 1,131 metres, and at a distance of roughly 100 kilometres from the city of Riyadh. It is listed among the tourist attractions there as a destination for desert views, escarpments and adventure and nature experiences.[1][7]

The Edge of the World lies at the far end of the Tuwaiq mountain range, a range that extends through the centre of Najd for distances exceeding 800 kilometres, beginning at the sands of Nafud Al-Thuwayrat north of Al-Zulfi Governorate and buried in the Rub' al-Khali to the south at a distance estimated at a thousand kilometres.[1][2]

The site stands at an elevation of about 1,131 metres, roughly 100 kilometres from the capital, Riyadh.[1] The eastern slopes of the Tuwaiq mountain range descend gradually, unlike the western side, which breaks off abruptly.[2]

The Edge of the World is a living example of the unique geological formations of the capital, Riyadh, as the mountains appear as though carved by the erosion they have faced over thousands of years.[1]

A light soil covers the watercourses and ravines, in which samar and talh trees grow, while in the areas of fixed sand dunes ghada trees and the kutb plant prevail.[1]

What also distinguishes the site geologically is the presence of fossilised shells and marine organisms dating to a time when the area was covered by water, which indicates that this spot was part of an ancient marine flat.[1]

The Edge of the World is among the most prominent destinations attracting rock-climbing enthusiasts and hikers, as it offers an experience that combines physical challenge with interaction with a desert environment, and a panoramic view from above that reveals a deep valley and a vast desert.[1]

The site is listed among the tourist attractions of the city of Riyadh as a destination for desert views, escarpments and adventure and nature experiences.[7]

Sunrise and sunset hours are among the most beautiful times to enjoy the visual scene the site offers, as the sky takes on gradations of colour, and the winter season is a distinctive season for a visit.[1]

Tuwaiq Nature Reserve has parts lying within the boundaries of Diriyah Governorate; its executive administration is headed by Eng. Ibrahim bin Nasser Al-Huwaymil, and it works to conserve the natural environment, protect the vegetation cover and develop wildlife.[3]

Tuwaiq Nature Reserve in the city of Riyadh hosted the competitions of the first Federation League Championship for mountain biking, with a distance of 77 kilometres for the clubs' race, 47 kilometres for men amateurs and 30 kilometres for women, on tracks distinguished by the natural terrain of the reserve.[5]

The development and field assessment work included developing, charting and assessing more than 120 hiking trails in a number of regions of the Kingdom, by studying the terrain and determining degrees of difficulty and risks.[6] The penalty for lighting fires outside the places designated for them in forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals.[4]

Jabal Tuwaiq is historically called Jabal Al-Arid or Arid Al-Yamamah, and this old name remained known until modern times; from it the land of Al-Arid took its name, which includes Riyadh and the governorates around it such as Dhurma, Al-Muzahimiyah, Diriyah, Al-Uyaynah, Al-Jubaylah and Sudus.[2]

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, said: 'The determination of Saudis is like Jabal Tuwaiq.'[2]

The Qiddiya city project sits on the middle of the Tuwaiq mountain range and is about 45 kilometres from the capital, Riyadh; its foundation stone was laid by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on 28 April 2018, corresponding to 12 Sha'ban 1439 AH.[2]

The city aims to contribute 135 billion riyals annually to the gross domestic product and to provide 325,000 new job opportunities.[2]

Q: Where is the Edge of the World located? A: At the far end of the Tuwaiq mountain range in the centre of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at an elevation of about 1,131 metres and roughly 100 kilometres from the capital, Riyadh.[1]

Q: What activities does the Edge of the World offer? A: It attracts rock-climbing enthusiasts and hikers, and it offers a panoramic view over a deep valley and a vast desert.[1]

Q: What is the best time to visit the Edge of the World? A: Among the most beautiful times to visit are the sunrise and sunset hours, and the winter season is a distinctive season for a visit.[1]

Q: What distinguishes the site geologically? A: Its rock formations, carved by erosion over thousands of years, and the presence of fossilised shells and marine organisms indicating that it was part of an ancient marine flat.[1]

Q: What is the vegetation cover at the Edge of the World? A: Samar and talh trees in the watercourses and ravines, and ghada trees and the kutb plant in the areas of fixed sand dunes.[1]

The Edge of the World site at the end of the Tuwaiq mountain range combines unique geological formations, vegetation cover, fossilised marine organisms and a panoramic view over a deep valley and a vast desert, and it is listed among the tourist attractions of the city of Riyadh.[1][7] Related topics on the platform include Tuwaiq Mountains, Qiddiya, Diriyah Governorate and Riyadh Season.