Edge of the World
Jebel Fihrayn, commonly known as the Edge of the World is part of the Jibal Tuwaiq, a prominent natural geological wonder spreading over 1000 kilometers from the province of Najran in the South of Saudi Arabia up to Qassim in the North. The spectacle is a result of tectonic movement in the Arabian plates and the spread of the Red Sea rift. The clear layers of FIhrayn reveal the layers of sediment that accumulated when the Arabian Peninsula was a shallow tropical sea in the Jurassic period This valley was once the pathway for ancient caravan routes, today though the caravans have been replaced by SUVs it remains a glories backdrop to processions of travelers amongst the rocky cliffs.
Having read quite a bit about this geological wonder, I decided to visit it as soon as I reached Riyad (keep in mind current protocols of three days quarantine upon arrival and an exit test after that). I called up a local tour operator and set the time and date and waited patiently for a trip I have long wanted to do.
The trip out of Riyadh was almost two hours. The first hour was a beautiful drive through the tiny towns of Al Uyayna and Jubaila both part of Aldiriyah governate . Farms famed for their organic produce line on both sides of the road with stalls selling the daily harvested products. Alongside these, the beautiful date palms rise majestically. “Beautiful and serene” kept repeating in my mind. At the end of Jubaila , the adventure begins as you hit the edge of the desert. For the next 45 minutes, you will be driving on dirt roads till you reach the parking area of the geological wonder. Make sure that your GPS is in top shape as it’s very easy to get disoriented in the vast desert. Once parked, I took all my camera gear with me and headed towards the hiking trail. After an easy 10-minute walk the monumental structure yjay os Jebel Fihrayn came into view. There is absolutely nothing that can prepare you for the vastness of what you are about to witness. These precipices stretch across the desert, towards the sky, as far as the eye can see. Literally, an unobstructed view of the horizons as the sky melts into a plateau lined with rivets carved by rivers over decades and decades of time.
Mixed emotions, you bet…
I started my hike, choosing one of the many trails available. The trek is not strenuous but be careful as gravel is loose and rocks are sharp. The scenery is beyond spectacular with plenty of observation spots. Uninterrupted views of the barren valley floor getting at some point to the lower plateau areas. I climbed onto the famous “pillar” a beautiful vantage point from which you can view the entire escarpment. If you find that is not possible just hang out and enjoy the epic views as everywhere you turn has a glorious one!
I would recommend spending between 4-5 hours there as that gives you sufficient time to walk down to the plateau and across it to other pillars and enjoy the sunset at the Edge of the World. The light at this time of day is at its best, the orange hues splitting into a spectrum transforming the pale cliffs into a gorgeous terracotta color. I left my camera and stood overcome by emotions of deep contemplation, by the sheer scale of this wonder. I imagined the many travelers and processions that have treaded across these plateaus, scaled the mountains, or simply came to enjoy them as I had (athamat ilkhaliq). Jebel Fihrayn is a reminder of how insignificant we in this enormous universe.
Edge of the World Safety:
This section is key to avoid any disappointments on the day:
Hiking boots or trainers should suffice (no slippers or shoes with slippery soles)
People posing for photos/selfies: Do not take them at the edge of the massive cliffs a lot of visitors attempted that and slipped doing so. Your photos will still look good if you stand a few feet away from it.
Mobile reception is not that great. Do not count on any internet service. There is reportedly some 2G reception at the Edge of the World.
4-wd to get to the Edge of the World is recommended as it will make your drive and life a lot easier but if not I would suggest driving in a convoy just in case someone gets stuck in the sand help is around.
I’d recommend bringing enough food, snacks and water from Riyadh if you plan to spend a full day there. There isn’t much in the small towns en route (just fruit and veggies).
