If you have seen the main sights in Riyadh and still have some time left, a day trip or at least a half-day trip to the city’s surrounding area is a good idea. Remember, though, that you should take good shoes with non-slip tread soles for this.
Edge of the World
Located about halfway from Riyadh to Ushaiger, this natural wonder is a hotspot for those who want to enjoy a dramatic view of a lowland plain from a higher point, especially at sunset in summer.
The unsecured viewpoint is located on the plateau of the Tuwayq Escarpment at the end of a steep slope that drops about 200 m. Do not leave your children unattended under any circumstances. Due to a tragic fatal car accident at this unsecured site in October 2021, Saudi authorities closed the site for some time, but now you can visit it again (as of December 2022).
Faisal’s Finger
Again about halfway between Edge of the World and Riyadh rises the impressive rock solitaire Qadmat Al-Saqtah, which rises about 200 meters from the plain and is better known by the nickname Faisal’s Finger because of its distinctive shape. A four-wheel drive around the base allows one to discover the many different aspects of the rock. Of course, there are magnificent views along the hiking trails, and even rock climbers may try to climb this marvellous rock; a starting point is near Makkah Al Mukarramah Rd (40).
Red Sand Dunes, Hidden Canyon (Mawan Valley), Heet Cave
Information about these and other destinations can be found in my ebook “Dr. Hans-F. Loth – Travel Guide Riyadh and Jeddah”.
