The Edge of the World is a breathtaking seemingly empty space with massive cliff formations situated 90 kms away in the northern part of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Also called EOTW, this rock outcrop is actually just a part of a long stretch of ancient valley called Tuwaiq Escarpment which starts from the Empty Quarter desert in the south and ends at Buraidah town in the North of the Arabian Peninsula.
Though a desert, the place has many surprises. For one, you will drive along acacia road trees which give shades to those who wanted to camp for the day. White or brown camels or falcons sometimes appear along the way and you can go upclose and personal. There are also places where natural lagoons are created during rainy seasons. One can also dig some ancient marine fossils or find stones with markings of prehistoric shells. Meanwhile, hidden caves and unique rock formations are just awaiting discovery for the adventurous ones.
For drone cinematographers, the Edge of the World's terrain is bland in color but scenic when you get to fly your drone higher. The only challenge was interference between the signal ofthe drone and controller probably made by jammers from the neighboring military camp nearby.
At one famous certain site, there's the so called the Window of the World where two cliffs meet to become a natural frame for a seemingly infinite desert below it. It creates a breath-taking focus for those who like drone videography, selfies, group shots and prenup session photography. Just wait for the orange hues of the sunrise or sunset and the emptiness of these desert outcrop is hauntingly beautiful. Cloud formations are rare in summer but in winter, clouds add beauty to the background.
TIP: In taking photos or just exploring EOTW, one needs personal safety precautions in climbing and walking along edges. A comfortable get up could help you. Wear a light shoes with rough sole so you can climb easily.
HOTELS in RIYADH for your EOTW Travel, KSA Tour or Short Business Trips:
1. Radisson Blu, Riyadh
2. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Riyadh
3. Holiday Inn Olaya, Riyadh
4. Movenpick Hotel Riyadh (Near the Ministry of Interior building and InterContinental Riyadh Hotel)
5. Comfort Inn Suites Riyadh (budget-friendly among the rest)
6. Aquarium Hotel in Dabab St.
What to do at the EOTW?
There are many activities you can do at the Edge of the World:
1. You can do a photo session for weddings or debut (Prenup photography) or for your fashion portfolio projects. You may also do a teaser video for your wedding or debut birthday clients here using stabilizers and drones to capture cinematic output.
2. You can bring the whole group of fellow artists, if you are into art, to paint the sceneries of the place in their own style and media.
HAGOD Filipino Visual Arts Group during a painting session at the Edge of the World
3. You can bring a guitar and a tent to relax. Compose a music or poetry out there.
4. Of course, you can explore the canyon from edge to edge and capture amazing photographs for you to print and hang at home or your future exhibits.
5. Sightseeing and be awe-struck by the wonders of nature.
6. Selfie-photography (Be careful while taking one)
7. Meditate, Relax or Pray while looking the seemingly infinite view of the EOTW via its Window frame.
8. Toy photography (Bring you fave toy and make the Edge of the World as a backdrop)
One of my Star Wars toy photography sessions featuring Rey and her Speeder
9. Bonding with new friends during a meal or coffee break at EOTW
10. Clean up the place with garbage (Leave nature free from trash)
From Riyadh, you need to go north via Road 535 (King Khaled Road). A good starting point would be the road going towards Diriyah. Drive towards Salbouk Road. After 30km you will reach an intersection and turn to route 5766 which leads you to Jubayla then to Al Uyayna towns. And from Al Uyayna, drive along Road 5762 and before you reach Sadus, you will see at the left side of the road a sandy entry point 24.956179, 46.228170 and a blue signage with arabic writings. This desert track will lead you to two gates at a dam (which has timings.) where some guards are stationed. Choose the right gate and you will drive along acacia valley where you will find some tracks going to the EOTW. There are dead ends and soft sands along the way. So use this GPS coordinates to reach EOTW: N24 56 41.4 E45 59 32.1
Also called EOTW, this rock outcrop is actually just a part of a long stretch of ancient valley called Tuwaiq Escarpment which starts from the Empty Quarter desert in the south and ends at Buraidah town in the North of the Arabian Peninsula.
Drone flying and cinematography over the EOTW (during 2nd flight session)
Though a desert, the place has many surprises. For one, you will drive along acacia road trees which give shades to those who wanted to camp for the day. White or brown camels or falcons sometimes appear along the way and you can go upclose and personal. There are also places where natural lagoons are created during rainy seasons. One can also dig some ancient marine fossils or find stones with markings of prehistoric shells. Meanwhile, hidden caves and unique rock formations are just awaiting discovery for the adventurous ones.
Water for the thirsty white Dromedaries
For drone cinematographers, the Edge of the World's terrain is bland in color but scenic when you get to fly your drone higher. The only challenge was interference between the signal ofthe drone and controller probably made by jammers from the neighboring military camp nearby.
ABOVE: Watch my short drone video shot at the Edge of the World
(Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel)
www.youtube.com/georgepontinojr
www.youtube.com/georgepontinojr
Despite the rough roads and unforgiving trails, it is one of the most popular sites visited by expats and locals alike specially during winter or spring season. One needs a 4x4 vehicle to avoid being stuck on soft sands. TIP TRICK: By driving fast over these sands, one can avoid getting stuck as the vehicle "floats" above areas where riverbeds gone dry. These riverbeds that are made of white crushed stones and sand suck up heavy vehicles which lacks 4x4 power.
Trapped in the soft sands of Acacia Valley (Dry riverbeds victimize non-4x4 vehicles)
The view of people walking and having fun along the deep cliffs of EOTW is so striking to the eye and heart (Warning: seeing people on the edge while they are taking selfies can can cause temporary heart attacks for the weak :D). For photography and videography buffs, these elements are great to capture.
Danger! Danger! (Kids, Better be safe than sorry!)
TIP: In taking photos or just exploring EOTW, one needs personal safety precautions in climbing and walking along edges. A comfortable get up could help you. Wear a light shoes with rough sole so you can climb easily.
HOTELS in RIYADH for your EOTW Travel, KSA Tour or Short Business Trips:
1. Radisson Blu, Riyadh
2. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Riyadh
3. Holiday Inn Olaya, Riyadh
4. Movenpick Hotel Riyadh (Near the Ministry of Interior building and InterContinental Riyadh Hotel)
5. Comfort Inn Suites Riyadh (budget-friendly among the rest)
6. Aquarium Hotel in Dabab St.
You will know you're in the right path to the EOTW if you see this so-called Windows of the World (a natural frame)
What to do at the EOTW?
There are many activities you can do at the Edge of the World:
1. You can do a photo session for weddings or debut (Prenup photography) or for your fashion portfolio projects. You may also do a teaser video for your wedding or debut birthday clients here using stabilizers and drones to capture cinematic output.
Behind the Scenes of a Prenuptial Photo Session
by photography ace Timothy Ignacio
2. You can bring the whole group of fellow artists, if you are into art, to paint the sceneries of the place in their own style and media.
HAGOD Filipino Visual Arts Group during a painting session at the Edge of the World
3. You can bring a guitar and a tent to relax. Compose a music or poetry out there.
4. Of course, you can explore the canyon from edge to edge and capture amazing photographs for you to print and hang at home or your future exhibits.
5. Sightseeing and be awe-struck by the wonders of nature.
Locals enjoy the vast expanse of their homeland
6. Selfie-photography (Be careful while taking one)
7. Meditate, Relax or Pray while looking the seemingly infinite view of the EOTW via its Window frame.
8. Toy photography (Bring you fave toy and make the Edge of the World as a backdrop)
One of my Star Wars toy photography sessions featuring Rey and her Speeder
9. Bonding with new friends during a meal or coffee break at EOTW
10. Clean up the place with garbage (Leave nature free from trash)
How to get there?
From Riyadh, you need to go north via Road 535 (King Khaled Road). A good starting point would be the road going towards Diriyah. Drive towards Salbouk Road. After 30km you will reach an intersection and turn to route 5766 which leads you to Jubayla then to Al Uyayna towns. And from Al Uyayna, drive along Road 5762 and before you reach Sadus, you will see at the left side of the road a sandy entry point 24.956179, 46.228170 and a blue signage with arabic writings. This desert track will lead you to two gates at a dam (which has timings.) where some guards are stationed. Choose the right gate and you will drive along acacia valley where you will find some tracks going to the EOTW. There are dead ends and soft sands along the way. So use this GPS coordinates to reach EOTW: N24 56 41.4 E45 59 32.1
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