The Saudi Ministry of Culture unveiled a national “metaverse” platform featuring cultural attractions and live events, accessible via Mobile XR on various devices, merging cultural heritage with digital developments.
The Metaverse program was launched by the Saudi Ministry of Culture with assistance from the artificial intelligence system Generative Media Intelligence (GMI). In partnership with droppGroup, this project presents the Saudi Heritage Metaverse, a “Phygital” Metaverse powered by Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 blockchain technology.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the platform combines concerts, cultural exhibitions, and digital breakthroughs driven by GMI technology. Users may participate in various real-life activities in its dynamic virtual environment, such as the dedicated sectors for music, art, history, culinary arts, and crafts, as well as mini-video games commemorating the Kingdom’s Founding Day.
Saudi's Ministry of Culture announced yesterday the launch of the 1st Metaverse related cultural initiative supported.#AlessandroDonettiDaily #CreationEconomy #Web3 #NFT #AIForCreators #MetaverseExperiencehttps://t.co/PieTkXe9xn
— Alessandro Donetti (@aledonetti) February 24, 2024
The metaverse platform
The Ministry of Culture’s metaverse platform was designed to be a comprehensive, web-based experience. The platform is accessible through Mobile XR, making it available on various devices, including mobile phones, VR headsets, desktops, and other digital devices.
Furthermore, this inclusion ensures that a broad audience, regardless of their location or the technology they own, can access the metaverse.
The project provides new opportunities for millions of Saudis and international audiences to explore and engage with Saudi culture in the metaverse.
Under the umbrella of the Saudi Heritage metaverse platform, the metaverse effort is supported by a collaboration with droppGroup and droppPhygital that leverages Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 blockchain technology.
"🚀 Exciting news! Saudi Arabia just launched the first national cultural #metaverse platform in the world. This innovative initiative, in partnership with droppGroup, is a game-changer in utilizing AI and Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 blockchain technology. 🌍🎨 #SaudiHeritage" pic.twitter.com/dMEV3MHglK
— Metaverses News (@MetaversesNews) February 24, 2024
Users anticipate a vibrant and dynamic digital world that brings Saudi culture to life in unprecedented ways with the help of Generative Media Intelligence technology.
A dedicated website was available for those wishing to participate in the virtual experience.
Metaverse in the UAE
Saudi Arabia, along with the UAE, is a metaverse enthusiast in the area. Metaverse activities have been trialed (and occasionally even scaled) in Saudi Arabia in several areas, including media, retail, e-commerce, tourism, and education. Metaverse solutions come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
NEOM, the renowned desert metropolis unveiled in 2017, is one of the metaverse-related projects. In addition to allowing people to experience NEOM before it is built, the immersive digital twin of the location has been created with over $1 billion in investment. This has helped sell property ahead of schedule and created a market for cryptocurrency and NFT transactions.
Consulting leak reveals crazy details of KSA's Neom development https://t.co/TgfWPCprQm via @ConsultancyMENA
— John Guerriero (@vulken17) March 14, 2021
Last year, the Royal Commission for AlUla Laet introduced an immersive 3D experience of Hegra’s Tomb of Lihyan, Son of Kuza, introducing the metaverse to digital users. Developed on Decentraland, the experience allows travelers worldwide to go on virtually immersive, almost “real-life” journeys.
Royal Commission for AlUla:Royal Commission for AlUla's exciting new hot air balloon experience offers bird's eye view of Hegra UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Metaverse https://t.co/ItW3HW7Gtw
— PRpro.be (@PRproBE) February 20, 2023
Incorporating digital services into daily life has also been proven advantageous for the health industry. Seha Virtual is an example of the potential healthcare benefits of metaverse technology.
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