The Cultural Metaverse, a groundbreaking virtual realm, offers users an immersive experience transcending geographical boundaries.
The Saudi government unveiled a unique online world named the Cultural Metaverse. It’s designed to guide users through Saudi Arabia’s rich history, reaching as far back as 1727.
To honor the nation’s founding day and safeguard its cultural legacy, the Saudi Ministry of Culture launched this extraordinary cultural metaverse.
On February 22, the cultural metaverse went live. It stands out for its use of cutting-edge technologies like Oracle’s Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 blockchain, and as part of droppGroup’s Generative Media Intelligence AI platform, droppPhygital is used.
Users navigate the immersive virtual world using a unique first-person shooter approach. As users move along a shared path, they can freely explore the information presented on either side. When they approach virtual depictions of historical events, a detailed explanation is triggered through voice audio, though currently available only in Arabic and not in English.
The cultural universe includes many sectors. They are dedicated to music, art, history, food, crafts, and mini-games inspired by Saudi heritage. Accessible for free, the service can be enjoyed via websites, mobile devices, virtual reality headsets, and other supported digital platforms, as outlined in the official announcement by the Saudi government.
“This cross-platform compatibility embodies the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to inclusivity, enabling a diverse global audience to explore and engage with the rich history of Saudi culture.”
Cultural Metaverse: Saudi Arabia’s Path to Economic Growth
The Saudi Ministry of Culture is entrusted with protecting and promoting the country’s rich culture. It also fosters modern art. The Ministry sees the metaverse as groundbreaking. It calls the initiative a cultural revolution.
Samuel Huber is the CEO of LandVault, a pioneering metaverse firm. It is engaged with many Middle Eastern governments. In an insightful view, he suggests that Saudi Arabia and its neighbors have moved beyond the hype around the metaverse. Instead, they are strategically leveraging this technology to enhance their economic landscape.
Huber spoke to Cointelegraph. He explained that the metaverse involves making 3D experiences on websites. This marks a big shift in digital interaction and content.
“What we found is the biggest segment are the governments in the Middle East, especially the UAE [United Arab Emirates], Saudi and Qatar, which are trying to digitalize their infrastructure and create really interesting economies for their citizens.”
He also mentioned that, like blockchain and AI, the metaverse is seen as a key factor. The Middle East is looking to it for economic development.
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