Saudi Arabia launches cultural metaverse to commemorate founding day

A Leap into the Digital Realm

This innovative initiative marks a crucial milestone in the country’s journey toward embracing digital technologies while preserving its cultural identity. As the world witnesses a paradigm shift toward virtual spaces, Saudi Arabia’s foray into the metaverse emphasises its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation while fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

On February 22 2024, the Saudi government’s Cultural Universe metaverse initiative went live and took a user through the long history of Saudi Arabia dating back to 1727. The voice audio explaining the event in detail is limited to Arabic and unavailable in English. The metaverse was built on Oracle’s Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 blockchain technology developed by droppGroup’s Generative Media Intelligence artificial intelligence (AI) system droppPhygital.

Unveiling the Vision: Bridging Tradition and Innovation

The Saudi cultural metaverse, unveiled on the country’s founding day, embodies a vision to bridge tradition with innovation. Through immersive digital experiences, users can explore the diverse tapestry of Saudi culture, ranging from its ancient history to its vibrant contemporary art scene. By imposing cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), the metaverse promises to offer a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and dialogue.

The Saudi government’s official announcement noted, “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.” At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage in the digital age. From majestic historical landmarks to traditional music and cuisine, the metaverse aims to showcase the richness and diversity of Saudi culture to a global audience. Moreover, it seeks to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the country’s heritage among its citizens, especially the younger generation, who are increasingly immersed in digital spaces.

Exploring the Virtual Landscape: Immersive Experience Await

In the Saudi cultural metaverse, users can journey through time and space, exploring virtual replicas of iconic landmarks such as the ancient city of Al-Ula and the bustling streets of Riyadh. Experts at Bitcoin Apex mentioned that through meticulously crafted 3D models and immersive storytelling, visitors can delve into the depths of history, uncovering hidden gems and untold stories that have shaped the fabric of Saudi society. The CEO of LAndVault, a metaverse firm working with various government agencies in the Middle East, Samuel Huber, suggested that Saudi Arabia, together with the rest of the Middle East, moved past the metaverse’s hype era and is headed toward capitalising on the technology to boost their economies. Huber said, “Metaverse is about building 3D experiences embedded into websites.” He added, “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 digitalise their infrastructure and create exciting economies for their citizens.” Huber emphasised that the metaverse is like blockchain and AI, and the Middle East aims for economic growth.

Moreover, the metaverse serves as a hub for artistic expression, showcasing the works of Saudi artists and creatives across various disciplines. The platform offers a dynamic space for cultural exchange and collaboration, from virtual art galleries featuring contemporary masterpieces to live performances by local musicians and dancers. Visitors can engage with artists in real-time, attend virtual events, and even participate in interactive workshops to learn more about Saudi arts and culture. Beyond its role as a showcase for cultural heritage, the Saudi metaverse also catalyses innovation and entrepreneurship. Through virtual marketplaces and incubator programs, aspiring creators and developers can showcase their talents and contribute to the growth of the digital economy. By nurturing a thriving ecosystem of creativity and innovation, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global hub for digital content creation and technology-driven entrepreneurship.

Navigating the Intersection of Culture and Technology

The launch of the Saudi cultural metaverse represents a bold step toward navigating the intersection of culture and technology in the 21st century. By harnessing the power of digital innovation, Saudi Arabia seeks to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing the limitless possibilities of the virtual realm. As the world embarks on a journey into the metaverse, Saudi Arabia’s initiative serves as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the transformative potential of technology in preserving and promoting cultural identity.

As users embark on virtual journeys through the Saudi metaverse, they are invited to explore, discover, and engage with the rich tapestry of Saudi culture in ways never before possible. From ancient archaeological sites to contemporary art scenes, the metaverse offers a window into the soul of a nation, inviting visitors to connect with its past, present, and future. In doing so, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to cultural preservation, technological innovation, and global dialogue, paving the way for a more interconnected and inclusive world in the digital age.

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