Saudi Arabia Launches Cultural Universe Metaverse to Showcase Heritage

Saudi Arabia's Approach to the Metaverse Utilizes First-Person Shooter Elements for User Navigation

Saudi Arabia has launched a ‘cultural’ metaverse to celebrate its founding day.

Saudi Arabia Cultural Universe The user interface of Saudi Arabia’s metaverse initiative. Source: cup.moc.gov.sa

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture has made a grand entrance into the world of metaverse by launching its very own Cultural Universe. This virtual world is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. Built on Oracle’s Hyperledger Fabric blockchain technology and developed by droppGroup’s AI system droppPhygital, the metaverse offers an immersive experience that takes users on a journey through the history of Saudi Arabia, dating back to 1727.

Exploring the Saudi Cultural Universe

The Cultural Universe metaverse adopts a first-person shooter approach to help users navigate the virtual world. As users walk along a common path, they can freely explore the information provided on both sides. When they approach virtual representations of historical events, voice audio explanations are triggered, providing in-depth details about those events. However, it’s important to note that the audio is currently only available in Arabic, not in English.

In addition to history, the Cultural Universe also includes dedicated sectors for music, art, food, crafts, and mini video games—all centered around the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia. This immersive experience can be accessed via the website, mobile devices, virtual reality headsets, and other supported digital devices.

Speaking about the initiative, the Saudi Ministry of Culture stated:

“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.”

The Metaverse: A Cultural Revolution

For the Saudi Ministry of Culture, the launch of the Cultural Universe metaverse represents a transformative moment and a significant cultural revolution. The ministry, which is responsible for preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression, sees the metaverse as a powerful tool to achieve these goals.

According to Samuel Huber, CEO of LandVault, a metaverse firm working with government agencies in the Middle East, the region is no longer caught up in the “era of hype” surrounding the metaverse. Instead, countries like Saudi Arabia are now looking to capitalize on this technology to drive economic growth. Huber explains that governments in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, are keen on digitalizing their infrastructure and creating innovative economies for their citizens.

In essence, the metaverse is becoming one of the pillars of economic growth in the Middle East, alongside blockchain and AI.

Q&A: What You Need to Know

Q: Can non-Arabic speakers enjoy the Saudi Cultural Universe?

A: Currently, the audio explanations within the Cultural Universe are available only in Arabic. However, the visual elements and overall experience can still be enjoyed by non-Arabic speakers. It’s an opportunity to explore the rich visuals and immerse oneself in the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Q: Is there a cost associated with accessing the Cultural Universe?

A: No, the Cultural Universe metaverse is completely free to use. Users can access it via the official website, mobile devices, virtual reality headsets, and other supported digital devices.

Q: Are there plans to expand the metaverse to include other languages?

A: While there hasn’t been any official announcement regarding multilingual support, it is possible that future updates may include additional language options to cater to a wider audience.

Q: Can users interact with each other in the Cultural Universe?

A: The current version of the Cultural Universe focuses on providing an individual exploration experience. However, future updates may introduce interactive features that allow users to connect and engage with each other within the metaverse.

Q: What other countries are embracing the metaverse for economic growth?

A: Besides Saudi Arabia, countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are also actively embracing the metaverse as a means to drive economic growth. These nations are investing in the digitalization of their infrastructure and creating innovative economies to benefit their citizens.

Embracing the Metaverse for Economic Growth

The launch of Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Universe metaverse marks a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to leverage technology for economic diversification. By embracing the metaverse, Saudi Arabia joins a growing list of countries in the Middle East seeking to unlock the potential of the digital realm. The metaverse, alongside other transformative technologies like blockchain and AI, is poised to shape the future of the region’s economies.

As we witness this metaverse revolution unfold, it’s clear that the virtual world holds immense opportunities for cultural preservation, entertainment, and economic development. Whether it’s exploring historical events, creating virtual experiences, or connecting with others, the metaverse is a platform that brings people together in unique and exciting ways.

So, grab your virtual reality headset, step into the Saudi Cultural Universe, and embark on a remarkable journey through Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage. Share your experiences with friends and join the revolution that’s redefining the way we interact with technology.

🔗 References: 1. Saudi Arabia looks to blockchain gaming and Web3 to diversify economy 2. The DeFi bots pumping Solana’s stablecoin volume

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