The Saudi Ministry of Culture has launched ‘Cultural Universe’, the world’s first state-run national metaverse project. An innovative virtual environment integrating droppGroup’s Generative Media Intelligence (GMI) AI technology and Oracle’s Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 blockchain was unveiled on February 22 to commemorate Saudi Arabia’s National Day in 2024.
The specially created Middle East metaverse digitally replicates the various attractions and activities that formed part of the real-life celebrations that took place in the capital Jeddah last week. This includes sections on Saudi heritage, including music, art, history and cuisine, as well as historical walks that provide an educational walk through important events in the country’s history.
The History Walk starts at Bab Jadid and moves on to the Thaker Courtyard and the live cooking corner, while the Al-Eidrous Courtyard has a children’s corner and numerous art workshops. As you get closer to the virtual representation of the historical event, you will hear spoken audio. However, this is limited to Arabic.
GMI meets blockchain in the cultural world
Designed to be accessible to smartphone users as well as owners of sophisticated VR headsets, the free Cultural Universe is touted as a major step in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 roadmap, allowing ‘virtual tourists’ to explore the digital realm. It is located in the heart of Saudi Arabia. The Cultural Universe takes users through centuries of history, dating back to 1727.
A collaboration between Oracle, the Saudi Ministry of Culture, and New York software company droppGroup has produced more than just the Metaverse, a ‘phygital’ environment that leverages blockchain and cutting-edge Generative Media Intelligence (GMI) artificial intelligence (AI). Indeed, droppGroup Chairman Christopher Kelly emphasized the rarity of such visionary initiatives in the government sector and expressed enthusiasm for future AI projects with Saudi ministries.
The cross-platform compatibility of the Founding Day Microverse is said to embody the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to inclusivity, allowing a diverse global audience to explore and engage with the country’s rich cultural history.
Metaverse’s contribution to the economies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates could reach around $15 billion by the end of 2010, according to a recent report by PwC. Both countries have invested heavily in the heart of the metaverse, with pilot programs focused on sectors such as retail, tourism, sports, education and media, putting the region at the forefront of digital transformation.