Saudi Arabia Launches Cultural Universe, World's First National Metaverse

Saudi Arabia launched the metaverse. (Photo; Doc. Techrato)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia, one of the richest countries in the Middle East, has launched a metaverse project called the Cultural Universe, which is the world's first national metaverse initiative operated by the government. This project is the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia, droppGroup, and Oracle, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to create a virtual space that displays Saudi Arabia's culture and history.

The Cultural Universe was launched on February 22, 2024, coinciding with Saudi Arabia's National Establishment Day, which is the commemoration of the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. In this metaverse, users can explore various attractions and activities inspired by the celebration of real-world Establishment Day, such as History Walk, which provides education about the milestones of Saudi Arabia, from pre-Islamic to modern times.

In addition, users can also enjoy immersive areas dedicated to Saudi Arabia's music, art, history, and cuisine, as well as playing mini-games and watching live broadcasts from Founding Day Beginning Symphony, a music performance featuring Saudi Arabian poets and orchestrates.

Cultural Universe can be accessed via a web browser, and optimized for Mobile XR devices, such as smartphones and VR headsets. As such, users can choose the level of immersion they want, either looking at the metaverse from a mobile screen or diving into it with a VR headset. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture says that Cultural Universe, which can be used for free, is a major step towards a more inclusive and innovative future of cultural expression and participation.

The technology behind the Universe Cultural Universe was built using the droppPhygital AI Generative Media Intelligence (GMI) system from droppGroup, a New York-based software development company, and the Fabric 2.5 Hyperledger blockchain from Oracle, a giant technology company. The GMI droppPhygital system enables dynamic and interactive creation of digital content, which can be adapted to user preferences and behavior. The Fabric 2.5 Hyperledger blockchain, which is one of the most popular blockchain platforms in the world, provides secure and transparent infrastructure to store and verify data in the metaverse.

droppGroup, which has positioned itself as the leading physical' platform in the Middle East region, has collaborated with various parties in Saudi Arabia to develop Web3 technology, including Saudi Aramco, a state-owned oil company, which is one of the largest companies in the world. droppGroups offer integrated AI, ML, XR, and metaverse solutions, which can be used for various purposes, such as education, entertainment, advertising, and others.

"droppGroup is proud to lead this digital transformation with the Ministry of Culture," said Christopher Kelly, Co-Founder and President droppGroup. The vision needed for such initiatives is rarely seen in the government and we are pleased to be able to support the Ministry of Culture in this AI project and in the future.

With the launch of the Cultural Universe, Saudi Arabia has shown that they do not want to be left behind in the metaverse trend, and have even become one of the first countries to have a national metaverse operated by the government. Thus, Saudi Arabia hopes to attract world society's interest and participation in their culture and history, as well as demonstrate their commitment to Vision 2030, a program to diversify the economy, global engagement, and improve the quality of life.