The Saudi Ministry of Culture, droppGroup, and Oracle have unveiled the groundbreaking ‘Cultural Universe’, a national Metaverse project aimed at delving into the diverse culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia. This initiative, powered by cutting-edge technology such as GMI AI system, droppPhygital, and Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 blockchain, was officially launched on February 22nd in conjunction with Saudi Arabia’s National Founding Day in 2024.
The Cultural Universe platform has been designed to provide users with a digital alternative to the traditional celebrations of Founding Day, allowing for an immersive exploration of Saudi history dating back to 1727. From a History Walk to dedicated sections focusing on Saudi music, art, history, food, crafts, and even mini video games, there is a plethora of attractions to engage with. For instance, users can delve into the intricacies of Saudi cuisine in the Culinary section or challenge themselves to a tree-climbing game to collect dates. Moreover, the Performance Center on the platform ensures live streaming of cultural events like the Founding Day Beginning Symphony, expanding the reach of these festivities to a global audience.
Accessibility and Integration
Cultural Universe has been developed as a web-based platform compatible with Mobile XR, enabling users to explore the metaverse seamlessly across a range of devices including VR headsets and desktops. This approach underscores the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to inclusivity, fostering global engagement with Saudi Arabia’s cultural legacy. The surge in participation from people worldwide during the Founding Day celebrations indicates a shift towards a more interconnected cultural landscape. The Ministry of Culture views this as a pivotal moment heralding a new era of cultural expression and engagement.
Beyond technological advancement, the primary goal of this initiative is to instigate a broader cultural transformation by creating a global community where traditional customs and contemporary innovations coexist harmoniously. By leveraging advanced technology to enrich cultural storytelling, the collaboration between Saudi Ministry of Culture, droppGroup, and Oracle strives to bridge the gap between the physical world and the digital realm. This ambitious project aligns perfectly with Vision 2030’s vision of embracing technology while preserving cultural heritage, signaling a progressive outlook towards the future.
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