Saudi Ministry Launches 1st National Cultural Metaverse Platform in the World

The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Ministry Launches 1st National Cultural Metaverse Platform in the World

The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Ministry of Culture announced Friday the launch of the first national initiative in the world of the Metaverse supported by the artificial intelligence system for Generative Media Intelligence (GMI), SPA said on Saturday.
The initiative is launched in partnership with droppGroup and its World's First 'Phygital' Metaverse using Hyper ledger Fabric 2.5 block chain technology, which is represented by the Saudi Heritage Metaverse platform.
The platform offers a mix of cultural shows, performances and digital innovation powered by GMI technology, and hosts a dynamic digital environment that allows users to experience many activities and attractions "in real life".
This includes engaging cultural attractions such as the History Walk, sectors dedicated to music, art, history, culinary arts, and crafts, as well as mini-video games. The Performance Center will also stream live events including the Founding Day Commencement Symphony Concert on the ministry's Metaverse platform.
The Ministry of Culture's Metaverse platform is a fully immersive, and web-based experience ready for Mobile XR, ensuring accessibility across a wide range of devices, whether through mobile phones, VR headsets, desktops and other digital devices, as the users are guaranteed a seamless entry into the Metaverse to embody the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to inclusivity, enabling a diverse global audience to explore and participate in the rich history of Saudi culture.
This experience enables millions from the Kingdom, and from all over the world, to experience Saudi events in the Metaverse, which represents a turning point in cultural participation, and this initiative represents a major leap in the future of cultural expression and participation.



Riyadh Hosts GCC Society for History, Archaeology Forum

The 23rd GCC Society for History and Archaeology forum launches in Riyadh - SPA
The 23rd GCC Society for History and Archaeology forum launches in Riyadh - SPA
TT

Riyadh Hosts GCC Society for History, Archaeology Forum

The 23rd GCC Society for History and Archaeology forum launches in Riyadh - SPA
The 23rd GCC Society for History and Archaeology forum launches in Riyadh - SPA

The 23rd GCC Society for History and Archaeology forum, organized by the Heritage Commission in cooperation with King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) was launched in Riyadh. It will run for two days and involve 300 researchers in history and archaeology, SPA reported.
Darah CEO Turki Al-Shuwaier stressed in his opening speech that the forum is a vivid example of how interdisciplinary sciences can equip individuals to think critically, serve their communities, and contribute to human progress.
Heritage Commission CEO Dr. Jasir Al-Harbash commended the society's efforts in serving history and antiquities enthusiasts in the GCC region. He highlighted the successes of the Heritage Commission in Saudi Arabia, particularly the registration of the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area and At-Turaif District in Diriyah on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The forum aims to foster scientific advancement in the society's field of expertise and empower members to contribute to scientific research. It showcases the contributions of GCC citizens in archaeology, heritage, and history and facilitates cultural exchange to promote scientific production in these areas.