During a press conference like no other, filled with anticipation and excitement, an avatar of Asharq Al-Awsat’s Jocelyne Elia appeared in formal black attire.
Elia announced the press conference held on Nov.1 in the virtual realm, following the metaverse format.
The purpose of the presser was to unveil a new partnership between the sustainable hotel brand “Habitats” and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM.
This partnership aims to establish three new hotels in “Leyja,” the latest sustainable tourist destination in NEOM, located in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The press conference was attended by Habitats CEO Oliver Ripley and Chris Newman, the Executive Director of NEOM Hotels Development.
Also in attendance were Jeremy Lester, NEOM Executive Director of Gulf of Aqaba, and Maryam Alqahtani, NEOM brand experience specialist.
A group of both Arab and foreign journalists participated in the conference, posing their questions to the officials in the virtual metaverse world.
They had the opportunity to explore the project through virtual reality technology and enjoyed breathtaking views of the natural landscapes in the Leyja area of the Aqaba Gulf.
They also got to see the new hotels that are still under construction, all captured through high-end technology, nestled among the rocks.
Both participants and officials appeared in avatar forms resembling their real selves.
Elia shared with Asharq Al-Awsat the process through which she was selected to become the first host in a “real” event within the virtual metaverse world.
After welcoming participants with a human touch through computer screens, Elia took on the role of posing questions to the officials.
She began with a fundamental question about why the metaverse was chosen as the platform to announce this partnership.
In response, Newman said: “Leyja is still under construction, and we wanted to share with you the beauty of the place and this new tourist destination in Saudi Arabia.”
“We also believe in the importance of using technology to create experiences that leave a lasting impression, engage people, and make them eager to discover what lies beyond.”
As for Ripley, he affirmed that the hotels are truly a unique project, and that Habitats is honored to have the opportunity to partner with NEOM in Leyja, a place of mesmerizing and entirely unique natural beauty.
“With stunning architectural and engineering designs, the three hotels to be established in Leyja will provide our community with exceptional experiences, allowing them to connect with the surrounding nature,” said Ripley.
“These hotels will draw inspiration from the natural environment, the rocks in the region, and Saudi culture,” he added.
Regarding the partnership with NEOM, Ripley explained that Habitats aligns with NEOM’s vision.
Habitats isn’t just about creating hotel rooms, said the CEO, adding that its goal is to offer visitors the opportunity to have unique experiences in enchanting and entirely distinctive geographical locations.
