The Saudi Ministry of Culture, in partnership with droppGroup and Oracle, has announced the launch of the ‘Cultural universe‘, a government-run national Metaverse initiative for exploring Saudi culture and heritage. Powered by droppGroup’s Genative Media Intelligence (GMI) AI system, droppPhygitaland Oracle’s Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 blockchain technology, this initiative went live on February 22, in line with Saudi Arabia’s National Founding Day 2024.
Launched to coincide with Founding Day 2024, the Cultural Universe platform provides users with a digital counterpart to the day’s ‘in real life’ celebrations, offering a digital exploration of Saudi Arabia’s rich history, starting in 1727. It features attractions such as a History Walk and special sectors for Saudi music, art, history, food, crafts and mini video games.
For example, in the Culinary section you can explore the ingredients and cooking methods of Saudi cuisine. As for the games, climb the trees and collect as many dates as possible within the given time. Points are awarded for the total number of data collected.
Additionally, the Performance Center will also stream live events on the platform, including the Founding Day Beginning Symphony, making these cultural festivities accessible to a broader audience.
Expanding access to Saudi culture
Cultural Universe provides a digital twin of Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural celebrations and supports Vision 2030’s commitment to advancing technology and preserving cultural values. With droppGroup’s integration of cutting-edge technology into cultural storytelling, they aim to create experiences that combine real and digital elements, paving the way to making cutting-edge technologies accessible to everyone.
The Cultural Universe is accessible as a web-based experience compatible with Mobile XR, allowing users to explore the metaverse on a variety of devices, including VR headsets and desktops. This approach emphasizes the Ministry of Culture‘s emphasis on inclusivity, allowing people around the world to discover and interact with Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.
Furthermore, during the Founding Day celebrations, users from Saudi Arabia and around the world participated in the Metaverse events in unprecedented numbers, indicating a remarkable change in cultural participation. The Saudi Ministry of Culture considers this an important leap into a new era of cultural expression and activity.
Overall, this project aims not only at technological progress, but also at broader cultural change, seeking to create a global community where historical traditions and modern developments are in harmony.