March 30, 2022
2 mins read

Dubai announces plans to enter the metaverse

The metaverse is a virtual-reality space where users interact with computer-generated environments and other users…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Municipality will work with private sector companies and investors to create a futuristic, human-centred version of the city that capitalises on opportunities thrown up by the metaverse, according to Dawood Abdul Rahman Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality.

Al Hajri introduced the One Human Reality concept to delegates during a plenary session, entitled ‘Operating Cities of Tomorrow’, held as part of the World Government Summit 2022 (WGS2022), taking place at Expo 2020 Dubai.

“One Human Reality is the meeting point or integration between two worlds: the metaverse and the world we are currently living in together,” Al Hajri said at a session .

The metaverse is a virtual-reality space where users interact with computer-generated environments and other users. At its broadest, it combines elements of social media, augmented reality, virtual reality, video games, cryptocurrencies, and other advanced technologies.

As the next big market opportunity, the metaverse could provide nearly US$800 billion in revenue by 2024, Bloomberg Intelligence estimates show.

“The metaverse today has become closer to reality than we could have imagined,” Al Hajri said. Offering examples of how such a city might work, he said, “Residents could be joined by friends in other parts of the world in the form of avatars on a virtual walk through a city park. Similarly, simulated time travel to historic moments, or immersive tours of landmark destinations may be other metaverse applications.”

Such futuristic use cases would require portals in public spaces and city centres, Al Hajri said, adding that governments and cities should invest in building this infrastructure as soon as possible.

ALSO READ: India, UAE target $250 bn in bilateral trade

Dubai Municipality will soon launch a programme called One Human Reality Talks, aimed at bringing together companies and investors to develop and share this new reality. It will include dialogues with experts, insights, cooperative use cases, knowledge sharing, and more.

Humans must remain at the centre of this new urban vision, according to Al Hajri, who laid out the elements for a framework based on four pillars: human expectations for their environment, human needs with laws to guarantee privacy, security and ownership rights, and technology functions.

“Cities benefit from integrating big data. With the help of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, city leaders will be able to build a digital infrastructure enabling us to access this world in a new way,” he added.

Previous Story

Humanitarian issues on focus in Putin-Macron call

Next Story

MBZ, Blinken discuss Ukraine situation

Latest from -Top News

Turkey’s Jet Roars, West Watches

It is visible that Turkey is intentionally reducing reliance on U.S. and Western military imports, especially F-16s and the failed F-35 partnership, to achieve strategic independence….writes Ankit V In 2016, Ankara announced

‘Op Sindoor’ Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism….reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause

White House: Israel OKs Gaza Truce

Hamas said Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through the mediators and was studying it…reports Asian Lite News The White House said that Israel has

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Morocco celebrates National Day at Expo

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments

Abu Dhabi set to announce summer campaign at Arabian Travel Market

Abu Dhabi’s new campaign will put every traveller’s passion points