UAE’s Sharjah to launch metaverse city

Sharjah, the third most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, will launch a massive metaverse city as a way to boost tourism, officials have announced. 

The “Sharjahverse” project will use a combination of real-world 3D videography and generative AI to highlight the numerous landmarks, adventure and family-based activities in the emirate, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCDTA) said on October 10.

The project will involve a partnership between SCDTA and artificial intelligence ecosystem Multiverse Labs.

The virtual city Sharjahverse will encompass the entire Sharjah at about 2,590 square kilometers. Multiverse Labs said the project would bring the emirate to a global audience, boost its tourism economy and create metaverse jobs for local employees at Sharjah’s iconic sights.

A number of select destinations and attractions will be featured in the first phase of the project. The platform will soon be live on SCDTA’s website and be accessible to any device. 

The authority added that it also has plans to extend its support in the creation of tourism-related NFTs.  

SCTDA chairman Khalid Jasim Al Midfa said: “Transforming the mass market tourism industry towards next-generation, sustainable practices requires a new way of thinking. Virtual tourism in Sharjahverse will provide unprecedented access to almost any location, personalized guest experiences and enhanced entertainment. Multiverse’s groundbreaking and AI-driven approach will help push the limits of imagination and promote Sharjah as a destination of excellence.”