The Metaverse is a 3D virtual world connected through a network, primarily designed for social interaction. In futuristic and science fiction discussions, it's often portrayed as a hypothetical evolution of the Internet, a universal virtual world accessible via augmented reality headsets.
In broad terms, the Metaverse encompasses technologies like virtual worlds, which are persistent even when you're not logged in and augmented reality, blending elements of the digital and physical realms.
How It Works:
In the Metaverse, you navigate through a virtual representation of yourself, often referred to as an avatar. Here's how it functions:
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Commerce: You can buy virtual assets like cars and move them across different platforms within the Metaverse.
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Social Interaction: People gather in cyberspace for various activities, from family gatherings and business meetings to concerts. You can even use digital currency to shop for items for your virtual persona.
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Learning and Workshops: The Metaverse offers opportunities for workshops, education, and socializing, making it a versatile space.
Meta, the company behind the Metaverse concept, predicts it will take about a decade for Metaverses to become mainstream. It's envisioned as a future hub for human interaction and business, a crucial part of the economy for creating, buying, and selling.
Recent developments show that the Middle East is actively embracing the Metaverse. Many Arab companies and individuals are venturing into this virtual realm. Notable initiatives include NFT collections from companies like Fine Hygienics and the Commercial Bank of Dubai. Dubai even boasts a virtual reality-themed restaurant named MetaTerrance. The Metaverse has expanded to encompass religious practices by introducing virtual Hajj and Umrah experiences.
The discussion surrounding the Metaverse and Hajj began with creating a virtual Kaaba at the Grand Mosque. Saudi Arabia officially initiated this project, known as the Virtual Black Stone Initiative, in late 2021. The Grand Imam of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais, was among the first to visit this virtual Kaaba using Virtual Reality (VR). This endeavor allows Muslims to virtually interact with the Black Stone, signifying the Metaverse's growing influence on various aspects of life, including spirituality.