Yas Island, one of the world’s fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations, is entering the metaverse as part of a pioneering project to put Abu Dhabi in the virtual world.
The initiative is a collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi, Aldar, Miral, twofour54, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, Flash Entertainment and Yas Island.
“Innovation is central to DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to be at the forefront of what is possible,” said Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi.
“With the Yas Island metaverse, we are inviting the world to experience the excitement of Abu Dhabi’s incredible leisure and entertainment destination – virtually – like never before.”
He said the “innovative, interactive platform” will give virtual residents and guests “the power to curate their own unique Abu Dhabi itinerary”.
The entire physical destination of Yas Island is being recreated across multiple immersive 3D platforms, with virtual visitors enjoying the metaverse ecosystem from home.
Per a news release, guests will be able to gather, socialise, play, create and transact. They will build and buy digital homes, explore cultural attractions, and experience Yas Island’s theme parks, special events and a motorsport racing circuit.
Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO at Aldar, said the metaverse project is “the next evolution of Yas Island… firmly placing Yas Island and Abu Dhabi on the global metaverse map”.
Mohammed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, said people “from every corner of the globe will soon be able to enjoy captivating and immersive experiences across Yas Island in the digital world”.
Abu Dhabi entering the virtual world
Currently in the development phase, Yas Island is being recreated using various metaverse platforms, including The Sandbox and Roblox.
It is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of next year, when it will be operational and available to digital visitors.
“Metaverses also bring a host of opportunities to gamify areas such as education in a truly immersive way, resulting in a significant positive social impact for the community,” said James Hartt, director of strategic partnerships at AD Gaming.
John Lickrish, CEO of Flash Entertainment, said the metaverse initiative will “provide new experiences to meet the demands of the changing event and entertainment landscape”.
Images: Miral
