Tourists can now virtually visit Hegra’s Tomb of Lihyan in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
The Unesco World Heritage site has been recreated digitally with a 3D model and rendered in Decentraland, an Ethereum-powered virtual platform.
It marks the first venture of AlUla into the metaverse, as well as the first time a Unesco landmark has been rendered in the digital world.
Virtual tourists will be able to enter the Hegra tomb, says the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), which visitors in the real world can’t do. They will also be able to interact with virtual touchpoints to access detailed information about the destination.
The digital site also features a rendering of the surrounding desertscape.
The move “represents an exciting evolution of AlUla's unique heritage, acting as an open invitation to travellers, academics and digital explorers to log in and witness AlUla like never before”, said RCU chief executive Amr AlMadani.
He said entering the metaverse is an important step in AlUla’s regeneration, “moving from the physical to the digital realm and accessible to everyone, everywhere”.
The commission is also preparing a calendar of virtual events to be hosted at the new digital Hegra site, which “will digitally introduce people to the wonders of AlUla through the fascinating, high-tech lens of the metaverse”.
Located 20 kilometres north of AlUla, the archaeological site is known for its prolific tombs and rock formations. The Tomb of Lihyan is the largest at 22 metres tall. Hegra is also considered to be the largest preserved site of the ancient Nabatean civilization.
Creative consultancy firm Frog will develop and facilitate the metaverse debut of Hegra, which adds to the growing list of Middle East tourist sites recreated in the virtual world.
Last month, it was announced that Yas Island in Abu Dhabi would be venturing into the metaverse. It was one of the initial steps taken in rendering the UAE capital digitally.
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa also got its digital twin last month, promising virtual visitors an immersive experience in the world’s tallest tower.
More information and access to the Hegra metaverse experience is at play.decentraland.org
Hegra: a Unesco World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia — in pictures
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The rose-coloured sandstone in Hegra, a Unesco World Heritage site, near Saudi Arabia's northwestern town of AlUla. AFP -
One of the tombs at Hegra, formerly known as Madain Saleh. AFP -
The site was used as the background for a concert by Italian tenor Andea Bocelli. AFP -
The Qasr al-Farid tomb (The Lonely Castle) carved into rose-coloured sandstone in Hegra. AFP -
The Qasr al-Farid tomb (The Lonely Castle) carved into rose-coloured sandstone in Hegra. AFP -
Andrea Bocelli is believed to be the first artist to host a concert at Hegra, Saudi Arabia. Sammy Six -
Hegra, known locally as 'rocky place', features 111 monumental tombs carved into stone. AFP -
Rock-cut tombs at Hegra, near Al Ula, are Saudi Arabia's equivalent of Petra in Jordan, but receive only a trickle of visitors. Amar Grover / The National -
Nabataean tomb in Hegra archaeological site, Al Madinah Province, AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images -
Hegra is the first archeological site in Saudi Arabia to join Unesco's World Heritage List. Photo: Consulum -
A Saudi tour guide stands inside a tomb at Hegra in Saudi Arabia. Reuters -
Hegra is northwest of Riyadh. AP Photo -
Nabataean rock-cut tombs at Hegra, near AlUla, are Saudi Arabia's equivalent of Petra in Jordan, but receive only a trickle of visitors.
