Ancient Nabatean-carved tomb at the archaeological site of Hegra in AlUla. AFP
Ancient Nabatean-carved tomb at the archaeological site of Hegra in AlUla. AFP
Ancient Nabatean-carved tomb at the archaeological site of Hegra in AlUla. AFP
Ancient Nabatean-carved tomb at the archaeological site of Hegra in AlUla. AFP

Travel

Hegra’s Tomb of Lihyan in AlUla is recreated in the metaverse

Virtual tourists can enter the prominent Hegra tomb, which visitors in the real world can't do

One Carlo Diaz

November 07, 2022

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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

  • The rose-coloured sandstone in Hegra, a Unesco World Heritage site, near Saudi Arabia's northwestern town of AlUla. AFP
    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
    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 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
  • 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    A Saudi tour guide stands inside a tomb at Hegra in Saudi Arabia. Reuters
  • Hegra is northwest of Riyadh. AP Photo
    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.
    Nabataean rock-cut tombs at Hegra, near AlUla, are Saudi Arabia's equivalent of Petra in Jordan, but receive only a trickle of visitors.
Day 4, Dubai Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage appeared to have been hard done by when he had his dismissal of Sami Aslam chalked off for a no-ball. Replays suggested he had not overstepped. No matter. Two balls later, the exact same combination – Gamage the bowler and Kusal Mendis at second slip – combined again to send Aslam back.

Stat of the day Haris Sohail took three wickets for one run in the only over he bowled, to end the Sri Lanka second innings in a hurry. That was as many as he had managed in total in his 10-year, 58-match first-class career to date. It was also the first time a bowler had taken three wickets having bowled just one over in an innings in Tests.

The verdict Just 119 more and with five wickets remaining seems like a perfectly attainable target for Pakistan. Factor in the fact the pitch is worn, is turning prodigiously, and that Sri Lanka’s seam bowlers have also been finding the strip to their liking, it is apparent the task is still a tough one. Still, though, thanks to Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible.

Tomorrow 2021
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species

Camelpox

Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.

Falconpox

Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.

Houbarapox

Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.

Scoreline:

Everton 4

Richarlison 13'), Sigurdsson 28', ​​​​​​​Digne 56', Walcott 64'

Manchester United 0

Man of the match: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton)

Updated: November 14, 2022, 9:52 AM
Saudi ArabiaArchaeologyThe metaverse