Qatar Museums (QM) and the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) have launched the NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project, a digital cultural innovation initiative developed in collaboration with Cisco and droppGroup. This project aims to integrate metaverse and AI technologies to enhance museum engagement and promote access to culture.
The NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project is part of Qatar’s efforts to become a leader in digital cultural innovation, supporting the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. According to HE Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar, the project extends the museum’s mission into the digital realm, allowing audiences worldwide to engage with Qatar’s cultural heritage in new ways.
Metaverse Technology in Museums
The pilot project features digital twins of three galleries: The Archaeology of Qatar, The People of Qatar, and Life in Al Barr (The Desert). Visitors can explore 22 curated objects with interactive augmented reality features, detailed descriptions, and direct links to the museum’s online collection. The experience is enhanced by Murjana, NMoQ’s customised digital mascot, who provides bilingual narration in Arabic and English with intelligent, personalised guidance.
The platform is accessible on mobile devices, desktops, tablets, and VR headsets, introducing new opportunities for remote learning and accessibility. This allows students, researchers, and educators to engage with Qatar’s cultural heritage in new ways, according to Hasan Khan, General Manager at Cisco Qatar.
Key Features and Benefits
The NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project showcases Qatar Museums’ leadership in cultural innovation, experimentation, and preservation. By blending immersive 3D environments with AI-driven personalisation and multi-device accessibility, the project introduces a future-ready approach that bridges tradition and advanced technology to deliver meaningful cultural experiences.
The project is part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program in Qatar, which aims to accelerate the nation’s digitalisation agenda and generate new value for its citizens, businesses, and the country as a whole. Through public and private partnerships, the programme focuses on leveraging innovative digital solutions to address national challenges across key sectors.
Future Developments and Implications
This year, Qatar Museums is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years. The NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project is a significant step in Qatar’s cultural transformation, and its success is expected to inform future initiatives. As the project continues to evolve, it is likely to have implications for the wider cultural and technology sectors.
The next steps for the NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project are expected to be announced in the coming months, with potential expansions to other museums and cultural institutions. The project’s impact on the cultural sector and its potential applications in other areas will be worth watching.
