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Metaverse Will Bring $15B Annually To Gulf Economies By 2030
The travel and tourism industries alone will gain $3.2 billion once the virtual universe reaches its full potential.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are already heavily invested in the development of the Metaverse, and the tech startups are playing a pivotal role in its construction. According to a recent report compiled by Strategy& Middle East, that investment will likely pay off to the tune of a cool $15 billion in annual revenue by 2030.
“The projections assessed growth in the component technologies, platforms, hardware, and software, as well as the economic contribution of new metaverse applications such as content creation, shopping, and so on,” says Tony G. Karam, partner at Strategy& Middle East.
Out of the seven Emirates, Dubai is emerging as the pre-eminent metaverse economy. Experts predict that the region’s digital strategy will bring a $4 billion boost to GDP, with 40,000 new jobs created in the process. The UAE as a whole has embraced Web3.0 enthusiastically and recently established the first metaverse incubator.
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, NEOM — a $500 billion futuristic metropolis on the Red Sea — will also build a parallel digital version of its cityscape, enabling people to coexist in both the real world and the Metaverse simultaneously.
Also Read: The UAE Has Launched A Program To Assist 100 Startups
“The Metaverse holds a world of possibilities that extends beyond next-generation gaming and internet-based home buying or shopping. It will change how we work, transact, plan, design, build, shop, recreate, travel, and live. In a regional context, the Metaverse’s potential to energize and transform key sectors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is enormous,” says Dany Karam, partner at Strategy& Middle East.
Breaking down Strategy&’s predicted annual raise in GDP reveals the following figures:
- Saudi Arabia: $7.6 billion
- UAE: $3.3 billion
- Qatar: $1.6 billion
- Kuwait: $ 1 billion
- Oman: $0.8 billion
- Bahrain: $0.4 billion
Although the Metaverse is still relatively unknown to the general public, experts believe that in the near future, a thriving digital tourism sector will emerge, with tours to famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, concerts, festivals and sports events all having their own digital versions.
News
The New Nissan Patrol Makes Its Worldwide Debut In Abu Dhabi
The seventh-gen off-roader boasts a bold new design, powerful V6 twin-turbo engine, adaptive air suspension, and plenty of cutting-edge technology.
Yesterday, Nissan revealed the all-new seventh-generation Nissan Patrol to an excited audience in Abu Dhabi. The launch marks a significant milestone for the iconic off-roader, whose unveiling drew an audience of royals, VIPs, top Nissan executives, dealers, media, and prospective buyers.
During the event, Nissan president and CEO Makoto Uchida said: “The all-new Patrol is a prime example of the exciting and empowering models we are delivering under our global business plan, The Arc. The seventh generation is a bold leap forward, blending unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology, and a commanding presence to redefine what an SUV can be”.
A Legendary Off-Roader, Reinvented
The all-new Nissan Patrol has updated styling that exudes strength and durability. The bold exterior, paired with 22-inch alloy wheels, comes in seven distinctive colors, four of which are two-tone combinations, allowing drivers to customize the Patrol to suit their personal style.
Enhanced Power And Performance
This latest Nissan Patrol is the most powerful version of the off-roader yet, thanks to a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. This powerplant delivers 425 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque, channeled through a sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Patrol’s dynamic suspension utilizes advanced e-damper technology that adapts automatically to varying driving conditions. Meanwhile, adaptive air suspension allows drivers to adjust the vehicle’s ride height, ensuring a seamless transition between highway driving and challenging off-road conditions.
Luxurious Interior And Advanced Technology
Inside, the all-new Patrol offers a spacious, luxurious cabin. A panoramic sunroof lets in natural light, creating an airy and inviting environment. Infotainment includes a 28.6-inch main display, complemented by two 14.3-inch displays for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Rear passengers can enjoy (optional) dual 12.8-inch screens supporting Miracast, HDMI, and USB inputs.
The Patrol’s sound system features 12 Klipsch Premium speakers, delivering exceptional audio quality. Connectivity comes courtesy of NissanConnect 2.0 and Google Built-In, providing seamless smartphone integration for everyone inside.
Also Read: Initial Trials Of Dubai’s Driverless Evocargo Trucks Completed
A final interesting feature of the new Patrol is its Biometric Cooling. The system uses an infrared sensor to monitor the body temperature of front and second-row occupants, automatically adjusting airflow to provide optimal comfort.
The all-new Nissan Patrol will soon be available across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the rest of the Middle East, with the first orders arriving from November 1, 2024.