Attractions at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island attractions recreated in the metaverse

Yas Island, one of the world’s fastest growing leisure destinations, has been recreated in the metaverse as part of a project to recreate Abu Dhabi in the virtual world.

The initiative, involving the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, Aldar, Miral, twofour54, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, Flash Entertainment and Yas Island, will give visitors virtual access to the many attractions on the island.

The Yas Island Metaverse, the first phase of the project, will allow users to build and purchase digital homes, discover cultural attractions, enjoy theme park adventures, special events, premier golf courses, and the Yas Marina racing circuit.

Introducing the project, Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, stated “as the Emirate’s offerings evolve, this project provides a new and compelling perspective which allows the world to discover Abu Dhabi in their own time and space.

"The innovative, interactive platform is perfect for highlighting the exceptional lifestyle, cultural and entertainment experiences that Abu Dhabi presents to all visitors and will give both virtual residents and travellers the power to curate their own unique Abu Dhabi itinerary - within a whole new sphere of reality.

“Innovation is central to DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to be at the forefront of what is possible, (so) 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.”

With the entire physical destination of Yas Island to be recreated across multiple immersive 3D platforms as of 2023, with virtual visitors enjoying the metaverse ecosystem from home.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Chief Executive of property developer Aldar, said the metaverse project is “the next evolution of Yas Island … firmly placing Yas Island and Abu Dhabi on the global metaverse map”.

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.

James Hartt, Director of Strategic Partnerships at AD Gaming, added “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.”

Image: Yas Island from the air.