Qatar Museums (QM) and the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) have launched a metaverse pilot project, a major step in digital cultural innovation. The initiative, developed with Cisco and Web3 implementation partner droppGroup, presents a live museum experience integrating immersive 3D environments, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to broaden access to the nation’s heritage.
An Immersive Digital Museum Experience
Through the pilot, visitors can explore digital twins of three key galleries: The Archaeology of Qatar, The People of Qatar, and Life in Al Barr (The Desert). The virtual exhibition presents 22 curated objects with interactive augmented reality features, detailed descriptions, and direct links to the museum’s online collection.
The experience is guided by Murjana, NMoQ’s customised digital mascot, who provides bilingual narration in Arabic and English with intelligent, personalised guidance. Accessible on mobile devices, desktops, tablets, and VR headsets, the platform creates new opportunities for remote learning, allowing students and educators to engage with Qatar’s cultural history in new ways.
Aligning with National Digital Goals
This project supports the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 by positioning the country as a leader in using metaverse and AI technologies for museum engagement. Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani, director of NMoQ, said the initiative extends the museum’s mission into the digital realm.
“We are allowing audiences everywhere to walk through our galleries, engage with our collections, and encounter Qatar’s history in immersive and interactive new ways,” he stated. “This initiative ensures that NMoQ continues to be not only a guardian of heritage, but also a frontrunner in shaping how museums engage with the world.” The project is part of a wider national push for women’s leadership and digital innovation.
A Pioneer in Cultural Transformation
The metaverse pilot is part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme in Qatar. Active since 2019, the CDA is a strategic programme designed to advance the nation’s digitalisation agenda through public and private partnerships. Its focus on accessibility aligns with other national events centred on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Hasan Khan, general manager of Cisco Qatar, commended the museum’s forward-thinking approach. “QM has consistently demonstrated strategic vision in leveraging technology to advance cultural preservation and global engagement, in alignment with Qatar’s national digital ambitions,” Khan said.
By embracing new technologies, the NMoQ metaverse project is not only preserving Qatari heritage but also redefining how cultural institutions can connect with a global audience in an increasingly digital world.
