The Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) recent debut in the world of the Metaverse invited visitors to discover and explore a to-scale and completely immersive 3D model of Hegra’s Tomb of Lihyan, Son of Kuza – the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the exciting, and globally accessible, digital realm. 

Now, RCU has gone one step further by harnessing the Metaverse’s incredible adaptability and capability to engage with virtual tourists in exciting new dimensions with the launch of an interactive hot air balloon experience. The next thrilling phase of RCU’s Metaverse journey, the experience launches alongside the latest edition of the annual AlUla Hot Air Balloon Festival, in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Hot Air Ballooning Federation.

Offering online visitors unrivalled and hyper-realistic 360-degree views of Hegra’s most famous landmark, the hot air balloon experience combines all the thrills of soaring into the skies above the digital desert with unique experiences designed to boost playability and raise excitement levels. In addition, RCU is providing a limited number of balloon riders a chance to receive a NFT wearable which will unlock future experiences on the metaverse.

Combing the fun of a no holds barred video adventure with the awe-inspiring spectacle of a real-life hot air balloon ride above Hegra, the experience is the ideal addition to RCU’s expansive and innovative entry into the Metaverse, allowing it to connect with a diverse spectrum of online visitors of all ages.  

Created in the vast and rapidly expanding digital landscape of Decentraland in collaboration with renowned global creative consultancy frog, the virtual Hegra offers expanded accessibility to digital tourists, who can explore its unique features from anywhere in the world.  

Part of the Capgemini Group, frog was appointed to develop, deliver and facilitate Hegra’s Metaverse debut while fully supporting RCU’s smart strategy to propel innovation and embrace the latest advances in technology through the comprehensive regeneration of AlUla County.