Expo 2020 Dubai Enters The Metaverse World Connecting Millions Across The Physical & Digital Globally | News Direct (2023)

News release by Magnopus

Expo 2020 Dubai Enters The Metaverse World Connecting Millions Across The Physical & Digital Globally | News Direct (5) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates | December 07, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

From today, anyone anywhere can experience the magic of Expo 2020 Dubai with friends and family. The World Expo has teamed up with Magnopus to offer an enriching digital experience for millions of on-site and remote visitors from around the world. Expo Dubai Xplorer sets a new standard for accessibility and inclusivity to large events and expands the World Expo’s vision of ‘​​Connecting Minds and Creating the Future’ into the virtual world of Metaverse.

The multi-player experience is available on iOS and Android powered by cloud-hosted services developed by Magnopus. Unique features include:

  • Real-time connectivity between on-site and remote users across the physical and digital divide.

  • One of the largest deployments in the world of persistent Cloud Anchors which allow millions of on-site visitors to experience AR spectacles aligned accurately to real world locations.

  • A social, interactive digital twin of the 4.38km² Expo site—a living world built from the architectural files of the site and enriched with content and experiences.

Uniting The Physical & Digital

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Users can customize their own AI-powered avatar and connect with others in real-time across the physical and digital divide. Standing on the Expo site, a visitor may see a friend from the other side of the world (viewed through the lens of their phone) as an avatar they can share experiences with, and communicate with via group creation and messaging.

On-site hardware will also link the physical and digital worlds. Smart screens called “Digital World Viewers” show views of digital content to enhance the physical landscape for visitors. The desktop application is designed to mimic the capabilities of the mobile applications by connecting to the same cloud services for local content and avatar display.

Augmented Reality Aligned To Real World Locations

By using ARCore Cloud Anchors by Google for hundreds of location-specific activations around the site, visitors will experience entertaining and educational AR content relevant to wherever they are at Expo 2020 Dubai. AR activations including mysterious portals to far-off places, treasure hunts through history, and magical creature encounters are all aligned to real world locations with centimeter accuracy. This is currently one of the largest deployments of ARCore Cloud Anchors in the world.

Geospatial authoring interfaces and global content delivery networks for updating and publishing new content in real-time enable designers to release new interactive AR experiences anywhere on the site during the run of Expo 2020 Dubai. Powered by a set of cloud-hosted services, content is automatically streamed down to the user's device when they approach a location or interact with an experience, without impacting the application’s install size. This enables users to experience any number of magical AR moments, all from a relatively small application on their device, and new or updated experiences can be pushed while the visitor is still in the app.

Remote visitors can access the same AR content and experiences, over a connected digital twin of the site, via an interface similar to popular mobile games like Fortnite or Roblox.

A Live, Social Digital Twin

The digital twin of the Expo site covers more than 200 buildings from the world’s leading architects across a huge 4.38km2 site, including 192 unique country pavilions. Hundreds of artists working around the world spent more than two years creating the living digital replica, enhancing it with dynamic lighting, art installations, animated experiences, and stunning spectacles. Virtual reality was used to collaboratively develop the designs and experiences so they could be tested before the physical site was even built.

The visitor experience geolocates content on the site in real-time, so the digital twin has been built to a high degree of accuracy, at 1:1 scale from the architect’s CAD files, and confirmed with “as-builts”. Due to the size and detail of the site, it can’t be stored on visitor’s devices in its entirety and is streamed to visitors based on their location and proximity. The system also accounts for the performance capabilities of the visitor’s device to deliver the highest quality representation possible.

Ben Grossmann, CEO of Magnopus, says, “This is the biggest space to date, connected across the physical and digital worlds. These ‘connected spaces’ are the building blocks of the new immersive web, or Metaverse. We’ve been working on these kinds of experiences and technologies for many years, and it was thrilling to take things to the next level to bring this grand vision to life with the Innovation and Future Technologies team at Expo 2020 Dubai."

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Rehan Asad, Chief Program Officer for Expo 2020 Dubai, says, “The Virtual Expo is an important part of delivering Expo 2020 Dubai’s promise and purpose—‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. In 2013, Expo 2020 Dubai promised the world to host not only the best ever physical Expo but also the very best virtual Expo. That commitment and COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to find innovative ways to share the Expo experience and content of our once-in-a-lifetime World Expo with a larger global audience who may not be able to travel from around the world. Magnopus and the wider team have unified the most innovative technologies into one integrated experience that truly brings Expo 2020’s creative vision to life in the digital and virtual world.”

Daisy Leak, the project’s Executive Producer, says, “The global pandemic has affirmed that events can no longer be purely physical, or with only a perfunctory video streaming presence. By uniting 200 countries in a common experience, and making that experience available to visitors both on-site in Dubai and around the world, in an engaging and spatial context, we hope to serve as an example of what the future offers to unite people and places in a better way.”

The multiplayer experience has been in development for nearly three years with world-class partners including Google, Unity Technologies, and Amazon Web Services with key contributions from:

  • REWIND (experience design and platform development)

  • Virtuos (3D asset development)

  • Hexagram (quest narrative design and technology)

  • Pinscreen (avatar technology with AI-driven face synthesis)

  • Dog Studio (web development for Virtual Expo connected to content databases)

  • VIM (BIM conversion technology)

  • Terahard (activation development)

  • Activated Realities (activation development)

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  • Source Sound (audio design and development)

Expo Dubai Xplorer is available to download now on iOS and Android.

About Magnopus

Founded in 2013, Magnopus creates experiences and technologies that unite the physical and digital worlds. Magnopus is known for its continuous innovation in the entertainment industry; its Emmy-nominated VR projects; its role as a leader in virtual production through its groundbreaking work on Disney’s The Lion King (2019); and its pioneering work in AR. This year Magnopus acquired REWIND, a UK spatial design and innovation company, to further its mission to merge the physical and digital and lay the foundation for the new immersive web.

About Expo 2020 Dubai

From 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai welcomes visitors from every corner of the globe to join the making of a new world, as it brings together the planet in one place to reimagine tomorrow @ www.virtualexpodubai.com

  • With the purpose of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 is the world’s most impactful global incubator for new ideas, catalysing an exchange of new perspectives and inspiring action to deliver real-life solutions to real-world challenges

  • Expo 2020 is the biggest cultural gathering in the world, presenting a visually striking and emotionally inspiring 182 days, as more than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as millions of visitors – create the largest and most diverse World Expo ever

  • Expo 2020’s sub themes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability inspire visitors to preserve and protect our planet, explore new frontiers and build a better future for everyone

  • For six months, Expo 2020 is be a must-visit family destination, with thousands of events, amazing exploratory experiences, and free entry for children up to age 18

  • Expo is committed to building a more equitable and just world for everyone, while keeping visitors safe by following the latest guidance of the world’s leading medical, science and health experts

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  • Expo 2020 is the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, located on a 4.38 sqkm site adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South

  • Built with a meaningful and measurable long-term legacy in mind, the Expo site will transform into District 2020 – a model global community that will rethink the cities of the future – after Expo 2020 closes its doors

Contact Details

Clear

Andrew Graham

+1 646-385-0189

asg@agencyclear.com

Rewind

Jude Forbes

+44 1727 261007

jude@rewind.co

Company Website

https://www.magnopus.com/

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FAQs

What is the purpose of Expo 2020 Dubai? ›

What Is the Purpose of Expo 2020? Expo 2020 aims at celebrating culture, collaboration, and innovation in the heart of the UAE. Dubai hopes to leave an ever-lasting legacy through the Expo. Expo 2020 will take visitors on a unique journey to catch a glimpse of what the future holds.

How does Expo Dubai 2020 benefit from using VR & AR? ›

The pavilion will feature augmented and virtual reality that will allow visitors to see the real-time movement of cargo across the world, and learn how global trade happens and its impact on every aspect of everyone's life every day.

What is Expo 2020 Dubai site themes architecture? ›

DESCRIPTION. Site, Themes, Architecture is the catalog of Expo 2020 Dubai. An exploration of the Expo site, the title explores the iconic architecture and spaces, from the pavilions and programming to the public realm and beyond, with a focus on the three main themes—opportunity, mobility, sustainability.

How do you think Dubai Expo will influence Globalisation? ›

The event will amplify the UAE's push for economic diversification, opening avenues for bilateral trade. It offers the opportunity to collaborate in areas where the UAE wants to build its strengths, such as food security and renewable energy.

What is the purpose of the Expo? ›

Expos are events in which companies and organizations within a particular industry or niche gather together to showcase products, services, and new developments in their business. As an organization, expos exist to promote your business, network with other organizations, and potentially secure new customers.

What is the purpose of World Expo? ›

A world's fair, also known as a universal exhibition or an expo, is a large international exhibition designed to showcase the achievements of nations.

What are the positive impacts of Expo 2020? ›

One year after the closing of World Expo 2020 Dubai, a study by EY finds that the economic impact of the Expo is expected to contribute a total of AED 154.9 billion of gross value added (GVA) to the economy of the UAE in the period from 2013 to 2042.

What are the disadvantages of Dubai Expo 2020? ›

Cons of Expo 2020

For instance, some of the sectors such as tourism and real estate may experience an oversupply of services such as accommodation facilities after the Expo. Second, the government will incur many costs in setting up necessary infrastructure, as well as, beefing up security across the country.

What are the benefits of virtual reality in society? ›

One of the most striking benefits of virtual reality in various industries, especially for education and training, is its immersive experience. Digital tools created with VR technology, such as 3D learning environments, allow the learner to grasp the theoretical concepts much deeper.

How many pavilions are there in Expo 2020? ›

How Many Pavilions are in Expo 2020 Dubai? Expo 2020 Dubai will feature 200 pavilions, and 191 will be representative of participating countries.

How to book for Expo Pavilion? ›

Tickets can be purchased at www.expocitydubai.com or at the four box offices at Expo City Dubai.

What will be there in Dubai Expo 2020? ›

Visitors will also be able to explore some of the popular country pavilions, including the falcon-inspired UAE Pavilion, award-winning Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion and reworked spaces for Luxembourg, Pakistan and Australia, among others.

Is Dubai Expo a success or failure? ›

The success of Expo 2020 is even more astounding and nearly unfathomable when viewed against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic but this is what Dubai is known for. Taking up massive projects, building the necessary infrastructure, overcoming the odds and astonishing the world.

What are the benefits of participating in Dubai Expo? ›

One of the advantages of Expo 2020 in Dubai is that it will directly benefit thousands of people by creating a multitude of new jobs in the emirate across numerous different sectors. Indirectly, this also contributes to the economy of Dubai and plays its part in the GDP growth of the emirate.

Why do people go to Dubai Expo? ›

As it opens its doors – all 21 metres of them, designed by British architect Asif Khan – this celebration of creativity, innovation and culture plays host to a staggering 192 countries, more than 200 culinary experiences and up to 60 daily events.

What are the benefits of Expo? ›

5 Benefits of Attending an Exhibition
  • Increase Brand Awareness. An exhibition stand will help your company get noticed, as it's the perfect opportunity to get directly in front of your target audience. ...
  • Face-to-Face Marketing. ...
  • Direct Sales Opportunities. ...
  • Learn About Your Industry. ...
  • Get to Know Your Competitors.

What is the importance of Expo events? ›

They provide a platform to promote your product or service to a group that may have little or no knowledge of your services. They also offer an opportunity to meet existing and potential customers.

What makes Expo unique? ›

Besides economic results, throughout history, world expos have created lasting architectural landmarks. The planned and designed architecture for the event has become, on more than one occasion, a distinctive symbol of many cities and countries.

What is unique about Expo 2020? ›

This expo will play host to 190 countries, and for the first time in history, every participating country will have its own pavilion. With nearly one lakh square feet of space, India will have one of the largest pavilions in this expo.

What is the goal of Expo 2020 sustainability? ›

Promoting natural solutions. 50% of landscape plants during Expo 2020, and 95% after the event, come from native and adaptive species. A key target is to ensure that 95% of the landscape area is managed without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers.

What I learned from Expo 2020? ›

One of the many underlying messages that Dubai Expo 2020 sends out and even practices, is the need to think of sustainability. Renewing commitment to the environment and protecting the planet for future generations, the Expo did an excellent job of promoting natural solutions.

What is the Expo 2020 controversy? ›

Security guards, cleaners and hospitality staff at Dubai's Expo 2020 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are allegedly working in highly abusive conditions that may amount to forced labour, according to a human rights group.

What is the effect of Dubai Expo? ›

From more tourism to more retail to more transportation, the GDP of Dubai will get impacted positively, thus resulting in the overall economic development. As per the Barclays report, over the next 3 years, Dubai's GDP will experience a 6.4% growth and by 2020, there will be a 10.5% growth in the GDP.

What happens to Dubai Expo after? ›

Transitioning into Expo City, the Expo 2020 Dubai site will live long after we close our doors at the end of March 2022. This sustainable, human-centric smart city will reuse at least 80% of the Expo-built infrastructure, including LEED Gold and Platinum-certified buildings.

What are the risks of virtual reality? ›

Virtual reality sickness – VR gaming can disrupt the sensory system and cause similar symptoms to motion sickness – nausea, dizziness, headaches, fatigue and loss of balance.

How does virtual reality affect the brain? ›

Just like with any other technology, overexposure to VR can lead to increased alterations in the brain, resulting in headaches and nausea.

How does virtual reality affect humans? ›

Exposure to virtual reality can disrupt the sensory system and lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sweating, pallor, loss of balance, etc., which are grouped together under the term "virtual reality sickness". In sensitive individuals, these symptoms may appear within the first few minutes of use.

How much is Dubai Expo ticket? ›

For visitors not taking advantage of the Attractions Pass, individual tickets cost AED 50 per person per attraction, with one ticket valid for all three Stories of Nations exhibitions. All attractions are free for children aged 12 and under and people of determination.

What are the most visited pavilion in Expo 2020? ›

The Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2020 Dubai was a great success, drawing some 2.35 million visitors, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said on Wednesday.

Which is the No 1 pavilion in Expo 2020? ›

The Saudi Arabia pavilion is officially a winner at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Can I enter Expo for free? ›

Admission. Most attractions are free of charge for children aged 12 and under and People of Determination. Visit Things to do to see the complete list of individual attraction prices. General entry is free for booked school groups only.

Can I buy Expo ticket at the gate? ›

Tickets cost Dhs50 per person per pavilion and the pavilions are open daily from 10am to 6pm. Tickets can be purchased at www.expocitydubai.com or at the four box offices at Expo City Dubai. Tickets for Garden in the Sky are priced at Dhs30 each.

Is Expo City Dubai worth visiting? ›

Awesome! Totally recommend.” You can buy Expo 2020 passport at the official store and get stamps from every pavilion you visit.

Is Dubai cheap or expensive? ›

Dubai isn't actually much more expensive than London, New York, and other big cities. However, Dubai's not a very walkable city. Jaywalking is illegal, and crossings are few and far between. Taxi prices aren't too expensive but taking them often can add up.

What is the cost of Dubai Expo 2020? ›

Tickets and prices for Expo 2020 will cost around AED 50 per pavilion. On October 1st, you can get a one-day pass that will grant you to at least 4 pavilions in Expo City Dubai.

What is the language of Dubai? ›

Dubai's official language is Arabic but there are many variations prevalent in the city. Standard Arabic – the modernised, literary version – is the one you'll encounter in all legal, administrative and government texts, as well as books and newspapers.

Does Expo make money? ›

How does Expo make money? Generally, our plan for the business is to build services that help developers make and operate their apps. We've started with Expo Developer Services, a monthly plan for some services for making apps.

Why did Expo Dubai close? ›

Originally scheduled for 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates. Despite being postponed, organizers kept the name Expo 2020 for marketing and branding purposes. The event had recorded more than 24 million visits in its six months.

Which is the most successful Expo? ›

World Expo, Shanghai

With a site of 523 hectares in size, Expo 2010 Shanghai was the largest ever. In nearly two centuries of Expo, it also had the highest attendance rate, with a whopping 73.5 million visitors pouring through its gates.

What are the benefits of Expo passport? ›

What is the Expo 2020 Dubai white passport? The yellow Expo 2020 passport allows visitors to collect stamps from each of Expo's 200-plus pavilions. It is also one of the most popular souvenirs for Expo frequenters who want to keep track of the extraordinary international pavilions.

Can anyone go to Dubai Expo? ›

For now, some of the unique features of Expo 2020 Dubai are being reopened to the public. Visitors will be able to reach the site directly by Metro, bus, car and taxi for the first time since the Expo ended on March 31. You can wander the main site for free, but need a Dh50 ticket to enter the pavilions.

What are the benefits of Expo 2020 for UAE? ›

Expo 2020 Dubai and its legacy are expected to contribute AED 154.9 billion (USD 42.2 billion) of gross value added (GVA) to the UAE's economy from 2013 to 2042, a report from EY has shown.

What will happen to Dubai after Expo 2020? ›

Transitioning into Expo City, the Expo 2020 Dubai site will live long after we close our doors at the end of March 2022. This sustainable, human-centric smart city will reuse at least 80% of the Expo-built infrastructure, including LEED Gold and Platinum-certified buildings.

What is the story behind Expo 2020 Dubai logo? ›

On the edge of the Empty Quarter lies the remains of an ancient trading post, Saruq Al Hadid. Discovered by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, archaeologists excavating these remains discovered an intricately-designed ring, that would form the inspiration for Expo 2020 Dubai's official logo, and blueprint.

What are the benefits of expo? ›

5 Benefits of Attending an Exhibition
  • Increase Brand Awareness. An exhibition stand will help your company get noticed, as it's the perfect opportunity to get directly in front of your target audience. ...
  • Face-to-Face Marketing. ...
  • Direct Sales Opportunities. ...
  • Learn About Your Industry. ...
  • Get to Know Your Competitors.

What are the benefits of visiting expo? ›

Top 10 Ultimate Benefits of Exhibiting at an Expo
  • Meet and connect with prospects. ...
  • Strengthen relationships with existing customers. ...
  • Face to face is more effective. ...
  • Learn about new products/services in the industry. ...
  • Generate sales. ...
  • Capture leads and build a database. ...
  • Build brand awareness. ...
  • Speak directly to target market.
Mar 27, 2019

What makes expo unique? ›

Besides economic results, throughout history, world expos have created lasting architectural landmarks. The planned and designed architecture for the event has become, on more than one occasion, a distinctive symbol of many cities and countries.

What is unique about Expo 2020 Dubai? ›

It has three sub-themes: Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity. This is the only expo in the history of expos that is not being held in the year originally planned. Despite the ongoing pandemic, around 25million people are expected to attend.

What is so special about Expo 2020? ›

Expo 2020 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate ideas, culture, cooperation, and innovation. This is the first World Expo to be hosted in the Arab world and is also the largest event ever held in the region.

Is Dubai Expo 2020 a success or failure? ›

Dubai Expo; A Billion-Dollar Failure

A major part of the failure in Dubai Expo 2020 occurred in managing the financial transactions inside the UAE. The outcome, however, proved disappointing with 43% of deals, treaties, and transactions occurring through foreign banks and financial agencies.

How much is an Expo ticket? ›

For visitors not taking advantage of the Attractions Pass, individual tickets cost AED 50 per person per attraction, with one ticket valid for all three Stories of Nations exhibitions. All attractions are free for children aged 12 and under and people of determination.

What is the theme of Dubai Expo? ›

Connecting Minds, Creating the Future

Through its main theme, Expo 2020 Dubai aims to create opportunities for interconnectivity and innovation. It is our hope that bringing the world together will catalyse an exchange of new perspectives and inspire action in order to deliver sustainable solutions to global issues.

Which country won Dubai Expo 2020? ›

The Saudi Arabia pavilion is officially a winner at Expo 2020 Dubai. The Saudi pavilion has been awarded the best pavilion, plus, it has received two honorary awards.

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