Extended Reality (XR), comprising Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR), is revolutionizing various industries, by offering new immersive, efficient, and innovative solutions. XR has become a crucial instrument that is not only reshaping the evolution of cities but also the process of the industrial world, resulting in the use of XR going beyond architectural designing and workforce training.
Through an ambitious project called Vision 2030, which aims to diversify economies and foster technological innovation, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is leading this shift.
Vision 2030 - The GCC’s Innovation Commitment
The GCC nations, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, want to take the lead in implementing cutting-edge technologies for the creation of smart cities and contemporary industries. In order to strengthen local economies, significant investments have been made in the integration of XR technologies into the infrastructure, oil and gas, and construction sectors as part of Vision 2030.
Enabled by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s NEOM city or the UAE’s Masdar City projects exhibit the use of XR for the development of futuristic urban spaces. The technologically sophisticated and effective greener environment is the main emphasis of these projects.
Extended Reality Integration in Smart Cities
The application of extended reality (XR) technologies in urban planning is transforming urban operations by providing creative ways to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity. XR today serves as a link between the real and virtual worlds; it helps cities explore advanced infrastructure management, transportation systems, and community experiences.
In February 2022, Neom Tech & Digital Company, a key subsidiary of Neom – Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city, launched XVRS. It is a 3D cognitive digital twin metaverse platform aimed at providing a ground-breaking ‘mixed reality’ urban living model. Further prospects include fuel diversification and significant economic opportunity for Neom, its global partners, and cities worldwide. It aims to offer users ‘multiple points of view’ and the ability to feature in a variety of locations across the metaverse in real time as an avatar, hologram, or robotic avatar.
(Source: U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council)
XR Applications Supporting Remote Asset Inspection in Oil & Gas
The oil & gas industry, which is a major contributor to the GCC economy, is confronted with challenges like high costs, safety issues, and difficulties in accessing areas for asset inspections. XR technologies deliver innovative solutions to cater to these problems by facilitating remote asset inspection, thus making the operations safer and more efficient. The UAE has adopted XR technologies in offshore drilling to allow remote inspections.
For example, the world’s largest oil producer, Aramco, is making use of wearable technology, self-learning machines, and virtual reality programs that simulate real-life experiences on an oil rig. It adopts XR for "see-what-I-see" remote assistance which removes the need for experts to travel to distant or hazardous sites and lowers risks.
(Source: Aramco)
Extended Reality (XR) Way to Workforce Training and Safety
Industrial operations are characterized by workforce training and safety; XR emerges as a key tool to enhance both the factors. Through VR simulations, employees can be trained for high-risk tasks in a safe and controlled environment. AR integration, on the other hand, improves worker safety by providing immediate warnings and guidance during operations through real-time hazard alerts.
For instance, ADNOC has implemented VR technology to help trainees enhance their skills and achieve international standards. Through the adoption of virtual reality technology, trainees can learn ways to manage and avoid possible risks and hazards on real-world sites.
(Source: ADNOC Technical Academy)
Collaborations Boosting XR Adoption in GCC
The GCC governments are focusing on forming strategic alliances with XR tech firms top spur innovation. These collaborations help invest in XR-focused research and development centers.
The collaboration between Magic Leap, a top XR company, and Saudi Arabia is notable example to develop innovative solutions for smart cities and industries. Such developments are set to overcome technological and implementation issues while boosting the region's competitiveness on a global scale.
Future Potential of Extended Reality Market in GCC
The GCC extended reality market is still being impacted be Vision 2030 goals and evolving technologies. It is anticipated that XR use in the GCC would soar as AI integration enhances its capabilities. The GCC’s standing in global technological innovation will be further enhanced by government investments and initiatives.
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