Dubai: The Dubai Racing Club (DRC) will launch the Dubai Verse Cup (DVC), a metaverse-based gaming platform, on 15th January 2023. It is the first racing jurisdiction in the world to embrace the metaverse.
This comes with the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which was established by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, with the objective of making Dubai one of the top 10 metaverse economies and a hub for the metaverse community.
The DRC and its exclusive technology partner, DVCC Meta Technology, have developed the gaming platform, which will be driven by the actual thoroughbred racing industry, in line with Dubai’s pioneering role in adapting and supporting new technologies. The eighth meeting of the season, which includes seven races, will be sponsored by DVCC Meta Technology on 15th January at Meydan Racecourse.
Users of smartphones and VR/AR devices will be able to immerse themselves in realistic horse racing scenes and feel the excitement and intensity of the sport through the Dubai Verse Cup. Digital asset owners of the DVC, such as those who own synthetic horse NFTs, can track their development as they race and breed, with the ability to earn tokens based on how well they do. Players can start or join a “family” to engage in group activities, gain awards, and live a luxurious metaverse lifestyle.
Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Racing Club, stated that, “Dubai is a future-focused city with an emphasis on innovation and technology thanks to the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has always enabled Dubai to push beyond the limits.”
“H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed recently approved the Dubai Metaverse Strategy to boost the digital economy and introduce measures to empower the use of the metaverse and other futuristic technologies. We at DRC are keen to embrace the vision and mindset of this great city and its leadership and are always on the lookout for ways to enhance the experience of our racing fans,” Sheikh Rashid further commented.
The upcoming meeting features four races on the turf, including two $25,864 (AED95,000) handicaps, over 1,400 metres and 2,000 metres, which will give some Dubai World Cup Carnival aspirants a chance to earn their spots in the big league. The Purebred Arabians will open proceedings with a 1,600-metre event for non-winners of three races, while there are also Thoroughbred dirt handicaps over 1,200 metres and 1,900 metres, as per the statement.