The NMOQ Metaverse: Exploring Qatari Heritage around the Globe

Picture this: you’re at home, scrolling through your phone, when suddenly you find yourself standing inside the National Museum of Qatar. No ticket. No queue. Just you, immersed in Qatar's rich history.

This is exactly what Qatar Museums has made possible through its groundbreaking metaverse initiative. Accessible through any device, in both Arabic and English, the metaverse offers a world of information at your fingertips.

Three Galleries to Explore

The metaverse brings three permanent NMOQ galleries to life:

Gallery 3: The Archaeology of Qatar

Explore Qatar's ancient past through archaeological discoveries that reveal 7,000 years of human settlement and civilisation.

Gallery 4: The People of Qatar

Discover the social history, traditions, and daily life of the people who shaped Qatar's identity and culture.

Gallery 5: Life in Al Barr (Desert)

Experience the beauty of Qatar's desert landscape and learn how communities adapted to and thrived in this challenging environment.

Twenty-two carefully curated objects come alive through interactive augmented reality. Most artefacts are linked directly to the NMoQ online collection, such as this arrowhead from the neolithic era, and this goatskin milk churn, allowing you to dive deeper into detailed descriptions, historical context, and high-resolution images.

Navigation is intuitive and seamless. An integrated map shows exactly where you are within the museum at any moment, helping you orient yourself just as you would in the physical space. Want to jump from the ancient archaeology of Gallery 3 to the desert landscapes of Gallery 5? Simply select your destination and explore at your own pace,following your curiosity.

Meet NMoQ Mascot, Murjana

Did you know that the National Museum has a mascot named Murjana? In this metaverse pilot, she guides you through the galleries, offering voice-over assistance in both English and Arabic as you explore. While this is just the beginning—a pilot project testing new ways to engage visitors—Murjana represents the museum's commitment to making cultural exploration welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Overcoming Challenges, Creating Innovation

Developed in collaboration with Cisco and its partner, DroppGroup, the journey to create this digital experience wasn't without its obstacles. With the galleries closed for renovation for almost a year, the team faced a significant challenge: how to replicate the exact same galleries—from laminate finishes to intricate floor designs—in a virtual environment.

Through careful digital craftsmanship and innovative 3D scanning technology, they made it work, creating faithful digital twins that capture every detail of the physical spaces.

The AR Experience That Changes Everything

What truly sets this metaverse apart is the augmented reality feature. Simply scan a QR code, and you can view objects in 3D mode right in your own space. Take pictures with ancient artefacts appearing in your living room. Record videos to share on social media. It's an entirely new way to interact with cultural heritage—bringing museum treasures into your world, wherever you are.

Works on Any Device

No expensive equipment needed–just your device. Phone? You're in. Tablet? Perfect. Laptop? Great. For a fully immersive experience, a VR headset can be used, but it’s optional. Students can explore it from classrooms, teachers are encouraged to use it as a learning tool, and people who can't travel to Qatar—whether due to distance or mobility—can still experience the museum's treasures. It's culture without borders, accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

A New Way to Experience Culture

This pilot project aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030's commitment to innovation and digital transformation, positioning Qatar Museums as a leader in cultural accessibility and reimagining museums not as places you travel to, but as experiences that travel to you.

Whether you're an educator bringing Qatar's heritage into your classroom, a student researching ancient civilisations, or simply curious about the stories that shaped this nation, the National Museum of Qatar's metaverse brings culture to you– anytime, anywhere.

Tooba Aziz is an Analytics and Data Visualization Specialist in Qatar Museums’ Digital Experience department.