LONDON: Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal this week launched a digital philanthropy center in the metaverse.
The virtual experience comprises exhibitions of Arab science, art and culture curated by some of the world’s top museums and universities in partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies.
“This is a special initiative offering versatility and accessibility in a new space with the drive to harness tolerance and acceptance,” Princess Lamia bint Majed, the company’s secretary-general, said in a statement.
“Our commitment to mankind is to permanently be on the lookout for innovative approaches as we build connections for better cultural understanding as well as boundless tolerance.”
The launch on Wednesday coincided with International Day for Tolerance, an annual UNESCO event designed to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance.
“Alwaleed Philanthropies is committed to deploy collective efforts toward exposing minds and dismantling borders, as we believe in an open world and operate on the concept of creating an impact on people’s lives globally,” Princess Lamia said.
The center’s exhibitions include an exploration of the Astrolabe — an ancient Islamic instrument used for mathematical calculations — and medieval Persian historian Rashid al-Din’s Compendium of Chronicles.
Visitors can also explore the Darzah Room, which features handmade Palestinian products, the Aleppo Room, which depicts the sumptuous interior of a 17th century Syrian mansion, and see traditional handmade Saudi crafts from Mizwara, Alwaleed Philanthropies’ own brand.
The rooms were created in collaboration with Oxford University Museums, Pergamon Museum Berlin, the University of Edinburgh, the Turquoise Mountain Foundation and Palestinian crafts designer Darzah.
Alwaleed Philanthropies said it would expand the space by adding a new partner every quarter.
Princess Lamia said the company cooperated “with a range of philanthropic, governmental and educational organizations to combat poverty, empower women and youth, develop communities, provide disaster relief and create cultural understanding.”
The creation of the digital experience was inspired by the company’s mission to build and nurture tolerance throughout humanity, she added.
“For more than four decades, the team at Alwaleed Philanthropies has acted as an agent of change. We continue creating new dimensions for the progress and advancement of humankind.”
