The UAE is to open the world's first hospital in the metaverse as Thumbay Group, a healthcare company, prepares to launch in the coming months.
Metaverse technology for augmented reality and virtual reality will be used to provide virtual consultations. Visitors to the virtual hospital will be able to connect with virtual medical professionals there using their avatars.
Since the technology will allow individuals to tour healthcare facilities before they arrive in the country, the new virtual hospital, according to its founder Dr. Thumbay Moideen, would help encourage improved health tourism. Additionally, according to Moideen, people with long-term illnesses and disabilities might be able to interact with the outside world by using AR and VR headsets.
Why it matters
The UAE has adopted the metaverse wholeheartedly but this hospital is by no means the nation's first entry into the virtual realm. The Ministry of Health and Community Protection (MOHAP) launched the first customer service facility powered by metaverse technology in January.
