Riyadh: The Museums Commission held an award ceremony on Thursday evening at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter to honor the winners of the VR Competition for Museums. The event highlights the commission's ongoing efforts to foster innovation and elevate museum education tools through the deployment of immersive technologies.
According to Saudi Press Agency, a select group of participants, mentors, and cultural sector specialists attended the ceremony, which featured a showcase of the finalist projects developed during an intensive four-month training program involving over 100 trainees from across the Kingdom. The finalists presented creative virtual-reality (VR) models that bring cultural and heritage narratives to life, utilizing interactive methods designed to enhance visitor engagement in museums.
During the event, the commission showcased 12 shortlisted VR experiences representing the outcomes of the program's tracks in Makkah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Najran, Aseer, and Hail. The projects demonstrated remarkable narrative and visual diversity, highlighting the participants' ability to transform cultural heritage into inspiring digital content that meets modern museum standards. Following the showcase, the winning teams from each city were announced, and the evening concluded with a commemorative group photograph of the winners.
The VR Competition for Museums is among the commission's initiatives aimed at supporting education and opening new horizons for creative technologies within cultural institutions. The competition seeks to empower national talent to create interactive educational experiences using VR technology. These projects are intended for future display in museums as locally produced assets that reflect the Kingdom's diverse cultures and enrich the overall museum experience.
The program featured a specialized training track across four stages, enabling participants to refine their skills and develop digital projects that retell heritage stories through fresh perspectives. The initiative supports the national strategic direction toward enhancing creative content and integrating advanced technologies into the cultural sector.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a collaborative effort involving national experts and cultural partners. It reflected the Museums Commission's unwavering commitment to supporting innovation in museums and empowering the next generation of digital content creators.