du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), and Bedu, the UAE’s pioneer in Metaverse and Web3 technologies, today announced a partnership to enhance digital experiences through Project 2117 – a unique metaverse environment designed to simulate the space travel experience with a goal to eventually accommodate 100 million users. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the cooperation was signed by Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, and Amin Al Zarouni, CEO of Bedu.
The collaboration aims to provide people with enhanced digital experiences. du will leverage its expertise in connectivity and lifestyle-enabling telecommunications into the metaverse realm of 2117 and steer its clients toward the 2117 initiative via its own communication channels.
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du, said: "At du, we are committed to improving the consumer experience in digital spaces by implementing tech-driven innovations. Our strategic partnership with Bedu further expands our communication capabilities, reach, and influence as we collaborate to offer UAE residents an unparalleled metaverse experience. We are eager to explore new prospects that can inspire, connect, and accelerate business and community growth throughout the UAE."
Through Project 2117, Bedu aims to explore the feasibility of humanising its applications and identify effective means of capitalising on opportunities across the strategic sectors of communities, governments, and businesses.
Amin Al Zarouni, CEO at Bedu, said: "Bedu is constantly innovating new methods to deliver a one-of-a-kind metaverse experience to users by leveraging industry-leading technologies and forming significant partnerships with industry leaders such as du. We look forward to collaborating with du to realise the metaverse’s potential through forward-thinking technologies that provide a seamless experience for UAE citizens and the rest of the region."
Both partners will also explore the possibility of launching a metaverse retail store for du, as well as a du metaverse district in the future.