The metaverse is projected to contribute around $15 billion to the GCC economies annually by 2030, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as governments continue to introduce measures to harness the potential of emerging technology, according to showed a study by Strategy&.

The kingdom is expected to account for more than half of the figure, or $7.6bn, while the Emirates will receive nearly a quarter, or $3.3bn, reflecting the aggressive programs the two largest economies have in place. majors in the Arab world to tap into the metaverse. Strategy&, a subsidiary of global consultancy PwC, in a statement on Wednesday.

Qatar is next with $1.6 billion, followed by Kuwait ($1 billion), Oman ($800 million) and Bahrain ($400 million).

The travel and tourism industry is considered to benefit the most, with…