Amer Hani Al Qassem
This research adopts a critical lens to explore the overlay of commercial innovation and legal regulation in nascent Metaverse manifestations in the UAE. Even as efforts like the Dubai Metaverse Strategy enhance the U.A.E.’s claim to digital leadership, questions remain about inclusive participation and the rule of law. Building on the Capability Approach, Human Capital Theory, and Network Economics, it discusses how all types of virtual economies are influenced by income, education, and digital skills. Mixed-method research involving 200 participants shows that digital literacy, income, and perceived benefit are all strongly related and positively associated (R² = 0.59, p < 0.001), but inequality prevents participation. These findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to governance and regulation of VA and a developed business law system (i.e., IP, contracts, data protection). “Providing affordable XR access for more targeted literacy programmes and an inclusive policy to support universal Metaverse engagement would be an action of restoring digital justice and the sustainability of innovation for the creative ambitions of the UAE.