Dubai is aiming to make a quarter of its buildings using 3D printing by 2030 in a bid to cut the cost and time taken for construction projects.
Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, revealed the ambition today has he launched the ‘Dubai 3D Printing Strategy’, a global initiative that aims to promote the status of the UAE and Dubai as a leading hub of 3D printing technology by the year 2030.
“Our key goal is to ensure that 25% of buildings in Dubai are based on 3D printing technology by 2030, and we will raise this percentage with the development of global technology as well as growth of market demand,” Sheikh Mohammed said, according to a report in Emirates News Agency (WAM).
“We believe that this technology is capable of transforming the construction sector by lowering costs and reducing the time it takes to implement projects.
“It will also help reduce manpower requirements as well as waste generated from construction which can be harmful to the environment. We will also focus on utilizing this technology in other vital sectors such as medicine and consumer products to offer goods and services at competitive prices.”
He added: “Through the 3D Printing Strategy, we aim to make Dubai a global hub for the development of this technology and a base for research and development in this area. We aim to provide the best opportunities for innovation and optimal application of this technology worldwide. Our goal is raise the level of services provided to the people and harness 3D printing for the benefit of the entire community.”
Construction is one of three key sectors of the 3D strategy which also includes medical products, and consumer products.
The construction and building sector will focus on lighting products, bases and foundations, construction joints, facilities and parks, buildings for humanitarian causes and mobile homes, in addition to galleries, stores and residential villas.
The value of the 3D printing technology based construction sector in Dubai is expected to be about AED3bn by 2025. Globally the market is expected to reach $120bn by 2020 and about $300bn by 2025, driven by research and product development.