Dubai Industrial City Will be Home to New International Centre for 3D Printing as Accelerated Initiative Continues

Dubai, like Singapore, is a city state. But the distinctions stop there as this emirate, one of seven making up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is known for opulence and wealth far beyond what most of us even dream. Visiting there is said by most to be something you will never forget, along with shopping of the most luxurious kind. Dubai, the second largest emirate—but the most populated–is also known for incredible architecture, with many innovative construction projects underway. And within that realm, soon it may become best known for 3D printed homes, offices, and buildings.

No passing fancy, those governing are serious about 3D printing in the UAE. The interest and resulting dedication to the technology has sprouted numerous committees with the typical accompanying long meetings, resulting in some very complex plans. Their goal, ultimately, is to become top dog in terms of putting 3D printing to maximum use, no doubt with plans for future—and futuristic—architecture that will make us gasp. In line with all of this, it’s just been announced that Dubai Holding, one of the major players in 3D printing advancement in the UAE, has indeed launched the International Centre for 3D Printing.

Dubai Holding is playing a continued role in the UAE’s 3D printing progress, and the launch of the center fulfills one of their major goals as they work to help encourage innovation and the work of new designers, as well as funding workshops, training, and more.

The completion of this center, as with the other major and ongoing plans we’ve been reporting on in the area, is part of the goal to see that Dubai is put on the map in terms of 3D printing, and part of a directive by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

With all that will be happening at this venue, it sounds like its own world, rather than just a center. Meant to create the atmosphere required for all that is on the table in regards to UAE plans, the International Centre for 3D Printing will offer a place where designers, manufacturers and suppliers, and even factories all come together. Also to be included are of course research centers and labs for extensive R&D testing 3D printed products. The environment, again in line with outlined directives, is meant to encourage excellence in 3D printing in the areas of construction, medicine, and consumer products.

“The launch of the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum comes in line with the vision and strategic directions of the Emirate of Dubai to support innovation and future industry,” said Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of TECOM Investments. “The world is experiencing significant demand for 3D printing technologies which are set to play an important role in developing basic industries such as real estate.”

 

“We will work on providing a suitable environment for specialized companies and attracting innovative minds by offering the required infrastructure that match the aspirations of the wise leadership. We believe that the new strategy will be a vital element in creating support for Dubai’s key role in the area of 3D printing,” she continued.

The center will include research centers and laboratories for testing materials used in 3D printed products within an integrated environment that promotes a three-part strategy to include construction, medical products, and consumer products. The educational sector will of course be brought into the picture as well, very importantly, centering around research and development which is sure to prove invaluable.

25% of Dubai buildings will be 3D printed by 2030.

“The establishment of the International Centre for 3D Printing by Dubai Holding will enable us [to] take the first steps towards achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai a global centre of 3D printing technology,” said Saif Al Aleeli, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation.

“The centre focuses on providing all the components in an integrated system to take this technology from the ideas and innovation stage to the design phase, and provide the materials to a promising market within the, construction, medical and consumer product sectors,” he added.

As we’ve reported recently—and it serves as a headliner for all that’s commencing regarding massive 3D printing plans in the UAE—the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid aims to be 3D printing 25% of Dubai buildings by 2030.This is a multi-tiered strategy that not only will boost the economy and offer jobs for many as well as creating other business opportunities, but it will also aid in attracting investors to the area which is a primary focus—and not surprising considering Dubai’s role as a financial hub and attractiveness to extremely affluent expatriates.

“The next phase of the International Centre for 3D Printing is to translate the vision of our wise leadership in the 3D printing domain by providing the latest technology and the best solutions in the industry to meet the requirements of local and international companies in this sector. The centre will offer the advantages of strategic location, advanced infrastructure, developed offices, warehouses, exhibition facilities, not to mention the integrated support system that will enable companies to establish their business,” said Abdullah Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Industrial City.

 

“The centre will host more than 700 local and international companies to make Dubai a major hub of 3D printing technology.”

Dubai Industrial City

UAE entities such as government agencies, private sector companies, universities, and research centers are all expected to work together in bringing the strategy to fruition. Each portion of the strategy has been intricately outlined as to product development and goals and also includes five main pillars to include infrastructure for R&D and attracting other large companies, a legislative structure to focus on technology framework, funding and investment support, finding and encouraging talent, and the promotion of 3D printed products, priced competitively and made with quality.

Many are expected to collaborate on this enormous undertaking of a project and long-term strategy, with a focus on international partners. Four main stages are expected to be completed in terms of establishment, qualification, implementation, and development. While Dubai may be a luxurious city state, their pace for this strategy and ensuing multi-tiered project is anything but. This is not only a plan for meeting the needs of the UAE and Dubai, but also a drive to be first in development, creating a model that many around the world will undoubtedly strive to emulate for a long time to come. Do you think all of these plans will come to fruition in Dubai? Discuss in the Dubai International Centre for 3D Printing forum over at 3DPB.com.