The Dubai 3D Printing Strategy: Will Print Teeth in Minutes, Make Prosthetics for $110 by 2025

It’s simple: Dubai wants to lead the world in 3D printing. And boy, do they have a plan. While many have vague goals and hopes as they see a bright future for the technology in their countries, states, and universities, the powers that be in the UAE have a multi-tiered plan focusing on construction, medical products, and consumer products. Both their plans—and accelerated pace—have caught the attention of the world as they’ve proclaimed that 25 percent of their buildings will be based on 3D printing technology by 2030, along with a substantial rise in the 3D printing of household goods, jewelry—and even fast food. Dubai has recently announced a new 3D printed lab space to be added to a huge solar park, and just yesterday inaugurated the first 3D printed office building.

Dubai’s Industrial City will be home to much of their 3D printing innovation and progress.

Regarding plans for the medical sector, however, they are now becoming most specific, and it looks as if the patients of the future in the UAE will certainly have new—and affordable—options to look forward to, as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has just announced that they plan to be offering 3D printed artificial limbs by 2025, at a cost of Dh400, which is impressive indeed when translated to $108.90 USD.

“We also plan to produce ceramic teeth in less than 20 minutes, use 3D printing in orthopedic surgeries and create 3D printed casts, which will speed the healing process of patients by 40 to 80 per cent,” said Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director General of DHA.

 

“The strategy ultimately aims to make Dubai excel in different medical surgeries,” said Al Qatami, stating that the value of 3D printed medical products in Dubai is expected to exceed Dh1.3 billion by 2025.

The 3D Printing Strategy has been put in place as part of a directive by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Al Qatami says that at this point the DHA is working on establishing exactly how they will achieve their goals—and ensuring that Dubai is a leader in using 3D printing for medical services by 2030, with a focus on biomedicine and research.

“Using 3D printing in medical printing is important as it is considered to be one of the most important fields given its direct link to human life,” said Saif Al Aleeli, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation. “Through these initiatives, we plan on using the latest technologies as well as partnering with organizations who have experience in the field of 3D printing to find solutions for medical challenges.”

[Image: Dubai Health Authority]

While 3D printing innovations like those being proposed for the medical system in Dubai are currently happening all over the world as we follow, from 3D printed implants to using the technology for processes like completely reconstructing the human jaw, what sets the UAE apart is their cohesive 3D Printing Strategy—raising the bar to a challenging height. The UAE is continuing to serve as global inspiration, just as we saw with their outlined goals for using 3D printing to become the world’s cleanest city by 2050. Discuss Dubai’s amazing plans further in the Dubai 3D Printing Medical Strategy forum over at 3DPB.com.