Dubai Recognizes the Need for Standardization in 3D Printed Construction

You may have noticed that Dubai and 3D printing seem to be always together in the news lately. While its reputation for luxury is still unparalleled anywhere else, the famed city-state is certainly on its way to serving as a fine role model for the rest of the world in employing the benefits of 3D printing across many sectors. As we have been following, the United Arab Emirates has created a 3D Printing Strategy that will cover everything from construction to the medical field, and well beyond to include areas like transportation and more. Dubai has moved far beyond the conceptual stage and well into reality with 3D printing and other modern technology.

The UAE leaders continue to forge ahead, along with refining their plans that seem to be in a continual state of refinement. Now, standards are being discussed as well—a logical next step.

According to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, those making plans for the future must realize that to speed up meeting the goals of UAE Vision 2021, “strong efforts in the field of smart solutions are required.” He sees a need for smart technology to be used in all sectors. This is probably not a surprise, but Shaikh Mohammed points out that it will be especially necessary within the construction industry.

These ideas were laid out recently at the launch of the ‘Smart Buildability Index.’ Shaikh Mohammed spoke about need for standardization in construction in the UAE.

“Such Indexes should be developed to ensure standards in the UAE are on par with the highest international benchmarks. Standardization is a positive step that will enable major construction projects to better serve the citizens of the UAE, help them achieve happiness and promote further national progress and prosperity,” he said.

Well aware that they are leading in using both smart solutions and 3D printing as they work to improve numerous sectors in the UAE, Shaikh Mohammed pointed out that they not only want to achieve a higher level of success, but also continue to be a world model. He also went on to emphasize how important innovation is to ‘meeting future challenges,’ along with continuing to develop an economy that is competitive, with a foundation based in knowledge.

As Shaikh Mohammed spoke, he also made it clear that with the impending innovation, they will also be working in line with the post-oil economic program created by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The ‘Smart Buildability Index’ is meant to offer standards for construction and designs that are using technology like 3D printing, along with structures, pillars, and walls that are made in the city. Ultimately, the goal is to speed up production while also increasing productivity.

Shaikh Mohammed witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the Federal Demographic Council, federal ministries and the municipalities of the seven emirates, to commence the implementation of the new index across the UAE.

The signing ceremony was attended by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Lt. General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Federal Demographic Council; Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation, and a number of ministers and senior officials. Discuss in the Dubai Construction forum at 3DPB.com.

[Source: Khaleej Times]