Dubai Expo 2020 has been cleared to have a dedicated 3D printing zone. In a meeting of The Executive Council, Dubai Crown Prince and Council Chairman Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum approved a specialised, integrated 3D printing zone at the Dubai Expo this year.
“By launching such initiatives, we aim to achieve a quantum leap in the development of future-oriented industries that can have a significant positive impact on sustainable development,” Sheikh Hamdan said about the announcement. “This initiative is also part of our efforts to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for future technologies and R&D.”
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
3D PRINTING IN DUBAI
The UAE is leading the MENA region’s 3D printing efforts. The country has a number of 3D printed infrastructure projects to its name, with more expected out of the announcement.
Dubai is home to the world’s first 3D printed office building in 2016, and later built the world's largest 3D-printed building in 2019. Just one printer and three workers were required in the making of the building. Built by US company Apis Cor, the walls of the 3D printed building are placed on a concrete foundation, and reinforced with rebar and concrete.
Real estate developer Emaar Properties also announced in the same year that it will be building its first 3D printed
home in Dubai, at residential complex Arabian Ranches III. As an early adopter of the technology, the move would lend Emaar the benefits of reduced construction costs, efficient use of materials, and higher levels of sustainability, the company had said.
BEYOND EXPO 2020
The Expo 2020 zone seeks to attract entrepreneurs, investors and researchers to Dubai’s Expo 2020. It is also in line with Dubai’s 3D printing strategy, which aims to promote Dubai as a global hub for 3D printing.
The strategy was announced in April 2016 by Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It seeks to make Dubai a leading 3D printing hub by 2030, with added focus on construction, medical products, and consumer products.
Towards this, five key inputs have been highlighted as pillars of the strategy. These include infrastructure, legislative structure, funding, talent, and market demand.
The strategy has a goal of 25% of buildings in Dubai to be made by 3D printing technology by 2030.
Photo Credit: Dubai Media Office, www.archdaily.com/931328/mean-design-3d-printed-concrete-roundabout-pavilion-for-expo-2020-dubai
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