Dubai plans 3D printing centre for 700 companies
Dubai Holding’s International Centre for 3D Printing will serve the construction, medical and consumer industries
Dubai plans to host up to 700 companies in a new centre dedicated to 3D printing, as part of its aim to become a global hub for the technology by 2030.
The Dubai Holding conglomerate this week launched the International Centre for 3D Printing, which will serve the construction, medical and consumer industries.
The centre, in Dubai Industrial City, will house research laboratories to test materials that will be used in the 3D printing of products related to the three sectors. It will also involve the academic sector through research and development activities.
The centre was established under the directives of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as part of his vision to make Dubai an international destination for 3D printing by 2030, Dubai Holding said in a statement.
“The new project aims to build a network of distinguished companies in the 3D printing sector by attracting entrepreneurs and innovators as well as targeting international enterprises locally and globally by offering special laboratories for 3D printing,” the statement continued.
“It will also offer services, professional training, facilities, storage solution, and other logistical support to strengthen this sector.”
The International Centre for 3D Printing will look to build a network of design and technology suppliers, as well as hosting factories together in one place.
“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,” said Amina Al Rustamani, group chief executive officer of TECOM Investments.
“We will work on providing a suitable environment for specialised 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.”
According to a report by the Strategy & consultancy firm, 3D printing is set to play a major role in reducing manufacturing costs and time in the construction sector.
The Dubai Media Office recently said that by the year 2030 as much as 25% of Dubai’s buildings would be 3D-printed. The value of the 3D-printing technology-based construction sector in Dubai is expected to be about $816 million by 2025.
