Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) board chairman has launched the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance. The initiative is billed as the first of its kind in the world and aims to create a network of government entities, academia and 3D printing companies in the UAE, and around the world.
The initiative aims to turn the UAE into a 3D printing manufacturing hub and seeks to produce a range of supplies, products and services in vital sectors, in order to meet market needs and achieve self-sufficiency.
The launch ceremony was held at DFF’s headquarters in Emirates Towers in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, and DFF Vice Chairman and MD; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications, and DFF Deputy MD besides its CEO Khalfan Juma Belhoul and other officials.
The alliance includes Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Roads and Transportation Authority, Khalifa University, Higher Colleges of Technology and ten international and local 3D printing technology companies.
Sheikh Hamdan explained, “Our goal is to accelerate the adoption and use of this emerging technology to support all governmental, economic, health and scientific sectors in Dubai and the world. Through the Alliance and in cooperation with 3D printing companies, we will enhance our industrial capabilities, secure our basic needs and create new production lines based on the employment of future technology. We will also create a strategic virtual network jointly with the private sector in order to ensure immediate response to local needs during crises and achieve self-sufficiency.”
The new Dubai Future District will house a state of the art warehouse for the storage and distribution of 3D printing materials and products. The district aims to contribute to strengthening the role and partnership of government and private entities, startups and entrepreneurs in deploying 3D printing to develop various economic and future sectors globally and in Dubai.
“We want Dubai to be a global reference for 3D printing technology worldwide in the coming years by strengthening public-private partnership,” stated Sheikh Hamdan.