Dubai to host 700 companies under plan to become global hub for 3D printing

Dubai Holding on Monday launched the International Centre for 3D Printing at Dubai Industrial City.

Dubai Holding on Monday launched the International Centre for 3D Printing at Dubai Industrial City. Courtesy Dubai Holding
Powered by automated translation

Just months after unveiling plans for the world’s largest wholesale market, Dubai has set its sights on becoming a global hub for 3D printing.

Dubai Holding, one of the emirate’s three big conglomerates, yesterday launched the International Centre for 3D Printing at Dubai Industrial City.

The project seeks to bring together a network of design and technology suppliers as well as factories in one place.

Targeted mainly at the construction, medicine and consumer products sectors, the centre will also include research and development centres and laboratories for testing materials used in 3D printed products.

“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, the group chief executive of Tecom Investments, which operates Dubai Industrial City. Abdulla Belhoul, the chief executive of Dubai Industrial City, said the centre is expected to host more than 700 local and international companies to make Dubai a major hub of 3D printing technology.

The consultants Strategy & in a recent report said that 3D printing is moving to the forefront of global industry trends and will play a major role in reducing manufacturing costs and time in the construction sector.

Last week, the Dubai Media Office said that the use of 3D printing in the emirate’s construction sector will account for 25 per cent by 2030, up from 2 per cent in 2019. The 3D printing strategy is estimated to add US$300 billion to the world economy by 2025, and will reduce cost and employment, said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai International City is located close to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port. The industrial city offers its services to small and medium industries, with a focus on sectors such as food, transport equipment, spare parts, machinery and mechanical equipment, logistics, chemicals, products mineral and basic metals.

selgazzar@thenational.ae

Follow The National's Business section on Twitter