In a first of its kind initiative, the Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum unveiled the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance to create a comprehensive network of government entities, academia and 3D printing companies in the UAE and the world.
The initiative intends to develop the UAE into a leading 3D printing manufacturing hub by producing a wide range of supplies, products and services in vital sectors in order to meet market needs and achieve self-sufficiency.
Sheikh Hamdan made the announcement at his recent visit to Dubai Future Foundation’s headquarters in Emirates Towers.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum Chairman – Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
Chairman and CEO – Emirates Airline and Group
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi Minister – Cabinet Affairs and The Future
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the DFF
Omar bin Sultan Al Olama
Minister – State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications Deputy Managing Director – DFF
Khalfan Juma Belhoul
CEO – Dubai Future Foundation.
In a tweet from his official Twitter account, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said:
“Today we launched the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance to provide a platform that unites all entities working in this vital sector. 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 product 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.”
Sheikh Hamdan also issued directives to establish a dedicated district for the development, testing and deployment of 3D printing technology, which will host research centers, startups, international companies, applied engineering firms and business accelerator programs for this emerging technology.
The dedicated district will include the largest state-of-the-art warehouse in the region for the storage and distribution of 3D printing materials and products, contributing to strengthening the role and partnership of government and private entities, startups and entrepreneurs in deploying 3D printing technology 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,” Sheikh Hamdan stated.
H.H. stressed that the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance builds on the outcomes of the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy.
Dubai 3D Printing Strategy
Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in 2016, the strategy aims to utilize this promising technology to benefit society and boost the performance of key sectors.
Sheikh Hamdan directed the DFF team to work closely with Dubai Future District partners, innovation technology labs and 3D printing-related entities in Dubai, the UAE and the world to strengthen their role in the Strategic Alliance.
The 3D Printing Strategic Alliance includes;
Dubai Future Foundation
Dubai Health Authority
Dubai Municipality
Dubai Police
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA)
Khalifa University,
Higher Colleges of Technology and
Ten international and local 3D printing technology companies.
Strategic network for meeting current and future challenges
The 3D Printing Strategic Alliance provides a strategic network to collectively respond to the needs of various sectors in times of crisis through public-private cooperation and by utilizing manufacturing capabilities and developing enabling legislation to ensure self-sufficiency.
In addition, the Alliance will also expedite necessary approvals and access for developing 3D printed products to encourage stakeholders to achieve high levels of productivity to meet current needs and provide sufficient stocks for the future.
3D printing versus global health challenges
The Strategic Alliance will focus initially on increasing capacity for manufacturing medical supplies and equipment in the UAE by establishing 3D printing production lines in record time to meet the surge in demand for such equipment. By doing so, it seeks to support the country’s efforts to create a locally produced stock of medical supplies for frontline medical workers.
The health sector is also witnessing an increasing demand for medical equipment, including protective kits, scanners, respirators, masks, and laboratory supplies, among others.
Dubai 3D Printing Strategy
The ‘Dubai 3D Printing Strategy’ is a unique global initiative that aims to leverage technology in the service of humanity and establish UAE and Dubai as a world-leading 3D printing hub by the year 2030.
The strategy adopts an emerging technology that will help achieve cost efficiency in multiple sectors, especially in the medical and construction sectors in Dubai. The technology has the potential to restructure economies and labor markets and redefine productivity.
