Similar to other nations, 3D-printed structures have also been utilized by the construction industry in Dubai. Recently, the Al Furjan Hills Project in this country was able to finish its construction in just 20 days due to the utilization of this kind of equipment.
(Photo : Pixabay/Timo Volz )
Al Furjan Hills Project's Construction
As part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, incorporating 3D printing technology is a significant step toward encouraging innovation, advanced technology, and a knowledge-based economy that is in keeping with the initiative's goals. Thus, almost three weeks after the beginning of building work, the Dubai-based company Nakheel marked the conclusion of the 3D printing process for the Al Furjan Hills project.
In December of 2023, the Planning and Development Department of Trakhees, which is the oversight organization of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), granted Nakheel the first license for the construction of structures utilizing 3D printing technology for the Al Furjan Hills project.
On the other hand, under Decree No. (24) of 2021, which regulates the use of 3D printing in the Dubai construction industry, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, stated that the organization is dedicated to its implementation. By embracing creative ideas, they reportedly hope to drive economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance urban development in Dubai through the execution of this Decree.
On the other hand, as Dubai continues on its path toward technical innovation and sustainability in the construction industry, issuing the first 3D printing construction license to Nakheel represents a significant milestone in the city's journey. They may reportedly anticipate seeing more innovative and environmentally friendly building approaches making headway in Dubai's ever-changing landscape as the city draws closer to achieving its objective of 2030.
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3D Printing in Dubai
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Planning and Development at Trakhees, PCFC, Abdullah Belhoul, stated that the technology of 3D printing has revolutionized the building business by opening up new chances for architects to build structures in a short amount of time and with a high level of precision. It brings up new opportunities for architectural engineering in Dubai and contributes to the city's economic growth.
As mentioned, the aim is to develop a method that facilitates the execution of construction projects by combining cutting-edge technologies with regulatory processes consistent with international standards. As a result of the more programmable and robotic nature of 3D printing technology in the building sector, Belhoul additionally claimed that using this technology dramatically reduces labor costs in the field by 80%. This, in turn, leads to a reduction in the number of accidents that occur in the workplace.
Furthermore, it reduces the time that construction projects take by 60%, which results in fewer working days for workers and speeds up the construction process compared to traditional methods that generally take several years to complete. Thus, the projects are becoming more efficient due to this quick improvement, and it also helps Dubai fulfill the growing demands of urban expansion.
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