The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has launched a new mission to transform the UAE into a global hub for 3D printing. He unveiled the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance this week, which has been created in partnership with government organisations, businesses and academics in the country and around the world, to produce a large number of products.
Speaking about this initiative at the Dubai Future Foundation, 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 co-operation 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 to ensure immediate response to local needs during crises and achieve self-sufficiency.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for certain medical products, in the initial stage, the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance will concentrate on enhancing production capabilities for medical supplies and equipment in the country via the creation of 3D printing production lines. The purpose of this will be to set up a locally produced medical supply stock for frontline healthcare professionals.
As part of the new initiative, a district will be established in Dubai dedicated to the development, testing and use of 3D printing technology. It will be home to startups, international companies, research centres, applied engineering companies and business accelerator programmes for 3D printing. The district will also be home to the biggest warehouse in the region for the storage and distribution of 3D printing equipment and materials.