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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has launched an ambitious campaign to turn the UAE into a global centre for 3D printing.
Sheikh Hamdan unveiled the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance on Sunday, bringing together government organisations, academics and businesses in the UAE and around the globe.
The partnership was created to produce a wide variety of goods.
The growing importance of the 3D-printing industry has been underlined by the pandemic.
Universities and local companies used the technology to meet an urgent need for face shields in health care and the police.
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Sheikh Hamdan made the announcement during a visit to Dubai Future Foundation, a government body of which he is chairman of the board of trustees.
He was accompanied by dignitaries including Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Digital Economy, AI and Remote Working System.
“Today we launched the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance to provide a platform that unites all entities working in this vital sector," Sheikh Hamdan said.
"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.”
Sheikh Hamdan issued directives to establish a district for the development, testing and use of 3D-printing technology.
It will host research centres, international companies, start-ups, applied engineering firms and business accelerator programmes for the emerging technology.
The district will include the largest warehouse in the region for the storage and distribution of 3D-printing equipment and materials.
“We want Dubai to be a global reference for 3D printing technology worldwide in the coming years by strengthening public-private partnership,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
The alliance will initially focus on increasing the capacity for making medical supplies and equipment to support frontline workers battling the coronavirus.
Dubai is laying foundations for the future of its construction industry.
In October, the world’s largest 3D-printed building was completed in Al Warsan.
After a year of testing to ensure the project met strict building standards, it opened as a centre for innovation run by Dubai Municipality.
It is listed in Guinness World Records as the first two-storey 3D-printed building.