The Roads and Transport Authority aims to 3D print spare parts for Dubai Metro. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Roads and Transport Authority aims to 3D print spare parts for Dubai Metro. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Roads and Transport Authority aims to 3D print spare parts for Dubai Metro. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Roads and Transport Authority aims to 3D print spare parts for Dubai Metro. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai gets closer to 3D printing metro spare parts


Anam Rizvi
  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai is getting closer to using 3-D printing to manufacture spare parts for its metro.

On Friday, the Roads and Transport Authority said it had made "significant progress" using the technology despite setbacks caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.

RTA and Serco, Dubai Metro's maintenance contractor, are working with a specialist company to advance the 3-D printing project.

"The use of 3D printing in several projects and applications helps develop new techniques and creative means capable of contributing effectively to making Dubai the smartest city in the world," said Mohammed Al Amiri, director of maintenance at the authority.

The RTA is working on 3D printing spare parts for Dubai Metro. Courtesy: Roads and Transport Authority
The RTA is working on 3D printing spare parts for Dubai Metro. Courtesy: Roads and Transport Authority

He said the RTA used 3-D printing to support frontline workers during the National Disinfection Programme by manufacturing mask strap clips.

Mr Al Amiri said they used the same technology to manufacture some metro spare parts that saved 90 per cent of the time usually taken up by sourcing the parts through conventional means.

It also saved 50 per cent of the original cost, he said.

The focus on adopting 3-D printing in transport followed a 2016 directive from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, for 25 per cent of all construction in the emirate to the technology by 2030.

Soon after, the RTA began planning to use 3-D printing to manufacture a pedestrian bridge, Hatta Gate, a bus stop and a marine station.

Last year, Dubai unveiled the largest 3-D printed building on the planet.

After a year of testing to ensure the project in Warsan meets strict building standards, the emirate’s latest hi-tech development went on public display in October last year.

Dubai Municipality said the building was now entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the first two-storey printed building.

Tickets

Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.

Key recommendations
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  • Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
  • Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of ‘ancillary orders’.
  • More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.
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Aguero 1', 44', 61'

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Lukaku (22', 44')

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Man of the match: Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)

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Types of bank fraud

1) Phishing

Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.

2) Smishing

The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.

3) Vishing

The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.

4) SIM swap

Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.

5) Identity theft

Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.

6) Prize scams

Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.