Dubai, United Arab Emirates - October 23, 2019: The opening of the largest 3D printed two-story structure in the world. Wednesday the 23rd of October 2019. Warsan, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - October 23, 2019: The opening of the largest 3D printed two-story structure in the world. Wednesday the 23rd of October 2019. Warsan, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - October 23, 2019: The opening of the largest 3D printed two-story structure in the world. Wednesday the 23rd of October 2019. Warsan, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - October 23, 2019: The opening of the largest 3D printed two-story structure in the world. Wednesday the 23rd of October 2019. Warsan, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai unveils world's largest 3D printed two-storey building


Nick Webster
  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai is laying down foundations for the future of its construction industry – after unveiling the largest 3D 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 on Wednesday.

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

Dubai's 3D printing strategy aims to make it a global capital for this technology
Dawoud Al Hajri,
Dubai Municipality

Officials said 3D printing techniques would transform how the construction sector operates.

"This project is a major turning point in the construction sector," said Dawoud Al Hajri, Dubai Municipality director general. "3D printing technologies in construction will increase the speed of execution and [lead to the] completion of buildings in record time.

“This will reduce construction costs and contribute to the development of solutions to demographic challenges by reducing the number of construction workers.”

Standing 9.5 metres tall and with a total area of 640 square metres, it has been built using onsite 3D printing equipment with local components.

The process works by layering a fluid material along a predetermined route mapped out by computer, similar to an inkjet printer. Those mineral-infused fluids solidify into concrete ­almost instantly to convert the digital model into a three-dimensional object.

  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dawoud Al Hajiri, director general of Dubai Municipality, leads a tour of the futuristic 3D printed Warsan building. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dawoud Al Hajiri, director general of Dubai Municipality, leads a tour of the futuristic 3D printed Warsan building. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The 3D printed Warsan building was unveiled by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Although the case for replacing industrial manufacturing on a wider scale with 3D printing is unproven, ratings agency Moody's said the technology has great potential in many sectors.

Its recent report said the technology would be most useful in areas requiring rapid prototyping, production of unique and customised items and the manufacture of parts with structural complexity.

High production industries where scale is important were less likely to benefit from 3D printing technology, largely because of the high cost of printers and limited supply of specialist technicians.

Emaar Properties is planning Dubai’s first 3D printed home in Arabian Ranches Three, claiming the technique could accelerate the delivery of new homes and bring more design flexibility.

"This two-storey building has been designed and executed with a number of spaces that can be used as rooms or offices," said Mr Hajri at an opening event to discuss the project in Warsan.

“The walls are printed directly from the printer, unlike the traditional method of construction, which depends on the work of tightening wooden pieces with nuts and bolts, reinforcement and pouring of concrete and making bricks.”

Officials said construction costs for a building this size would be cut from about Dh2.5 million to less than Dh1m.

The process used about half the usual number of construction workers, only 15, and generated about 60 per cent less waste.

In July, a French family became the first to move into a single-storey four-bedroom 3D printed home spread across 165 square metres.

Its walls took just two days to build, while the rest of the house took a further four months.

The build was developed by the University of Nantes.

Dubai’s new printed building is not the emirate’s first.

It is three years since Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, opened a futuristic office for 3D printing technology outside Emirates Towers.

The office in the Dubai International Finance Centre was the first of its kind anywhere in the world.

Curves and different shapes were specifically used in the design of the Warsan construction to challenge the printer’s capabilities.

"The building has been designed with different shapes through which it was tested to show it can be possible for 3D printing to construc a variety of designs," Mr Al Hajri said.

“Dubai’s 3D printing strategy aims to make it a global capital for this technology.”

Top%2010%20most%20competitive%20economies
%3Cp%3E1.%20Singapore%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Switzerland%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Denmark%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Ireland%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Hong%20Kong%0D%3Cbr%3E6.%20Sweden%0D%3Cbr%3E7.%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E8.%20Taiwan%0D%3Cbr%3E9.%20Netherlands%0D%3Cbr%3E10.%20Norway%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Khalid%20Fahad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Shaima%20Al%20Tayeb%2C%20Wafa%20Muhamad%2C%20Hamss%20Bandar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae

 

Third Test

Result: India won by 203 runs

Series: England lead five-match series 2-1

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

What%20is%20Dungeons%20%26%20Dragons%3F%20
%3Cp%3EDungeons%20%26amp%3B%20Dragons%20began%20as%20an%20interactive%20game%20which%20would%20be%20set%20up%20on%20a%20table%20in%201974.%20One%20player%20takes%20on%20the%20role%20of%20dungeon%20master%2C%20who%20directs%20the%20game%2C%20while%20the%20other%20players%20each%20portray%20a%20character%2C%20determining%20its%20species%2C%20occupation%20and%20moral%20and%20ethical%20outlook.%20They%20can%20choose%20the%20character%E2%80%99s%20abilities%2C%20such%20as%20strength%2C%20constitution%2C%20dexterity%2C%20intelligence%2C%20wisdom%20and%20charisma.%20In%20layman%E2%80%99s%20terms%2C%20the%20winner%20is%20the%20one%20who%20amasses%20the%20highest%20score.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Leaderboard

63 - Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA)

64 - Rory McIlroy (NIR)

66 - Jon Rahm (ESP)

67 - Tom Lewis (ENG), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG)

68 - Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP), Marcus Kinhult (SWE)

69 - Justin Rose (ENG), Thomas Detry (BEL), Francesco Molinari (ITA), Danny Willett (ENG), Li Haotong (CHN), Matthias Schwab (AUT)

MATCH INFO

Day 2 at Mount Maunganui

England 353

Stokes 91, Denly 74, Southee 4-88

New Zealand 144-4

Williamson 51, S Curran 2-28

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

The%20National%20selections
%3Cp%3E6pm%3A%20Barakka%3Cbr%3E6.35pm%3A%20Dhahabi%3Cbr%3E7.10pm%3A%20Mouheeb%3Cbr%3E7.45pm%3A%20With%20The%20Moonlight%3Cbr%3E8.20pm%3A%20Remorse%3Cbr%3E8.55pm%3A%20Ottoman%20Fleet%3Cbr%3E9.30pm%3A%20Tranquil%20Night%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Etwo%20permanent%20magnet%20synchronous%20motors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Etwo-speed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E625hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E850Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E456km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh737%2C480%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

The%20specs%3A%20Panamera%20Turbo%20E-Hybrid
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E680hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E930Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh749%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs%3A%202024%20Panamera
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.9-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E353hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh408%2C200%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

Profile of Foodics

Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani

Based: Riyadh

Sector: Software

Employees: 150

Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing

Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: from Dh155,000

On sale: now

The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Transmission: ten-speed

Power: 420bhp

Torque: 624Nm

Price: Dh325,125

On sale: Now

MATCH INFO

Champions League quarter-final, first leg

Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)

Match on BeIN Sports

Meatless Days
Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
​​​​​​​Penguin 

TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014%20PLUS
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MATCH INFO

Manchester City 4 (Gundogan 8' (P), Bernardo Silva 19', Jesus 72', 75')

Fulham 0

Red cards: Tim Ream (Fulham)

Man of the Match: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

MATCH INFO

Quarter-finals

Saturday (all times UAE)

England v Australia, 11.15am 
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm

Sunday

Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm

The specs: 2018 Maxus T60

Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder

Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm

Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km