Today's Edition
DUBAI (WAM)
Trakhees, the Planning and Development Department, and regulatory body of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), announced that it issued the first-ever licence for construction using 3D printing technology in Dubai.
Nakheel for the Al Furjan Hills project was the recipient of the licence in December 2023 and the celebration marking the completion of the printing process for the first project took place 20 days after construction started.
Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, stated, “At the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, we are committed to implementing Decree No. (24) of 2021, issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, which regulates the use of 3D printing in the construction sector in Dubai. Through the implementation of this Decree, our objective is to drive economic growth, promote environmental sustainability and enhance urban development in Dubai by embracing innovative solutions.”
“We also aim to strengthen Dubai's position as a global centre for construction, building and urban development through our collaborations with real estate developers, such as Nakheel,” bin Sulayem continued.
He underscored the role of Trakhees in encouraging more companies to make use of 3D printing in construction projects in the emirate. He added that it has been dedicated to issuing permits and ensuring regulatory compliance in areas overseen by PCFC to support Dubai’s strategic target of ensuring that 25 percent of its buildings are constructed using 3D printing technology by 2030.
He stressed that the integration of 3D printing technology represents a pivotal step towards fostering innovation, advanced technology, and a knowledge-based economy, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Bin Sulayem highlighted PCFC’s commitment to staying ahead in terms of technological advancements and sustainability practices, while simplifying procedures to further enhance Dubai's leadership in this sector.
“3D printing technology stands as one of the latest eco-friendly construction methods. Unlike traditional methods that involve pouring concrete layers, 3D printing relies on a robotic arm to directly print layers of cement-based material onto a prepared surface,” he explained.
Bin Sulayem emphasised the technology’s potential to reduce the environmental footprint of construction activities.
“This technology facilitates quick and cost-effective project completion. Additionally, it enables precise size control and the construction of complex structures tailored to project requirements, which makes it well-suited for applications demanding non-traditional designs,” he noted.
CEO of Trakhees, Abdullah Belhoul, said that 3D printing technology has revolutionised the construction industry, as it enables architects to create structures fast and with high precision. He underlined the importance of adopting innovative technologies, which reaffirms the emirate’s stance as one of the leading regional logistics and commercial centres.
Belhoul pointed out that the adoption of 3D printing technology significantly reduces labour costs by 80 percent, which in turn reduces workplace accidents due to the technology’s programmable and automated nature.
He continued explaining that it also reduces the time needed to complete construction projects by 60 percent, leading to less working days for workers. This accelerates the construction process compared to traditional means, which usually require years to finalise.
Belhoul reiterated that this enhances efficiency and contributes to meeting the ever-increasing demands of urban development in Dubai.
Trakhees will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address technical aspects related to integrating 3D printing technology into the ‘Dubai Building Code’, he noted. The aim is to ensure compliance in terms of building designs based on approved regulations and technical standards.
It also aims to achieve seamless integration between modern technology and regulatory procedures, facilitating the implementation of construction while adhering to global standards, he added.
