A cooperation agreement was announced to have been signed between all four entities earlier this week, with the centre being developed to “create a consortium of academic, industry, and government entities” that will spur the building technology’s growth in the GCC and Mena regions.
The 3D printing center aims to promote the use and knowledge of innovative construction technologies in the UAE and Middle East. In line with Dubai’s Vision, announced in 2016 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-president and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai, the companies involved in the MOU are working towards UAE developers taking advantage of this new innovative technology in forming 25% of the CityState’s new buildings by 2025.
According to Dr Imad Hoballah, provost and chief academic officer at AUD, the centre would be the first in the Middle East to implement research in the 3D concrete printing field. AUD will work with local officials to promote a culture of 3D printing in the construction sector, with the centre also set to serve members of the university’s Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, in addition to researchers from Arabtec, Robert Bird, and 3D Vinci Creations, the latter of which will also provide a 3D printer for the hub.
Future plans for the centre include the development and delivery of training workshops and seminars on 3D concrete printing for local and regional audiences.
