The nation of UAE is embracing 3D printing in a big way. The government is putting its weight behind the technology and investing heavily in research, development, and education to support innovation.
This support has resulted in tremendous strides towards establishing a fully-fledged 3D printing ecosystem within the country's borders, with initiatives underway to develop AI capability and robots that can be used for humanitarian purposes such as cleaning up after natural disasters.
With so much going on here at present, it seems like a good time to explore what exactly is going on with 3D printing in the UAE:
The UAE is the first country to appoint a minister of state for artificial intelligence. The role, created in 2018, will be responsible for developing the UAE's AI strategy and overseeing all AI-related issues.
The minister will also oversee initiatives to promote wider adoption of AI across government departments such as healthcare and education.
The latter is significant because it will reduce the need for humans in many industries currently heavily reliant on manual labor, such as construction and agriculture.
The UAE is the first nation to use robots as a national service program. This program aims to create a fully automated city by 2030.
Robots will work to make life easier for people in the UAE by helping with household chores and tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and gardening.
The Dubai Future Foundation and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, which work with 3D printing experts to share information and expertise, are headed by the Emirati government.
The Dubai Government funds the Dubai Future Foundation, and it is a non-profit organization that works to promote innovation in Dubai.
At the same time, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation is a think tank overseen by UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
3D printing companies provide on-demand printing, prototyping, custom manufacturing, product development, medical imaging, industrial design, and more.
The companies enables clients to use cutting-edge technologies such as additive manufacturing (AM), 3D scanning/3D modeling software (for example, SolidWorks), CNC machining, and metal casting all under one roof.
It also provides consultation services for companies that want to take advantage of these technologies but do not know how best to do so
In 2016, Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama made a plan for 3D-printed buildings and roads in Dubai by 2030.
The goal was to build a community using 25% 3D-printed construction materials by 2040. According to the official website of RTA, “the project will be implemented within three stages:
1- Technical research and testing of new technologies
2- Construction of pilot projects in selected areas by 2020
3 – Implementation at full scale throughout Dubai’s development plans by 2030.”
-This is a bold plan, and it will take time to achieve. However, if the UAE can become an example for the rest of the world to follow by 2021, it would be a great achievement.
The government of UAE is supporting 3D printing. -This is a good thing as it will help the economy and help them be more innovative and competitive.
This is great news for 3D printing in the UAE and the rest of the world. The government has taken steps to make sure that this technology continues to grow and prosper, which will help improve efficiency and speed up production times while also reducing costs.