World’s first 3D-printed office in Dubai

The world’s first fully functional 3D printed building was inaugurated in Dubai by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday.
“We implement what we plan, and we pursue actions, not theories. The rapidly changing world requires us to accelerate our pace of development for history does not recognise our plans but our achievements,” Shaikh Mohammad said as he opened the Office of the Future, the first 3D-printed office in the world.
He noted that the UAE has become one of the world’s most important incubators for innovation and future technology through its initiatives and steady steps towards shaping the future and creating a global model to be emulated by others in all sectors.
The unique building on the Emirates Towers premises will house the temporary office of the Dubai Future Foundation.
Shaikh Mohammad said: “We announce today the opening of the first 3D-printed office in the world, after less than a month of launching the Dubai 3D printing strategy which showcases a modern model of construction. This is an experience we present to the world on implementing future technology in our lives, and it represents a new milestone for the UAE as a global leader in strategic achievements.”
He added: “We see this project as a case study that will benefit regulators as well as research and development centres at the regional and international levels on real application of 3D printing technology. We are documenting this experience and building on it to take advantage of the most important lessons, which will serve as reference points to take this technology to new levels.”
The Vice-President pointed out that the competitive advantages of 3D printing in terms of lower costs and faster delivery will make the UAE one of the most important sustainable economic hubs, enabling the effective use of this technology to establish future cities in all sectors.
The 3D printed building was opened in the presence of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, as well as Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and a number of senior officials.
The initiative comes as part of Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, which is a unique global initiative aimed to harness this promising technology for the service of humanity and promote the status of the UAE and Dubai as a leading global centre of 3D printing by 2030. The strategy focuses on three main sectors: construction, medical products, and consumer products.
The first 3D printed office building of its kind in the world prepared for actual use has taken into account the integration of a unique building design and 3D printing technology to offer key services within the building, such as electricity, water, telecommunications and air-conditioning.
The world’s first 3D printed office space covers up to 250 square metres, while the exterior design reflects the most innovative forms of the future workplace. The design has been conceived to achieve a shift from the traditional form of work environments and provide greater opportunities to stimulate innovation and communication between workplace teams. It also offers the possibilities for joint work with experts and innovators from around the world, and a platform to inspire ideas and develop relations between employees by establishing new methods for brainstorming sessions and creating a healthy and happy environment. The design also offers space for exhibitions and workshops as well as other events.
The 3D printed office was constructed using a special mixture of cement and a set of building materials designed and made in the UAE and the United States. These materials have undergone a range of tests in both China and the United Kingdom to ensure their reliability. An arc shape was adopted for the building for safety purposes and to ensure the stability of the building.
Innovative features have been adopted in the office building to reduce energy consumption such as window shades to offer protection from direct sunlight and keep the building cool. Latest technology has been used in the management of information systems within the building.
A 3D printer measuring 20 feet high, 120 feet long and 40 feet wide was used to print the building. The printer features an automated robotic arm to implement the printing process.