Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) board chairman on July 6 launched the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance, a first initiative of its kind in the world that creates a comprehensive network of government entities, academia and 3D printing companies in the UAE and the world.
Aimed at developing the UAE into a leading 3D printing manufacturing hub, the strategic alliance seeks to produce a wide range of supplies, products and services in vital sectors in order to meet market needs and achieve self-sufficiency.
The launch ceremony was held at DFF’s headquarters in Emirates Towers in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, and DFF Vice Chairman and Managing Director; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications, and DFF Deputy Managing besides its CEO Khalfan Juma Belhoul and other officials.
The 3D Printing Strategic Alliance includes Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Roads and Transportation Authority, Khalifa University, Higher Colleges of Technology and ten international and local 3D printing technology companies.
The 3D Printing Strategic Alliance provides a strategic network to respond to the requirements of various sectors in times of crises through public-private cooperation and by utilising manufacturing capabilities and developing enabling legislation to ensure self-sufficiency.
On the new entity, Sheikh Hamdan said: “Our goal is to accelerate the adoption and use of this emerging technology to support all governmental, economic, health and scientific sectors in Dubai and the world.”
“Through the Alliance and in cooperation with 3D printing companies, we will enhance our industrial capabilities, secure our basic needs and create new production lines based on the employment of future technology. We will also create a strategic virtual network jointly with the private sector in order to ensure immediate response to local needs during crises and achieve self-sufficiency,” he stated.
The new Dubai Future District will house the largest state-of-the-art warehouse in the region for the storage and distribution of 3D printing materials and products, contributing to strengthening the role and partnership of government and private entities, startups and entrepreneurs in deploying 3D printing technology to develop various economic and future sectors globally and in Dubai.
“We want Dubai to be a global reference for 3D printing technology worldwide in the coming years by strengthening public-private partnership,” noted Sheikh Hamdan.
He stressed that the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance builds on the outcomes of the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, he added.
