The first 3D printed government facility is being built by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI). The project includes the Al Madam Court and District Attorney’s Office in Sharjah.

Yousef Abdullah, assistant under-secretary for Federal Infrastructure Projects Sector at the MoEI said the move is part of the ministry’s efforts aimed at capitalising on the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, especially 3D printing, to support the country’s goal to achieve sustainability and reduce construction waste.

He said that the ministry aims to promote the principles of innovation and sustainable development through harnessing smart technologies in an advanced way, to reinforce the country’s leading stature in the field of infrastructure projects.

Abdullah explained, “The use of 3D printing technology, which is the first of its kind in terms of constructing federal buildings, will reduce construction costs by 50% and resulting waste by more than 60%, positively reflecting on the economic return of the sector and helping preserve environmental resources.”

He said the use of 3D printing in the construction of government facilities was a milestone in the construction sector. He also stressed that the ministry is keen to use materials available in the country that are characterised by their effective levels of insulation, by printing the walls in an innovative engineering way to take advantage of spaces in a sustainable manner.

Innovative solutions are being used, including electricity, water, communications and air conditioning, he concluded.