Nakheel, a property developer in Dubai, has been issued a license to use 3D printing in the construction industry.

The Panning and Development Department, which regulates Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, announced the first license for construction using 3D printing technology for buildings in Dubai being granted to Nakheel for the Al Furjan Hills project in December 2023.

World's First 3-d Printed Office Building

Dubai became home to the world's first 3D-printed office building in 2016. Since then, the technology has been applauded and is on the verge of flourishing due in large part to the lessened time durations as well as fewer working days for laborers and construction workers.

The new methods are estimated to be capable of knocking years off of large projects compared to traditional construction methods. The speed of 3D construction projects also meets the increasing, demand for urban development in Dubai. 

This rapid progress enhances project efficiency and contributes to meeting the increasing, demands of urban development in the country. 

Statement from Those Responsible

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, said: "At the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, we are committed to implementing Decree No. (24) of 2021, issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, which regulates the use of 3D printing in the construction sector in Dubai."

"Through the implementation of this Decree, our objective is to drive economic growth, promote environmental sustainability and enhance urban development in Dubai by embracing innovative solutions."We also aim to strengthen Dubai's position as a global centre for construction, building and urban development through our collaborations with real estate developers, such as Nakheel."

The department has worked alongside several key entities to achieve this, he said. The integration of 3D printing technology represents a step towards fostering innovation, advanced technology, and a knowledge-based economy, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, he said.

Furthermore, Trakhees has been dedicated to issuing permits and ensuring regulatory compliance in areas overseen by PCFC to support the emirate's strategic target of ensuring that 25 percent of its buildings are constructed using 3D printing technology by 2030, he added.