Nakheel, a Dubai-based company, recently marked the completion of the 3D printing process for the Al Furjan Hills project, a mere 20 days after initiating construction operations. The Planning and Development Department of Trakhees, the regulatory body of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), granted the first license for 3D printing technology in construction to Nakheel for this project in December 2023.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, affirmed the commitment to implementing Decree No. (24) of 2021, which regulates the use of 3D printing in Dubai’s construction sector. This initiative aims to drive economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance urban development in Dubai through innovative solutions, solidifying the city’s global standing in construction and urban development.
Bin Sulayem emphasized Trakhees’ role in promoting 3D printing technology in construction projects and highlighted the corporation’s dedication to supporting Dubai’s strategic goal of having 25% of its buildings constructed using 3D printing technology by 2030. He underscored the importance of staying abreast of technological advancements and sustainability practices to further Dubai’s leadership in the sector.
3D printing technology, Bin Sulayem explained, is an eco-friendly construction method that uses a robotic arm to directly print layers of cement-based material onto a prepared surface, offering quick and cost-effective project completion. He stressed the potential of this technology to reduce the environmental footprint of construction activities and enable precise size control, making it suitable for non-traditional designs.
Abdullah Belhoul, CEO of the Department Planning and Development at Trakhees, PCFC, highlighted the revolutionary impact of 3D printing on the construction industry, providing architects with opportunities to create structures quickly and with high precision. He emphasized the technology’s potential to reduce labor costs by 80%, enhance safety due to its programmable and automated nature, and shorten construction project durations by 60%.
Belhoul outlined Trakhees’ ongoing efforts to integrate 3D printing technology into the Dubai Building Code, ensuring compliance with regulations and technical standards. The goal is to seamlessly blend modern technology with regulatory procedures, facilitating the implementation of construction projects using advanced techniques that adhere to global standards.