Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) activated the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance, launched in July 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, through organizing a virtual workshop that focused on the 3D printing technology and its role in strengthening various economic sectors in the UAE and around the world.

Engaging both the government and private sectors, the virtual workshop drew more than 50 government officials, CEOs, industry stakeholders, researchers, and experts from ministries, government departments, global organizations, startups, and universities in the UAE and abroad.

Abdulaziz Al Jaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, emphasized that the Strategic Alliance represents a wide global network of government agencies, legislative bodies, global technology companies, as well as research and knowledge centers that leverage 3D printing technology to enhance various economic sectors.

Al Jaziri said: “Dubai Future Foundation will work to drive the adoption and implementation of this initiative through strengthening government and private sector partnerships at the local and global level. In addition to studying future opportunities available in various industrial and economic sectors, the Foundation is building synergies with legislative bodies and technology companies, providing logistical and engineering support, and compiling a comprehensive report to raise awareness and increase the uptake for 3D printing technology in various vital fields.”

As the first order of business, the workshop discussed the next steps necessary to strengthen the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance’s role in line with a comprehensive plan based on four main pillars. These main pillars include legislation and regulatory laws, shaping an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging R&D processes, and providing financial and investment opportunities.

During the workshop, specialized sub-committees have been established within each pillar to define each stakeholder’s roles and responsibilities within the Strategic Alliance and explore ways of cooperation to identify the future steps and initiatives needed to accelerate positive outcomes for each pillar.

The participants in the sessions emphasized that 3D printing technology has indeed proven its economic value and its ability to enhance various sectors and contribute to their becoming more self-reliant through securing basic needs, establishing new production lines that integrate future technology, and ensuring the sectors employ the latest manufacturing and construction techniques.

Members of the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance highlighted the importance of putting in place the necessary infrastructure to employ this future technology. In addition, they discussed the diverse challenges that need to be addressed in achieving their wider goals of enhancing awareness and driving uptake for 3D printing across the UAE and beyond. These include ensuring appropriate regulatory legislation, financing projects, attracting global talent in the fields of design, innovation, and engineering to guarantee sustainable production, and finally, promoting high-quality 3D printed products commercially across the globe.

The participants also stressed the importance of enhancing synergies among the Strategic Alliance members through the exchange of knowledge and expertise and providing the necessary technical support to government agencies in Dubai in various high-tech and 3D printing fields. They also suggested that the Strategic Alliance could serve as a conduit and facilitate connections between manufacturers of 3D printed products and government entities keen to benefit from 3D printed technology.  Doing so would also increase the sphere of influence of the Strategic Alliance among stakeholders and speed up its response time to any government requirements.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), launched the 3D Printing Strategic Alliance in July 2020. A first of its kind step in the region and the world, the Strategic Alliance aims to create a comprehensive network of government agencies, research centers, and 3D printing companies in the UAE and the world at large.