A tweet today by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE stated: “Today we’ve launched Dubai’s 3D printing strategy, by 2030, 25% of Dubai buildings will be 3D printed”.

He went on to mention how “3D printing will be part of every aspect of our lives,” and that “3D printing will add USD300 billion to the global economy by 2025. It will also help reduce costs, the need for low-skilled labour and save time”.

Sheikh Mohammed can be seen here alongside his son, The Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum discussing the benefits that 3D printing will have for Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed 3D Printing

*More: Marco Pierre White on Sheikh Mohammed & his new biopic*

On his website, Sheikh Mohammed said, “Our vision for development is driven by a deep understanding of the future needs, and built on proactive ideas because we want to be in first place globally.

“The future does not wait for those who hesitate and slow down”.

Speaking on the need for 3D printing in the future, Sheikh Mohammed mentions, “The future will depend on 3D printing technologies in all aspects of our life, starting from houses we live in, the streets we use, the cars we drive, the clothes we wear and the food we eat”.

Perhaps we’ll be seeing 3D printed houses like the one below popping up around the city:

Sheikh Mohammed 3D Printing

*More: In pictures: Sheikh Mohammed & Queen Elizabeth*

He also touches on how 3D printing technology will restructure economies and labour markets, as the use of unskilled labour will come down compared to the current situation, especially in the construction sector.

The value of 3D printing tech in Dubai’s construction sector is estimated to be around Dhs3 billion by 2025.

Sheikh Mohammed 3d

Aside from construction, Sheikh Mohammed also wishes to focus on 3D printed medical and consumer products.

*More: Sheikh Mohammed: New York helped start the Dubai dream*

With regards to medical, there are plans to develop 3D printed teeth, bones, artificial organs, medical and surgical devices and hearing aids. The value of the market will be an estimated Dhs1.7 billion by 2025.

For consumer products, there will be 3D printed household items, optics, fashion jewellery, children’s games and even fast food, with the value of the 3D printed consumer goods market in Dubai expected to be around Dhs2.8 billion by 20205.

If you’re as perplexed as we are as to how one can 3D print fast food, perhaps this quick video will help:

Video: YouTube/Anjan Contractor

We’re not going to lie – we’ll probably stick to Dominos for now, but it’s an exciting idea.

Photos: sheikhmohammed.ae

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.