2023 has already seen the Middle East region racing off the blocks, in terms of positive push towards adoption of Additive Manufacturing by the local governments and companies, especially in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
Additive manufacturing (AM) ecosystems are growing steadily in the region and the strong government support is evident. Various market research reports project a positive two-digit growth rate in Middle East.
This article by AM Chronicle focusses on few of the recent developments in Additive Manufacturing in the Middle East. It discusses how the companies and governments in the regions are using AM to resolve the unique challenges of the Middle East.
Dubai To Build World’s First 3D-Printed Mosque
Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in January revealed the news of the initiation of the first project in the world, to build a Mosque using construction 3D printing. The cost of the Mosque will be 30 percent higher than the conventional methods, but the leaders have opted for it as it is environmentally friendly. Additionally, Dubai plans to use 3D printing actively in construction per the decree by issues by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in August 2021.
Saudi Arabia plans to become leader in Additive Manufacturing
Bandar Al-Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, spoke at a panel session titled “Dealing with the Unpredictable Economic Consequences of 4IR Technological Progress” at the second edition of the LEAP Tech Conference, held in Riyadh from February 6 to 9, under the theme Into New Worlds. The government is targeting to become a global leader in additive manufacturing (3D printing). It aims to achieve the leadership position through producing additive manufacturing raw material, developing engineering design capabilities, and localizing additive manufacturing services.
World’s largest robot-based 3D printing setup, and HYDRA, The First 3D-Printed USV developed by Al Seer Marine
U.A.E.’s shipbuilding company Al Seer Marine started the world’s largest robotic 3D printing setup to fulfill the demands of the UAE’s aerospace, marine, and automotive industries. According to the company, the leadership decided that due to growing customer demand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the largest markets in the world for aerospace and civil and military aircraft.
The company recently unveiled the first 3D-printed unmanned surface vessel (USV), HYDRA, at the NAVDEX 2023 exhibition in Abu Dhabi. HYDRA was also manufactured on the same robotic 3D printing set up by the company.
AM Chronicle announces Additive Manufacturing Conclave Middle East on 13-14 September in Abu Dhabi
AM Conclave Middle East is an initiative to bring the entire AM ecosystem in the Middle East on one platform including the Government, Users, Software Providers, Hardware, Material Manufacturers, Research Institutes and Standards & Certification Bodies, with an aim to advance the adoption of AM in line with the various strategies in the region to catalyse manufacturing
The event will feature an application and technology focussed conference mapping the latest developments and trends in the world of Additive Manufacturing. A high quality technical conference will also be supported by a networking zone for the industry stakeholders to showcase their solutions and exchange ideas.
Tawazun Council Partnership with Saab and launch of the first Emirati 3D Printing Centre of Excellence
Tawazun Council is an independent government entity that works with the Ministry of Defense and security agencies in the United Arab Emirates. Recently, Tawazun Council signed an agreement with Saab, a leading defense and security company in the UAE, to establish a sovereign AM capability for the UAE Air Force and Air Defence (AFAD). The agreement’s principal aim was efficiently design and manufacture spare parts for the defense section using additive manufacturing techniques.
Tawazun Council also launched the first Emirati 3D printing center of excellence, “Sindan,” with participation from local companies. The center’s main aim is to provide a bridge of collaboration between industry and academia to fulfill the regional requirements using AM. The center will also actively work on standards and certification and expand the UAE’s role in the global AM ecosystem.
Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Tawazun Council, said, “The launch of the first Emirati Centre of Excellence for 3D printing is a major milestone and a testament to the UAE’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement. We are confident that this center will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the additive manufacturing industry in the UAE and beyond.”
Petroleum Development Oman and French Startup Spare Parts 3D Tie Up
Dubai’s DEWA R&D Centre registers its 7th patent for 3D printing adhesive device
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is a government entity that provides water and electricity services in Dubai. DEWA has been actively using AM technologies to manufacture spare parts and prototypes for the organization. DEWA registered its 7th patent in the area of 3D printing adhesive devices.
The Chief executive officer of DEWA, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, emphasized that “this achievement supports DEWA’s efforts to develop advanced infrastructure and specialised in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. The organization uses 3D printers to produce prototypes and spare parts for its generation, transmission, and distribution divisions and to digitize its inventory”
FTI RAK completes MOH Certification for Medical Device Manufacturing
Falcon technologies international (FTI) announced that it received certification from the Ministry of Health after a well-performed audit in January 2023. The certificate ensures that the medical equipment produced by the company using additive manufacturing is developed as per the required quality standards.
Amaero International partners Rabdan for additive manufacturing and powder production in Abu Dhabi
Amaero International Limited has signed a binding joint venture agreement (JV Agreement) with Rabdan Industries for additive manufacturing and powder production in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).’
Hank Holland, Amaero’s Chairman and CEO said: “After spending three months in the UAE and countless hours with our partners, I couldn’t be more excited about embarking on the next chapter of Amaero’s growth and development with Rabdan Industries. Our partner brings deep knowledge and relationships in the UAE, as well as in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, FALCON Advanced Metals’ capabilities and growth strategy closely align with the UAE’s priority economic and industrialisation initiatives.”
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