A quarter of buildings in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will be 3D-printed by 2030, according to a new initiative set out by the UAE’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.  

Dubbed the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, the scheme is designed to cut construction and labor costs while also reducing waste. A government website states it will also “redefine productivity”, as 3D-printed buildings take just 10 percent of the time it takes to construct one by traditional means.

The strategy will focus on a range of areas such as residential villas, humanitarian buildings and retail stores. Starting in 2019 with a 2 percent rise, the plan is to scale in order to reach the city’s 2030 objective.

“The future will depend on 3D printing technologies in all aspects of our life,” said Sheikh Mohammed at the official launch of the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, as reported by Gulf Today. “This technology will create added economic value and benefits worth billions of dollars during the coming period. We should have a share in this growing global market.”

According to the scheme’s official website, the global market for 3D-printed technology is expected to reach $300 billion by 2025, compared with $3.7 billion in 2016.  

Along with construction, the initiative will develop the technology for use in medicine and consumer products. Plans for 3D-printed bones, organs and teeth as well as surgical tools and hearing aids are underway.

3D-printed consumer items such as jewelry, household goods and even fast food are also part of the vision. Across all three sectors, the initiative aims to reduce labor by 70 percent, costs by 90 percent, and production times by 80 percent.