Dubai, the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, is the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. Originally a small fishing village, the city has experienced a quick rise to prominence in the 21st century, fueled by oil revenue, tourism and luxury.
Dubai is known for its extravagant and distinct offerings, according to Statista, it is home to the second-highest number of five-star hotels in the world with about 61, following London, UK’s 75, and the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at a height of 2,717 feet.
Dubai previously constructed prototype office buildings (in 2016) using 3D-Printing technology, and they are set to construct the world’s first 3D-printed mosque, a structure that is expected to accommodate 600 people and cover an area of 2,000 square meters spread over two floors.
To construct a building using 3D-printing technology, large printing machines are used that are programmed with design schematics. These machines typically use concrete as the construction material, which is mixed with various additives and poured from a nozzle, building up the structure layer by layer according to the desired design.
One of the key advantages of 3D-printing in construction is the speed of construction. 3D-printing machines can build structures much faster than traditional construction and in addition, it also allows for borderless customization in building design.
CNN reports that the construction of the world’s first 3D-printed mosque in Dubai is expected to commence by the end of this year and completion is estimated to be in the first quarter of 2025.