Dubai is poised to be the capital for future technologies

Dubai Future Foundation's deal with Autodesk to provide US$100 million financing for entrepreneurs and start-ups in the 3D printing sector is a step in the right direction, said a local daily.

"The emirate continues to lead the way in the crucial shift towards using digital manufacturing technologies, especially 3D Printing. Also known as additive manufacturing, the process of building three-dimensional objects has been hailed as the technology of future," said Khaleej Times in an editorial on Monday.

"While the foundation will be at forefront of innovation, it will simultaneously help identify suitable investment channels for Autodesk's Spark investment fund. This will greatly benefit businesses relying on 3D printing in their operations, besides catalysing innovation within the sector, and incubating and accelerating 3D-printing start-ups in the region. It will also come as a much-needed shot in the arm for Dubai's future vision to accelerate the manufacturing process in the emirate.

"Dubai is on the pathway to be the hub of a regional 3D printing market, where 3D-printed products will cater to the demands of several sectors such as manufacturing, construction, medical and consumer products, etc. With the global 3D-printing market expected to grow to $300 billion by 2030, Dubai's reputation as an important centre of innovation and excellence in this technology is both pioneering and forward-looking.

"The emirate has already constructed the world's first 3D-printed office. The "Office of the Future" is the most advanced 3D printed building in the world. Inaugurated earlier this year by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it has the distinction of being the first fully functional, inhabited 3D printed building ever created.

"The latest international partnership further paves the way towards establishing an attractive investment environment in the UAE, a place where innovations and technologies of the fourth industrial revolution are set to advance," concluded the Dubai-based daily.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.