WEB CHUTNEY

The world’s first fully functional 3D printed building was inaugurated in Dubai by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday.

The 2,700-square-foot, single-story building was built in just 17 days using a gigantic, 20-foot tall 3D printer and a special mix of concrete, fiber reinforced plastic and glass fiber reinforced gypsum and costs about $140,000.

The new building’s purpose is to showcase the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to innovation and looking to the future, and promote the UAE as a world leader in 3D printing.

“We have a long term strategy for 3D printing and by 2030 we will print 25% of Dubai’s buildings using this technology,” Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

The unique building on the Emirates Towers premises will house the temporary office of the Dubai Future Foundation.