Dubai To Welcome World’s First 3D-Printed Mosque, Can Be Printed In 4 Months

In two years’ time, worshippers in Dubai could find themselves within the walls of the world’s first 3D-printed mosque, as the United Arab Emirates’ most populous city has received the green light for the project. 

According to the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), the 2,000-square-meter (21,500-square-foot) space is set to be built in one of the oldest districts in the nation, and it will be able to house up to 600 visitors at once.

As per The National News, the agency says the building—designed by the architecture firm JT + Partners—will take an estimated four months to print, and an additional year to “fully fit it out with the appropriate facilities.” 

Only three workers will be needed to operate the printer, which can churn out two square meters (21.5 square feet) of the building per hour. The mosque’s exterior will be built from a combination of raw materials and concrete. 

Al Shaibani, Director of the IACAD’s Engineering Division, says that 3D-printing technology will make construction more eco-friendly than if traditional methods were used, and reflects the officials’ “wise leadership.” 

Despite the environmental benefits of 3D printing, Shaibani admits that the cost of building the mosque using this method will be 30% higher than usual, due to it being the first of its kind in the world. 

Nonetheless, the organization expects expenses will eventually lower to match that of traditional construction in the future, with the project spearheading the city’s ambitious plan to become a leader in technology by 2030. 

Looking ahead, more 3D-printed buildings are likely to pop up in the city, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree to ensure at least 25% of all future buildings in the region are constructed using the technology. 

Interesting Engineering reports that this ruling has sparked a race for manufacturers of “cutting-edge building technology” from across the globe to put their innovations to the test in the city. 

[via Interesting Engineering and The National News, images via JT + Partners]