Dubai Municipality has installed 40 seats, which were manufactured utilizing 3D printing technology, in Uptown Mirdiff and Al Khazzan Parks. The move comes in line with the Municiplaity’s approach to delivering its services in Dubai by leveraging advanced technologies and employing innovative solutions. It also aligns with the city’s efforts to promote sustainability, while reducing carbon footprint and natural resource consumption, further boosting Dubai’s pioneering position and its competitiveness in this realm.

The Municipality partnered with Avenco Robotics and AC3D, who specialize in 3D Printing. The step highlights Dubai Municipality’s efforts to establish active  partnerships with the private sector in Dubai to develop optimal initiatives and projects by leveraging the expertise of both parties.

Ali Humaid Al Muhairi, Director of City Beautification and Public Enterprise Department, Dubai Municipality, underscored that with this initiative aims to effectively leverage existing resources and technologies to transform Dubai into an ideal model of environmental sustainability. In line with its efforts, the Municipality is utilizing advanced technologies to develop Dubai’s parks and public and leisure facilities, to equip it with all components and services that elevate the city’s attractiveness.

“The seating spaces in park areas are manufactured using 3D printing technology and are both durable and resistant to adverse weather conditions. In addition to their eco-friendly materials and lesser use of material for production, which shortens time and the need for periodic maintenance, the distinctive and contemporary designs of these seats are ideal for the engineering and physical structure of public parks in Dubai,” Ali Humaid said.

Boris Kozlov, founder of the construction 3D printing company ‘AC3D’ said: “Our approach involved adopting a specific design and creating a unique toolpath for the 3D printer and integrating rebar structures to enhance durability. We also focused on the usability of the seating solution, ensuring comfort and practicality. This combination of innovative design and advanced technology resulted in benches that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, contributing to the enhancement of the park’s environment.”

Eng. Taimur El Maraghi, Business Development Manager at Avenco Robotics, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Dubai Municipality to deliver the first 3D printed seats for the Uptown Mirdif Park. This achievement in collaboration with the municipality, is an important step in our efforts to integrate advanced technology to serve the community in public places, enhance city design with innovative solutions, and demonstrate our commitment to innovation, sustainability, community service, and city development. 3D printing technology offers many advantages in outdoor seating compared to traditional methods, including design flexibility, material waste reduction, accelerated production with the addition of Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) for durability and weather-resistance, and reduced maintenance, which makes it an ideal choice for parks and public places.”

The Municipality aims to complete this initiative in several phases by installing similar kind of seats in public parks.

In line with Decree No. 24 of 2021, the Municipality is authorized to regulate the use of 3D printing technology in construction work while adhering to Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, which aims to leverage advanced technologies. The strategy also aims to establish the UAE and Dubai as regional and global leaders in 3D printing by 2030.